If you want a simple, big-picture breakdown of how the main system types differ, our guide to the types of heating systems explains the pros, cons, and how each one performs in Las Vegas homes.
Standing at a thermostat labeled “Heat,” “Aux,” and “EM Heat” without knowing what those buttons actually control is more common than it seems. Many homes are sold, rented, or even remodeled without anyone clearly explaining whether the heat comes from a gas furnace, a heat pump, a boiler, or radiant floors. At the same time, hydronic radiant systems alone made up 64.8% of the radiant heating market in 2024, according to Grand View Research, reminding homeowners that very different technologies can all sit behind a simple “Heat” setting. Knowing what you have is the first step toward safer operation, lower bills, and smarter upgrade decisions.
Why heating system type matters
The type of heating in a home shapes how that home feels, sounds, and spends energy. Forced air heat, radiant floors, and baseboard heaters all deliver warmth in different ways, and those differences affect how quickly rooms heat up, how evenly temperatures hold, and how dry or drafty the air feels. A system that cycles on and off loudly can be completely normal for one technology but a warning sign for another. System type also controls which controls and accessories make sense. A predictive control study on an all-electric home showed that smarter, system-aware controls cut daily heating energy use by 19% in cold weather in one recent experiment. Those savings only happened because the controller was matched correctly to the equipment. A homeowner who knows whether the home uses a furnace, boiler, or heat pump is in a much better position to adopt those kinds of high-efficiency tools.What type of heating do I have at home?
Most homes rely on one of a few core heating technologies. A gas or electric furnace heats air and pushes it through ducts to floor, wall, or ceiling vents. A boiler heats water that flows through radiators, baseboards, or underfloor tubing, creating gentle radiant warmth. A heat pump moves heat instead of creating it, using an outdoor unit that looks similar to an air conditioner. Smaller homes or additions may use ductless mini splits, electric baseboards, or built-in wall heaters. Identifying which of these is present starts with locating the main indoor unit and seeing whether it connects to ducts, water pipes, or just electrical wiring.Why does knowing my system type matter?
Knowing the system type turns vague symptoms into useful information. A complaint like “the heat runs but the house still feels cold” means one thing for a gas furnace with leaky ducts, and something very different for a boiler with air trapped in the radiators. Service technicians ask early in a call whether the equipment is a furnace, boiler, or heat pump because that single fact narrows down the likely causes and fixes. For homeowners, the same knowledge helps in choosing compatible thermostats, understanding maintenance schedules, and interpreting energy bills.When knowing your heater type saves money
Misunderstanding the system type can lead to waste that quietly adds up. For example, a homeowner who thinks a heat pump is a conventional furnace may switch to “Emergency Heat” during mild winter weather, unknowingly forcing the system to run its least efficient backup heat for hours. Someone with a boiler might invest in expensive duct cleaning that cannot help because no air ducts exist. Matching filters, thermostats, and even space heaters correctly to the system often avoids repeat service calls and protects equipment from being overworked. If you want to see how different issues show up on the invoice, our heater repair service cost breakdown walks through typical repair ranges in Las Vegas and what usually pushes a quote higher.What can go wrong if you guess your heater type?
Guessing wrong can create both comfort and safety problems. Wiring a thermostat for a simple gas furnace onto a multi-stage heat pump can lock out important features or cause the system to short-cycle. Blocking what looks like a “grill” in the wall might be harmless if it is only a return air vent, but dangerous if it is the combustion air intake for a gas appliance. Attempting DIY repairs on a boiler when the system is actually a high-efficiency condensing unit with complex venting can violate code and void warranties. When there is any doubt about gas, combustion air, or venting, a licensed technician should take the lead.How system type connects to energy efficiency
Different systems use energy very differently, even when producing the same comfort level. Heat pumps, for example, move heat instead of generating it, which is why they are widely recognized as more energy-efficient than heating with a gas boiler according to technical summaries on heat pump performance. Hydronic radiant systems can often run at lower water temperatures while still maintaining comfort, especially when paired with good insulation and controls. Understanding which technology is installed makes it possible to compare options realistically and to prioritize upgrades with the greatest impact. If you want to connect those system differences to real-world bills, our heating costs in Las Vegas guide breaks down which factors have the biggest impact on what you pay each month.Why Las Vegas homes often use forced air heat
In warmer climates such as Las Vegas, many homes were built around central air conditioning first, with heating added as a function of the same ducted system. That design naturally favors forced air equipment like gas furnaces or heat pumps that share indoor blowers and ductwork with the cooling side. Because winter temperatures are relatively mild, builders and owners often prioritize lower upfront cost and AC performance over high-end cold-climate heating efficiency. As a result, many Las Vegas homes rely on forced air heat even when alternatives like radiant or hydronic systems might be more common in colder regions.When to stop checking and call a technician
There is a clear boundary between homeowner-friendly checks and work that requires a licensed professional. It is generally safe to read labels, observe whether vents blow air, feel radiators for warmth, and note which breakers control which equipment. Turning off power at the breaker before opening any panel is also standard practice. However, any work involving gas connections, combustion chambers, refrigerant lines, or rewiring of thermostats should be handled by a qualified technician. That line protects both the occupants and the long-term health of the equipment. Common questions or objections often sound like this: “Is it really necessary to call someone just to find out what system I have?” or “If the heat turns on, isn’t everything fine?” The reality is that a short professional visit can prevent larger failures, document the system type for future service, and confirm that safety controls and venting are working as intended.How this guide supports your next service visit
