Central heating is the term used to describe a heating system that contains a single (or central) heat source and the heat is distributed throughout a building using one of many different heat distribution processes. Depending on where you live, a central heating system could have a natural gas or propane furnace that heats air that is distributed using a series of ducts. This is the most common form of central heating today as it is the least expensive and easiest to maintain.

Some central heating systems also utilize hot water or steam to heat spaces in a dwelling. These central heating systems have a central boiler that uses a series of pipes and radiators pass the heat from the hot liquid into the air.

If you are considering a central heating system for your home, here are a few things you should consider.

• Be certain the spaces to be heated are well insulated and you have properly sealed leaks around doors and windows. This is critical since drafts allow heated air to escape increasing dramatically the cost of heating. Also, drafts actually create more of a feeling of cold than does the actual room temperature.
• Have a central heating specialist help you design your system. They can insure you are buying the right central heating plant for your dwelling. You can find many online resources that can aide in this process.
• In any case, you should by slightly more central heating than you think you need. This will help in colder weather and will also allow you to get your house warm much more quickly.