If you’re buying a house in Maryland or the DC area, it’s good to get familiar with the various types of HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems out there.
Most HVAC systems in this area are “forced-air” systems, i.e. air has been heated or cooled and is delivered to the different rooms from a central fan system (called an air-handler) by way of air ducts to air registers (room vents). Forced-air systems include gas, propane, or oil furnaces, air-conditioners and heat pumps. We also have the occasional geothermal system which is typically a forced-air system.
In addition to forced-air, there is another way to heat your house: radiators. These don’t use blowing air to heat/cool but instead radiate heat from metal appliances that use hot water (or steam) or sometimes radiate heat through electrical resistance (like a burner on an electric stove). Many pre-1950 houses use hot water radiators. Electrical resistance radiators are more a mark of the 1970s. There are a few variations to each these systems such as radiant floor heating in which the hot water is circulated through pipes in the floor instead of a metal appliance; these are more comfortable and avoids the ugly metal appliance in the room!
Often, you have no choice what system your house uses because some neighborhoods are limited by the fuel source (many neighborhoods don’t have gas lines). Also, a conversion to a different system can be done, but often it’s cost prohibitive.
Be sure to ask your home inspector about the HVAC system present in the house you are buying; they might be able to discuss options for upgrades or alterations.