Arriving at a service visit with a clear description of the system type and basic observations makes the work more efficient. Being able to say, “This is a gas furnace located in the attic, with one outdoor AC unit, and the thermostat has an ‘EM Heat’ setting” gives the technician a strong starting point. Photos of labels, vents, radiators, and the outdoor unit provide even more context. That preparation can shorten diagnostic time, reduce labor charges, and improve the quality of the advice given during the visit.Key terms you will see on heating equipment
Certain recurring terms help decode what kind of system is present. “Furnace” usually points to equipment that heats air, while “boiler” indicates water-based heating. Labels like “Heat Pump,” “HP,” or combined “Heating/Cooling Condensing Unit” signal systems that can run in both heating and cooling modes. On nameplates, words such as “input BTU,” “AFUE,” or “gas-fired” suggest combustion equipment, while “COP,” “HSPF,” or “SEER” relate more to heat pumps and air conditioners. Recognizing this vocabulary turns confusing metal boxes into understandable machines.Main types of home heating systems
Most homes fall into a handful of common categories, even though each installation looks slightly different. Grouping systems by how they deliver heat-through air, water, or direct radiant surfaces-simplifies identification. Once a homeowner matches the general category, details like fuel type, efficiency rating, and control strategy can be explored more confidently. Some modern systems blur the lines by combining technologies. There are heat pumps feeding hydronic loops, boilers paired with air handlers, and hybrid systems that use different heat sources depending on outdoor temperature or energy prices. A study of photovoltaic-assisted air-source heat pumps reported an average coefficient of performance around 3.75, highlighting just how efficient some of these hybrid approaches can be when designed well according to a systematic review. Knowing the base type still helps untangle these more advanced setups.Gas furnace basics for homeowners
A gas furnace burns natural gas or propane to heat a metal heat exchanger, while a blower pushes indoor air across that hot surface and through ducts. Typical clues include a metal cabinet in a closet, garage, attic, or basement with a gas line, a flue or PVC vent pipe, and an access door labeled for filters or burners. When the thermostat calls for heat, homeowners usually hear the inducer fan or blower start, followed by warm air from vents after a short delay. Regular filter changes and clear return-air pathways are essential to keep this type of system running safely and efficiently.Electric furnace or electric strip heat
Electric furnaces and electric strip heaters warm air with electric resistance coils, similar to oversized toaster elements tucked inside ductwork. These systems lack a gas line or exhaust flue but still have a blower and duct network. Electric strip heat may also appear as backup or “auxiliary heat” in a heat pump air handler. While simple in concept, these heaters can draw significant electrical current, which is why breakers for them are often large and grouped. Identifying electric strip heat is important, because it usually costs more per unit of heat than a well-tuned heat pump or gas furnace.How heat pumps provide winter heating
Heat pumps work by moving heat between indoors and outdoors using refrigerant, reversing the process used by an air conditioner. In heating mode, the outdoor unit gathers low-temperature heat from the outside air and transfers it inside through a coil in the air handler. Because they move heat instead of creating it directly, heat pumps can deliver multiple units of heat for every unit of electricity they use under favorable conditions. This efficiency characteristic is what allows them to operate with a higher performance than many combustion-based systems when properly sized and installed. If you are trying to decide whether to keep a furnace or switch to a heat pump, our forced air heating vs heat pump guide compares costs, comfort, and efficiency specifically for Las Vegas homes.Do I have a boiler or a furnace?
Boilers and furnaces are often confused because both may sit in basements or utility closets, but they serve heat very differently. A boiler connects to water pipes that feed radiators, baseboard fins, or radiant floor loops, and it may have expansion tanks and circulator pumps nearby. A furnace connects to larger rectangular or round ducts that distribute heated air through vents. Looking for water pipes versus air ducts is usually the fastest way to distinguish them. The thermostat on the wall may look identical in either case, which makes direct inspection of the equipment important.Ductless mini split and wall heater overview
Ductless mini splits pair one or more compact indoor heads with an outdoor unit, often mounted on an exterior wall. The indoor units blow warm air directly into the room without ducts, controlled by remotes or wall controllers. These systems are typically heat pumps, capable of both heating and cooling. In contrast, built-in electric or gas wall heaters are usually single-room devices set low on a wall, with visible grilles and sometimes pilot lights. Some regions also rely heavily on underfloor radiant heating, especially hydronic systems embedded in slabs or under finished floors, a practice documented widely in Nordic and European housing according to underfloor heating surveys. Recognizing these alternatives helps explain why some rooms feel warm from the floor up while others depend on blown air. If you are curious about those warm-from-the-floor-up systems, our radiant floor heating pros and cons guide explains where radiant floors shine, their main tradeoffs, and what installation typically looks like.Clues to identify your heating system
Once the general categories are clear, practical identification comes down to simple observations. Thermostat labels, the presence or absence of ducts, the sound and feel of heat delivery, and the location of equipment all offer strong hints. These clues can usually be gathered without tools and without opening any sealed panels, making the process safe for most homeowners. Photographs and notes about these clues are valuable both for personal records and for technicians. Knowing ahead of time that a home likely has a heat pump instead of a standard AC and furnace combo can change which parts a technician brings and how much time is scheduled. A bit of detective work before calling for service often pays off in faster, more accurate repairs.What can your thermostat labels tell you?
