Choosing the Right Heating System for Your St. Louis Home
St. Louis winters aren’t something you can shrug off. When the temperature drops, you need a heating system that keeps your family comfortable without sending your utility bills through the roof.
However, there’s no single “best” system for every home. The right choice depends on your layout, existing infrastructure, budget, and long-term goals for comfort and efficiency.
Schedule a consultation with SmartHouse and let us help you find the right heating system for your home.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- The main types of heating systems available in St. Louis homes
- Pros and cons of furnaces, boilers, ducted and ductless heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps
- How efficiency, cost, and comfort vary between systems
- Which incentives (rebates and tax credits) apply
- How SmartHouse helps you make the right choice with confidence
Furnaces (Gas or Electric)
Furnaces are the most common heating system in St. Louis homes. They heat air and push it through ducts to warm the house.
Pros:
- Familiar technology and straightforward furnace replacement if you already have ducts
- Delivers fast, powerful heat
- Wide range of models and price points
Cons:
- Burns gas or uses high amounts of electricity, making them less efficient than other systems
- Dries out indoor air
- Provides heat only — you’ll still need central AC for cooling
Best for: Homes with existing furnace and ductwork where direct replacement is the most practical option.
Boilers (Hydronic Systems)
Boilers heat water or create steam using gas, then distribute warmth through radiators, baseboards, or radiant floors.While less common today, many older St. Louis homes still rely on them.
Pros:
- Quiet, even heating
- Radiant heat feels comfortable and doesn’t dry out the air
- Good for people with allergies, since there are no ducts circulating dust or allergens
Cons:
- Higher installation cost compared to furnaces
- Slower to respond to thermostat changes
- Heat only — you’ll need a separate system for cooling
Best for: Homes already equipped with radiators or radiant flooring where homeowners want to keep the system.
Ducted Heat Pumps (Air-Source)
A ducted heat pump provides both heating and cooling from a single unit, by transferring heat instead of generating heat, making heat pumps extremely energy efficient. At SmartHouse, we install the Daikin Fit, a compact, variable-speed system designed for high efficiency.
Pros:
- Works to both heat and cool your home
- Extremely efficient compared to furnaces and older ACs, reducing energy use.
- Qualifies for many high-efficiency rebates and incentives
- Provides consistent, whole-home comfort even in subzero temperatures as low as -20°F—thanks to advanced cold-climate technology.
Cons:
- Requires ducts in good condition
Best for: Homes with ducts where homeowners want one system for year-round comfort and lower utility bills.
Ductless Heat Pumps (Mini-Splits)
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, heat and cool rooms directly with wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor units. SmartHouse installs Mitsubishi ductless systems, known for reliability and efficiency.
Pros:
- Zoned comfort — each room or zone can be controlled separately
- Ultra-efficient, since no energy is lost through ducts
- Great for additions, basements, or rooms that never feel quite right
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost per room if used for whole-home coverage
Best for: Homes without ducts, new additions, or spaces with ongoing comfort problems.
Geothermal Heat Pumps (Ground-Source)
Geothermal heat pumps move heat between your home and the stable temperature underground. They’re the most efficient heating and cooling systems available today.
Pros:
- Highest efficiency of any system, with extremely low operating costs
- Long lifespan — ground loops can last 50+ years
- Often eligible for significant utility rebates and federal tax incentives
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than other systems
- Requires sufficient space for installation
Best for: Homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term who want the ultimate in efficiency and comfort.
Dual Fuel Systems
A dual fuel system combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles heating and cooling most of the year, while the furnace kicks in during very cold weather.
Pros:
- Delivers efficiency most of the year with the heat pump
- Provides reliable backup heat when temperatures drop
- Qualifies for many rebates and incentives
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than a single system
- Requires both gas service and ductwork
Best for: Homeowners who want the efficiency of a heat pump with the security of a furnace for the coldest days.
How to Decide on The Right Heating System For Your Home
Here’s a few quick questions you can ask yourself:
- Have ducts and want a straightforward replacement? → Furnace or ducted heat pump
- Have ducts and want year-round efficiency? → Ducted heat pump (Daikin Fit)
- Have ducts and want efficiency plus reliable backup on the coldest days? → Dual fuel system (heat pump + furnace)
- No ducts or adding new space? → Ductless mini-split (Mitsubishi)
- Already have a boiler and radiators? → Boiler may remain the most practical choice
- Planning to stay in your home long-term and want ultimate efficiency? → Geothermal heat pump
Why SmartHouse?
- Efficient, comfortable, and healthy homes are at the core of SmartHouse’s mission
- Honesty and respect guide every recommendation and installation
- NATE-certified technicians ensure expert knowledge and skill
- Building science best practices drive long-term comfort and efficiency
- Received the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, recognizing integrity and customer care
- A partner you can trust for reliable, lasting solutions
- Annual maintenance plans to keep your systems running effectively and efficiently
Ready to Choose the Right Heating System for Your St. Louis Home?
Every home and homeowner is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best first step is to let SmartHouse evaluate your space, your goals, and your budget so we can recommend the heating system that delivers comfort and savings for years to come.
Call 314-370-1816, text 314-310-2242, or schedule an appointment online and take the guesswork out of choosing your next heating system.
