Choosing a home heating system is a big decision; because your choice also affects your monthly budget, maintenance expenses, and initial cost. No system is wholly better than the others, as they all have their pitfalls. However, becoming knowledgeable, and weighing the pros and cons against your personal needs, is most 
beneficial in choosing an efficient way to heat your home. Below is information regarding five of the most popular heating options that might help you decide.
Gas Furnace
Pro’s
•95% efficient.
•Lower temperature exhaust.
•Fuel isn’t stored on the premises.
Con’s
•Is a non-renewable heat source.
•Costs more and has a shorter life span than other furnaces.
•Installation can be expensive.
•Requires professional maintenance.
•Natural gas service is not available in all neighborhoods.
•Ventilation is very important, as the system produces carbon monoxide.
•Potential risk of fires and explosions.
•Can be noisier than other options, specifically if lacking maintenance.
Oil-Burning Furnace
Pro’s
•Less expensive and longer lasting than gas furnaces.
•Lower risk of explosions.
•Produces less carbon monoxide than gas.
•Allows you choose your fuel provider by price.
•No monthly service fees.
Con’s
•Requires piping, ductwork, and a fuel oil tank.
•Unpredictable prices.
•Not a “green” option.
•Requires annual burner maintenance.
•Only a 65% efficiency rating.
•Produces a high temperature exhaust.
Solar Heating Systems
Pro’s
•100% efficient.
•Non-polluting.
•Can drastically lessen utility bills.
•Tax credits are available for solar energy use.
•Sun light is a free and renewable energy source.
•Low maintenance and long life.
Con’s
•High equipment and installation cost.
•Manufacturing of these products does produce pollutants.
•Requires an abundance of sunlight and is not plausible for all areas.
•A backup heating source is required for darker days.
•Availability in rural areas can be slim and may cost more for special ordering.
Electric Furnace
Pro’s
•95% -100% efficiency.
•Cheaper and have a longer life than gas or oil units.
•Convenient and quiet.
•Units are generally smaller than others.
•Installation is easier and cheaper.
•Easy owner maintenance and trouble shooting.
Con’s
•Rising electricity costs could produce high utility bills.
•Consumes more energy than gas or oil.
•A larger electrical service is often required.
•Depending on the electric source, it may not be a “green” choice.
Wood-Burning Stoves
Pro’s
•Is a renewable, low emission, “green” energy source.
•Wood can be obtained fairly cheap.
•Stoves cost less than furnaces.
•Low cost or homeowner preformed maintenance.
•Works in the event of a power outage.
•Provides you with exercise.
Con’s
•Only 50% efficient.
•Can be messy and may produce odor.
•Requires labor and a place to store wood.
•Buying wood mid-winter can cost more.
•Involves routine chimney cleaning.
•Requires consistent attention.
•Possibility of chimney or house fires.
•Heating a house evenly can be difficult.
For all of these heating systems, when twinned with a heat pump, or a larger scale commercial heating system, these will be sure to meet your heating needs. However, it is well worth looking into your local governments renwable heat incentives, as these grants and loans can really help out with initial expenses.
Geothermal International are a multinational company offering alternative energy heat sources for commercial and residential area.