Central vs Zoned System
Another consideration for heating your home is where you want the warmed air to go. Heating systems can be grouped into one of two categories: central and zoned.

Central Heating Systems

Central heating systems, which include furnaces, boilers and electric heat pumps, use a blower and ductwork to circulate air throughout your entire home. Every room in the home is heated to the same temperature, which is controlled by a single thermostat. The presence of ductwork allows for the added comfort of a central air conditioning system as well.

Zoned Systems

In contrast, a zoned system has multiple thermostats spaced throughout the home, allowing you to adjust the temperatures in different area. Electric baseboard heaters and radiant heating panels are examples of zoned heating. Traditional zoned systems like these have the disadvantage of having no ductwork, and therefore no capability to use central air conditioning.

Choosing a System

The type that's best for you depends on the size and age of your home, as well as your lifestyle. If you have a large home with rooms you rarely use, such as guest bedrooms, a zoned system will allow you to shut off the heat in that area - a practice not recommended for central heating systems. Zoned heating is also a plus if you and other family members disagree about the most comfortable temperature.

If you'd like the versatility of a zoned system with the energy efficiency and year-round comfort of a central system, ask your dealer about the new zoned systems for forced-air furnaces and heat pumps. Different areas of your home, such as the kitchen and family room, bedrooms and basement, are designated as individual zones with dedicated thermostats. The furnace will be specially designed and sized to accommodate the temperature changes in each area. Adding a zoned thermostat system to a high-efficiency natural gas furnace can help your save an additional 10-15 percent on your heating costs.