Heating

Boilers are a type of heating system that uses water or steam to provide warmth throughout a residence. It heats water, which is then circulated through pipes to radiators or underfloor heating systems, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. Unlike furnaces that use forced air, boilers rely on water to distribute heat.

Gas and Electric furnaces are a type of forced-air heating system that can be powered by either natural gas (or propane) or electricity.

Gas Furnaces: Burns natural gas or propane in a sealed combustion chamber. The heat warms a heat exchanger, which then transfers warmth to air blown through ductwork by a blower fan.

 Electric Furnace: Uses electric resistance coils (similar to large space heaters) to generate heat. Air is blown over these coils, warming the air before being distributed through ducts.

Heat Pumps operate by moving heat rather than generating it by burning fuel. It uses a refrigerant cycle with a compressor and heat exchangers to absorb heat from a source (air, ground, or water) and release it inside your home. In winter, it extracts heat from the outside environment and transfers it indoors, while in summer, some models can reverse the process to act like an air conditioner, removing heat from inside and releasing it outside.  

Mini Splits are a type of ductless system, this design makes them ideal for homes or spaces where installing traditional ductwork is impractical or expensive. A mini split system consists of two main components: an outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) and one or more indoor air handlers. These units are connected by refrigerant lines and communication cables, allowing the system to transfer heat between indoors and outdoors without the need for ductwork . 

Fireplaces are fixed units, usually built from brick or stone consisting of an open firebox connected to a chimney, allowing flames and smoke to rise freely. 

Wood stoves are freestanding or built-in metal appliances, often made of cast iron or steel, with a closed firebox and a glass door to contain the fire. 

While both wood stoves and fireplaces burn wood to provide heat, a wood stove is not classified as a fireplace. It is a distinct heating appliance with a closed design, higher efficiency, and different installation requirements, whereas a fireplace is an open, masonry feature primarily valued for its aesthetic and traditional appeal.