If you see a blue flame, it’s a gas heat exchanger. Other units will have a small metal panel that’s easy to remove. You can check behind there to see if you see that blue flame. Electric systems don’t have that access window or panel and make very little noise.

How do you know if your heat is gas or electric?

If it is a gas furnace, there will be a small window on the front of the furnace where you should see a blue glowing flame. You should also be able to hear the noise from the gas burner. Electric powered furnaces do not have a glass window with a blue flame and do not make any noise when idle.

How do I know what type of heating system I have?





The best way is to check your outside system; there is usually a label that specifies if it is a heat pump or an air conditioner. If no such designation exists, Google the model number and brand name. You can also check for horizontal brass pipes within your condensing units, which are unique to heat pumps.

Is baseboard heating gas or electric?

Baseboard Heating Basics

There are two main types of baseboard heaters: Electric: The most popular baseboard heaters are electric. These systems house their heating elements in metal pipes, and each baseboard heater is paired with its own thermostat. Hot Water: There are also hydronic or hot water baseboard heaters.

What type of heat is in a house?

Furnace (forced air distribution system)





While furnaces can heat the air with electricity, propane, or oil, most U.S. homes utilize natural gas. Gas furnaces are the most popular type of heating system since the forced air distribution system (ductwork) can be used by your air conditioner during the summer months.

What are the 4 main types of home heating systems?

Types of Heating Systems

  • Furnaces. The majority of North American households depend on a central furnace to provide heat. …
  • Boilers. Boilers are special-purpose water heaters. …
  • Heat Pumps. …
  • Gas-Fired Space Heaters. …
  • Unvented Gas-Fired Heaters: A Bad Idea. …
  • Electric Space Heaters. …
  • Wood-Burning and Pellet Stoves. …
  • Fireplaces.

What are three common heating systems?

The five systems:

  • Forced Air Systems. A forced air heating system is the most common option that is found in a residential home. …
  • Electric Systems. This type of heating system is common in homes that do not have access to natural gas, propane, or fuel oil. …
  • Geothermal Systems. …
  • Radiant Heat Systems. …
  • Steam Radiant Heat Systems.


What are the 4 types of central heating systems?

Different Types of Central Heating Systems

  • Regular Boiler.
  • Combi Boiler.
  • Back Boiler.
  • System Boiler.

Is a combi boiler gas or electric?



An electric combi boiler performs all the usual tasks of a gas combi boiler, but using only electricity to power your central heating and hot water. You can use an electric combi boiler for hot water only, but usually it will meet all of your heating needs.

What is my central heating system?

A central heating system has pipework and radiators which are connected to a boiler. The boiler provides the heat and the pump moves heated water from the boiler through the pipework to the radiators, and back to the boiler for reheating. It also provides hot water to the hot taps in your home.

Can you have electric central heating?

Electric central heating can mean two things – firstly, replacing your old gas-powered boiler with an electricity-powered boiler, or secondly, replacing your old radiators with smart electric radiators. These simply plug in around your house, and heat your entire home without a boiler.

Can you change gas central heating to electric?

Changing from gas to electric heating means you’ll have to remove your existing gas central heating system. This includes getting rid of your gas boiler, pipes, and radiators. Hiring a Gas Safe registered engineer who can safely do the job is your first step.

Do electric radiators count as central heating?



Electric radiators work in the same way as the radiators which are part of your central heating system. When the water inside the radiator heats up, the surrounding area heats up too.

Is electric heating more expensive than gas?

Though gas is cheaper to operate on a daily basis, the installation, maintenance expenses and running costs often lead to electricity being the cheaper option to heat your home efficiently. The average lifetime of electric central heating is also something to consider, lasting up to 50% longer than gas boilers.

Is it cheaper to cook with gas or electric?

Running costs are lower: gas is cheaper than electricity, so you’re likely to save yourself a little money if you cook with this fuel.

Is gas or electric cheaper UK 2021?

Data reported by checkatrade.com from the last time prices were stable – in December 2021 – show gas heating costs approximately 4.65p per kWh. Electric heating is almost four times more expensive at 16p per kWh. But using electricity creates savings elsewhere, such as in installation.