When you start shopping for a new home furnace, you will have three basic types to choose from: oil, gas, or air handler. Each has its pros and cons, but ultimately one will end up being the better choice for your home.

Here is what you need to know about the different types of furnaces:

• Gas Furnaces: Gas furnaces rely on a heat exchanger to warm air and distribute it through your home’s ventilation system. The heat exchanger consists of a metal box, and inside that box is a pilot light connected to your fuel source (typically natural gas). The pilot light connects to your in-home thermostat. When you change the temperature, the thermostat registers and opens the fuel line – boosting the flame of the pilot light. Inside that small metal box, you have hot air generating, which is then pushed by the blower through your ductwork.
• Oil Furnaces: Oil furnaces come in water-based or warm air systems. Water-based further breaks down into hot water or steam systems. Both rely on oil to fuel your system, which is stored in an outdoor tank. When you increase your thermostat setting, the oil burner engages and creates a fine mist that mixes with air. This mixture injects into your oil furnace’s burner, ignites, and generates heat. The heat is then distributed through your ventilation, baseboards, or a radiator unit.
• Air Handlers: Air handlers are your electric heating option. These furnaces rely on electricity to heat the element in the furnace. A fan takes the cold air in and passes it over the heating element. As the air heats, it distributes through your ventilation. Air handlers work similar to space heaters but instead heat your entire home.