The thermostat is often the easiest starting point. Labels such as “Heat,” “Cool,” and “Fan” alone may indicate a simple single-stage furnace or boiler control. Additional options like “Aux,” “EM Heat,” or “Heat Pump” point toward heat pump systems, often with electric or gas backup heat. Multiple fan or stage indicators (Stage 1, Stage 2) suggest more advanced or higher-capacity equipment. Though labels can be misleading if thermostats were replaced without reprogramming, they remain a quick way to narrow down the possibilities.Why emergency heat points to a heat pump
A setting labeled “EM Heat” or “Emergency Heat” almost always signals a heat pump system with backup resistance or gas heat. In normal heating mode, the heat pump’s outdoor unit does most of the work, and the backup heat comes on only as needed. In emergency heat mode, the system bypasses the outdoor unit and relies solely on the backup source. Because backup heat is usually less efficient, especially when based on electric resistance strips, this setting should not be used for everyday heating unless the heat pump section has failed or outdoor conditions are extremely challenging.Is the outdoor unit running while in heat?
Observing the outdoor equipment during a heating cycle offers another strong clue. If the thermostat is set to heat, the indoor blower is running, and the outdoor unit’s fan and compressor are clearly operating, the system is almost certainly a heat pump. With a conventional gas or electric furnace paired to an air conditioner, the outdoor unit normally remains off in heating mode. Brief defrost cycles on heat pumps-when steam or mist appears and the unit pauses-are also normal behavior and should not be confused with malfunction.How to read the nameplate safely and easily
Every major piece of equipment has a nameplate or data label, usually a metal or durable sticker panel with the manufacturer’s name, model number, and key ratings. Homeowners can safely read these labels by first ensuring panels remain closed and then using a flashlight or phone camera to zoom in. Words like “Gas-Fired Warm Air Furnace,” “Boiler,” “Heat Pump,” or “Air Handler” typically appear close to the top. Model numbers can later be searched online or shared with technicians to confirm details such as capacity, fuel type, and efficiency rating.Gas line and vent clues for gas furnaces
Gas-fired equipment always connects to both a fuel supply and a vent path. A rigid or flexible metal gas line entering the cabinet, combined with a metal flue or PVC vent pipes exiting the top or side, usually indicates a gas furnace or boiler. In some homes, the vent pipes may run horizontally out a side wall instead of up through the roof, especially for high-efficiency condensing units. Because improper handling of gas lines and vents can lead to leaks or carbon monoxide hazards, any modification beyond simple visual inspection should be left to licensed professionals.Water pipes and radiators that signal a boiler
Boiler-based systems are identified by their water loops. Look for thick, insulated pipes near the boiler, often with valves, pumps, and expansion tanks. Around the home, traditional cast-iron radiators, slender fin-tube baseboards, or warm concrete floors point toward hydronic heating. Small air-bleed valves on radiators and the absence of forced-air ducts are also characteristic. When these signs are present, maintenance tasks like bleeding radiators or adjusting water temperature should follow manufacturer or professional guidance, since system pressure and safety devices are involved.Room by room clues from vents and baseboards
Walking through the home and noting how each room receives heat can fill in remaining gaps. Floor or low-wall vents with noticeable airflow suggest forced air heat, while warm metal fins or covers along the base of walls indicate hydronic or electric baseboard systems. Rooms that feel uniformly warm from the feet up, without noticeable airflow or visible radiators, may be served by underfloor radiant heating. Uneven temperatures-hot near vents, cool by windows-are more common with older forced air or baseboard systems than with well-designed radiant floors.Which photos help your technician the most
Clear, well-lit photos transform a vague description into actionable information. Technicians benefit most from images of the entire indoor unit, its label plate, any connected ducts or pipes, and the thermostat screen while the system is running. A wide shot of the outdoor unit and its nameplate is equally useful, especially for distinguishing between standard air conditioners and heat pumps described in market analyses of hot air systems such as those by The Insight Partners. Sharing these images when scheduling service lets professionals verify the system type before arrival, leading to better-prepared visits and fewer surprises for both sides.Ready to Identify and Optimize Your Heating System?
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