There are several different heating systems available. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, depending on the type of fuel they use.

Natural gas
This is one of the most popular due to its many advantages: it is clean, efficient and does not contaminate. It is a comfortable fuel in that the domestic user receives the energy without having to worry about storage or distribution. The installation consists of a boiler that heats up the water that circulates via pipes to the radiators that, distributed throughout the house, emit heat in a homogenous manner. The user can control the temperature via� a thermostat and even the heat emitted in each room. It can also be used in the kitchen and provide hot water.

Natural gas is the most economic continuous heating fuel. It is also a clean and environmentally friendly energy source. Its combustion does not produce residues or gases.

Propane gas
Its heat-giving power is higher than that of natural gas and its cost is slightly less. This type of fuel can be stored in small containers or in a fixed deposit that can be individual, collective or centralised. Its installation cost is a little less than that of natural gas, depending on the installation and type of storage.

Gas oil C
This is the most economic fuel that currently exists in the market. Its biggest drawback is its storage and the special installation it needs to allow the burnt gases to escape. Also, this type of fuel is not appropriate for other uses, such as cooking.

Coal and firewood
These are the most traditional solid fuels. The biggest disadvantage of both is storage and the obligatory and frequent need to clean the ashes that are left behind. The price of firewood varies, as there is no type of regulation. Coal is fairly expensive and its combustion contaminates the atmosphere.

Electricity
This type of energy can be used either individually or via a centralised installation. It is a clean, safe and comfortable form of energy that needs little maintenance. Over the past few years it has been increasingly accepted thanks to the so-called night storage rate that reduces its cost.

To take advantage of the night storage rate, special night storage heaters are required, which limit the consumption to nocturnal hours. The heat is produced and stored at night and is emitted during the day. Hence, you only use the nocturnal rate, saving some 50%. The drawback of this system is the high cost of installation. This type of energy can also be used in the kitchen and to provide hot water.

Emission heaters
Individual stoves and radiators are still widely used to provide all types of heat in many households. They can be of the cast iron, oil, sheet metal or aluminium variety. The first take a long time to heat up but carry on giving out heat once switched off. The sheet metal types are cheaper and the aluminium and oil heaters are excellent heat conductors. Finally, there are also heat-emitting air conditioners, that also emit cold air during the summer.

Under floor heating
This system uses water to transmit the heat. It is very comfortable in that it is installed via internal pipes under the floor's surface.

Did you know...?
Not is it important to have a convenient heating system in the house, but it is also very important to follow the guidelines below to ensure our house is kept isolated from the cold. In this way, the heat will not leak out.

- The highest flats in a building are those that most suffer from heat leaks. The roof is where heat is most easily lost. It is thus advisable to install a false ceiling made of laminated plaster sheets, along with an insulating material.

- Cold also penetrates the walls of a household. Even though insulating the walls reduces the space by some seven centimetres, it is highly recommended.

- Up to 40% of heat leaks out of a house's windows. The best way to avoid this is to install double-glazing windows. In old houses with deteriorating wooden windows it is necessary to attach draught excluders and seal the panes with putty or silicone. Dropping the shutters at night is also recommended.

-The box that houses the shutters is also a major heat-leaking source. This can be insulated with cork panels and the cracks sealed with putty or silicone.