Heating Equipment Heating equipment is the largest component of annual energy bills. Investigating the type of heating system should be a major consideration in evaluating a rental. This includes evaluating the type or heating fuel. Natural gas is the most common heating source found in Columbia, followed by electric heat pumps. Efficiencies of all furnaces are affected by their age, and natural gas units are no exception.
Electricity is the second most common heat source.
There are many varieties of electric heaters and furnaces. Out of these, heat pumps are the most efficient. Electric forced air furnaces are more commonly found in rentals than heat pumps. The electric furnace has resistance heaters that convert electricity into heat. In an energy efficient dwelling, however, the lower heating needs may make electric resistance heating economical.