In a boiler-based model, gas or electricity is used to heat up water. The water then circulates all through the setup, while heating radiators in the rooms. Furnaces usually have central locations to push hot air throughout the home.
The Heat pumps rely on a refrigerant solution to move heat from water or air to the rooms. The Ductless mini-split heat pumps may cost you approx $1,300 to $8,000. They are used widely in households. Geothermal based units are actually much more efficient.