How Do I Choose the Right Heating System for My Home?

Choosing a heating system isn’t something most homeowners in Havertown think about until they’re either building a new home or suddenly dealing with a breakdown in the dead of winter. If you’re starting to wonder what system is best for your home furnace, boiler, heat pump, or something else you’re not alone.

At Boyle Energy, we’ve been helping Delaware County homeowners navigate these decisions for decades. And we’re here to make this big decision feel a lot more manageable.

Let’s walk through what really matters in plain English so you can feel confident in choosing the right heating system for your home.

Step 1: Understand the Different Types of Heating Systems

You don’t need to be an HVAC expert to get the basics. Here are the most common home heating systems:

• Forced-Air Furnaces

These are among the most popular in our region. They use ductwork to blow warm air through vents in each room. Furnaces run on gas, oil, propane, or electricity.

Pros: Heats quickly, works with AC systems, affordable installations

 

Cons: Can dry out air; depends on duct condition

 

• Boilers (Hydronic Systems)

Boilers heat water and circulate it through radiators or baseboard systems. They can be powered by oil, gas, or electricity. For homes without ductwork — or for those looking for clean, quiet heat a high efficiency oil boiler can be a great option, especially in colder climates like ours.

Pros: Quiet, consistent heat, good for allergy sufferers

 

Cons: Slower to warm up, no cooling, higher install costs

 

• Heat Pumps

These systems pull heat from outside air (even cold air) and bring it indoors. Many homes in our area use heat pumps in combination with backup heating.

Pros: Very energy-efficient, provides both heating and cooling

 

Cons: Less effective below freezing unless paired with another system

 

• Radiant & Electric Baseboard Heat

Best for smaller spaces or supplemental heating. Often used when ductwork isn’t an option.

Step 2: Factor in Your Home’s Setup

No two homes in Havertown or the Philly suburbs are exactly the same. That’s why we always take a few key things into account when helping you choose:

• Size and layout: Bigger homes may benefit from zoning systems.
• Ductwork: If your home already has ducts, a furnace or heat pump might be easiest.
• Fuel availability: Not every home has access to natural gas — in that case, propane or oil may be better.
• Insulation & windows: Energy-efficient homes can often downsize their heating needs.

If you’re unsure how to choose HVAC contractor support for evaluating your home’s needs, look for someone local who knows the homes in your area and takes the time to assess insulation, ductwork, and lifestyle needs, not just square footage.

Step 3: Don’t Just Look at the Sticker Price

When choosing a heating system, it’s tempting to focus on upfront costs. But the real question is: how much will it cost to run over the next 10–15 years?

Here’s what to look at:

• AFUE rating (furnaces/boilers): Tells you how much fuel gets turned into heat. Look for 90% or higher.
• HSPF or SEER (heat pumps): Measures seasonal efficiency. Higher is better.
• Fuel prices: Oil, propane, gas, and electricity all vary in cost. Your heating bill depends on how efficient your system is and what fuel you use.

At Boyle Energy, we always walk you through energy savings, not just install prices. We’re also happy to offer seasonal deals on installs or an HVAC tune up service to keep your current system running strong until you’re ready to upgrade.

Step 4: Ask the Right Questions Before You Buy

Buying a heating system isn’t like picking out a new appliance. It’s a long-term investment in your comfort, energy savings, and home value.

When working with a contractor, here are some questions to ask HVAC company representatives:

• Is this system sized properly for my home?
• How will this system perform in extreme cold?
• Are there rebates or energy incentives available?
• What’s included in the warranty and maintenance plan?

At Boyle Energy, we believe every homeowner should feel informed , not overwhelmed. We take time to explain options in a clear, no-pressure way.

Step 5: Consider Your Local Climate and Comfort Needs

Let’s face it — winters in Delaware County are no joke. From biting winds to Nor’easters, you need a system that won’t let you down when it’s below freezing.

Some heating systems (like air-source heat pumps) work great until temps drop into the 20s. Others (like oil or propane systems) handle the cold like champs.

This is where working with a HVAC company in Philadelphia that knows local climate patterns really helps. We know what works in older stone homes, townhomes, and new builds and we can match your system to your real-world needs.

Step 6: Schedule a Professional Evaluation

Before making any decision, it’s a smart idea to have a pro come out and evaluate your current setup. Even if you’re not ready to install today, a licensed tech can give you insights into your current system’s efficiency, expected lifespan, and replacement options.

A good time to do this? During a HVAC tune up near Havertown Philadelphia. Our techs can assess your equipment during your routine seasonal service and make recommendations based on what they see  not guesswork.

Step 7: Think Long-Term Comfort, Not Just Today

Your heating system should work for your life now and in the future. That might mean:

• Zoning rooms so everyone’s comfortable
• Adding smart thermostats for better energy control
• Planning for future add-ons like central AC or whole-home humidifiers

We’ll help you plan smart and stay warm, without the pressure.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Heating System Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Whether you’re replacing an old oil furnace, considering a switch to a heat pump, or just trying to make sense of all the options Boyle Energy is here to help.

We’ve been serving Havertown and the greater Philadelphia area since 1937, with honest advice and expert service.

📞 Call Boyle Energy at 610‑347‑5197 to schedule a home assessment, get a second opinion, or talk through your heating upgrade options. We’re your local heating experts and we make comfort simple.