Many years ago, Sears, Roebuck & Company (just Sears for the younger folks) used to rate their catalogue items as “Good”, “Better”, and “Best”.   Those same descriptive terms can still be used today to compare heating systems.  For example, propane is a GOOD heating choice.  Older propane units (50-60% efficiency) have annual heating costs that are comparable to electric resistance heating (electric baseboard, ceiling cable and electric furnaces).  Newer propane furnaces (85-95% efficiency) have annual heating costs that are comparable to the older (150% efficiency) heat pumps and in general, they are more efficient than electric resistance heat units.  They are not, however, competitive with the newer 200% efficiency heat pumps.  The disadvantages of propane include price volatility, and locating and refilling of the storage tank.

            Natural gas is a BETTER heating choice.  Newer, high efficiency natural gas furnaces have annual heating costs that are less than electric baseboard, ceiling cable or electric forced air.  These units also hold a slight edge on newer high efficiency heat pumps.  Disadvantages of natural gas include its limited availability, the increased maintenance requirements of the newer high efficiency units, and price volatility due to the ever increasing worldwide demand for natural gas.

            The BEST choice of heating systems is electricity.  It’s clean, safe and reliable.  Heat pumps, for example, have a back-up system which is activated automatically in the event of compressor failure.  Electricity is a flameless heat, and unlike gas systems, no combustion occurs in or near your home; consequently, there is no need to vent toxic fumes.  When electric space heating is combined with cooking and water heating, there is only one utility bill to pay, an advantage for today’s busy families. 

            Sears never had an “ULTIMATE” classification, but the electric heat industry does.  It’s known as the “Ground Water” or “Ground Source Heat Pump”.  These units are 350% efficient and have annual operating costs that are less than any natural or propane gas units available.  They offer reliability and exceptionally quiet operation since there are no outside air exchangers.  A bonus with these units is the fact that they can supply up to 60% of your water heating needs as they cool your home.  The only disadvantage of these units is their higher initial cost, which can be quickly recovered through a few years of operational savings.