3 Different Types of Heating Systems

September 19, 2022

You may not think much about different types of heating systems until it comes time to replace your existing unit. While furnaces are common, there are several different options to keep in mind if you’re in the market for something new. Here are three varieties that will warm your home effectively during the coolest months of the year.


Heating Systems to Consider


1. Heat Pump

In milder climates that don’t get excessively cold, a heat pump makes an excellent alternative to a furnace. Contrary to its name, this unit provides both heating and cooling to keep your home comfortable year-round. It works by pulling heat from the exterior air and using an air handler situated inside to push it through the home. The process reverses during spring and summer, when you may choose to switch it to the air conditioning setting. One of the greatest advantages of this option is that it doesn’t require ductwork.


2. Radiator System

If you live in an older home, you may have a radiator. Typically made with sturdy cast iron, they sit upright and work by taking hot water from an electric pump. That water flows through a series of metal pipes that are directed to the radiators, in turn warming up individual rooms throughout the home. While homeowners may not love the way that they look, they offer an efficient option if paired with a modern boiler.


3. Radiant Heating

For an option that maintains consistent heating, consider radiant heating. This product relies on a series of plastic water tubes that are installed within concrete slabs in the floors. This system operates quietly and uses little energy to warm your space, but can take longer to heat than a furnace or a heat pump. In addition to heating up the air, radiant heating systems also warm the objects that come into contact with the floor, including rugs and furnishings.


If you’re overdue for a furnace tune-up, the team at Alpine Heating & Cooling will assist. Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an AC repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Facebook for more tips and insights.




SERVICE TECHNICIAN
February 17, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH As we roll on near the end of Winter we also are nearing the end of our Tuesdays with the Techs Series. Next week will be our final week, but first, this week's Featured Tech is West Holmes Alum Cole Woods 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: How important preventive maintenance is. 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: Pennsylvania 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: Probably one angry goose. I stand a better chance then trying to fight 10 squirrels 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Change your filter regularly. You’d be very surprised how much that little filter can affect the system. 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Probably pasta
hvac service technician
February 10, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH Today we continue learning more about the Service Techs of Alpine while getting a few insider tips. Checking in this week from Wooster is Chris Jones. Chris has been a service tech at Alpine for almost 7 years. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Systems can be oversized. Just because the system is larger doesn't mean it's "better" 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: Wyoming 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: Angry goose. I can grab it by the neck 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Keep up with regular filter changes 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Cheeseburgers
Service Tech Jeremy Kaufman
February 3, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH This week’s edition of Tuesdays with the tech is the Service Manager here at Alpine, Jeremy Kaufman. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: 50% of HVAC breakdowns are due to lack of maintenance 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: Montana 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: I’ll go with the squirrels. I was chased by a goose as a child 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: HVAC maintenance 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta
By Tom Markley January 27, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH This week we continue learning more about the Service Techs of Alpine and the Industry as a whole. This week is Ashland Native Trey Bright. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Systems are more complex than they may realize 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio?. A: Tennessee 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: 1 angry goose! Bigger target to kick! 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Maintaining there units is key to keeping them running longer  5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta . . . #tuesdayswiththetech #alpine #heating #winter
HVAC SERVICE TECHNICIAN
January 21, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH Join us over the next few weeks in meeting the Service Techs of Alpine and learning more about them and the Industry as a whole. This Week's Tech of the Week: Nick Cutright 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Your Thermostat is just an on and off switch 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: South Carolina 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: Goose 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Maintaining units is key to keeping them lasting longer 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta If you’re ready to make your home warmer, more efficient, and more dependable this year, now is the time to consider a new heating system . Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an furnace repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications.
January 14, 2026
Navigate the challenges of DIY HVAC repair with humor and insights from Alpine Heating & Cooling, and learn when to call in the experts.
A cozy A-frame cabin surrounded by snow-covered trees at dusk, warmly lit with string lights,
By Tom Markley January 7, 2026
Start the new year with a high-efficiency heating system that delivers better comfort, lower energy bills, and reliable warmth all winter long.
December 19, 2025
Most HVAC problems don’t start with a breakdown. They start quietly—months or even years earlier—because of one simple habit almost every homeowner has. They wait until something stops working to think about their HVAC system.  HVAC Systems Don’t Fail Suddenly—They Wear Out Your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t usually “just die.” It wears down gradually through: Longer run times Higher electrical draw Rising internal temperatures Increased vibration and stress By the time a system shuts off or trips a safety, the damage has often been happening for a long time. That’s why emergency breakdowns almost always come with higher repair costs. What Actually Causes Premature HVAC Failure Contrary to popular belief, age alone isn’t the biggest killer of HVAC equipment. The most common causes are: 1. Small Issues Left Unchecked A weak capacitor, dirty flame sensor, or failing blower motor doesn’t always stop the system—but it forces other components to work harder. That added strain shortens the life of the entire system. 2. “It’s Still Working” Syndrome Homeowners often delay service because: The house still heats or cools The system hasn’t locked out There’s no obvious warning light Unfortunately, HVAC systems can operate while slowly damaging themselves. 3. Deferred Maintenance Costs More Than Repairs Skipping routine service doesn’t save money—it shifts the cost to: Larger repair bills Emergency service calls Shortened system lifespan A simple maintenance visit can prevent a $1,500 breakdown. Why Breakdowns Always Happen at the Worst Time There’s a reason furnaces fail during cold snaps and ACs quit during heat waves. Extreme weather forces systems to: Run longer Start more frequently Operate at peak capacity If a component is already weakened, that’s when it finally gives up. What “Normal Operation” Should Actually Look Like A healthy HVAC system should: Start smoothly Run consistently (not constantly) Shut off cleanly Maintain temperature without drastic swings Sound the same month to month Changes in sound, runtime, or performance are early warning signs—not inconveniences. The Smarter Way to Think About HVAC Ownership Instead of asking: “Is it broken?” A better question is: “Is it operating the way it should?” That mindset shift alone prevents many major HVAC failures. Final Thought Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive mechanical systems in your home. Treating it as something to react to—rather than maintain—almost guarantees higher costs and shorter lifespan. The homeowners who get the longest life and lowest total cost aren’t lucky. They’re proactive. Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an furnace repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Social Media for more tips and insights.
People walking in winter snow storm
By Tom Markley December 10, 2025
Don’t panic—get warm fast! Follow these expert steps to troubleshoot your heater and stay safe when the heat goes out in the middle of winter.
By Tom Markley November 26, 2025
More Posts