What Heating Systems Are Common in New Hampshire Homes?

🏡 What Heating Systems Are Common in New Hampshire Homes?

If you’re buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Holderness, Ashland, or anywhere in Central New Hampshire, understanding the home’s heating system is extremely important.

New Hampshire’s long winters, cold temperatures, and rural housing stock mean that heating plays a major role in comfort, safety, and budgeting.

Here are the most common heating systems you’ll find in NH homes — and what buyers should look for.

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Oil Heat (Very Common in Central NH)

Many older homes in the Plymouth area still use oil-fired boilers or furnaces.

Pros:

✔ Strong heat output

✔ Reliable in cold climates

✔ Widely available service technicians

Cons:

❌ Oil prices fluctuate

❌ Tanks may need replacement

❌ Older systems may be less efficient

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Propane Heat

Propane is extremely common in rural and mountain towns like Thornton, Campton, Rumney, and Ashland.

Pros:

✔ Clean-burning

✔ Efficient modern systems

✔ Works with forced hot air or radiant heat

Cons:

❌ Requires tank refills

❌ Pricing can vary seasonally

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Pellet Stoves & Wood Stoves

Many Central NH homes use pellet or wood stoves as supplemental or primary heat.

Pros:

✔ Lower heating costs

✔ Great backup heat source

✔ Works during power outages (wood)

Cons:

❌ Requires maintenance

❌ Pellet and wood storage

❌ Not automated heat

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Electric Baseboard Heat

Found in condos, smaller homes, and some older properties.

Pros:

✔ Low upfront cost

✔ Simple and reliable

✔ Good for zoned heating

Cons:

❌ Can be expensive to run

❌ Not ideal for large homes

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Forced Hot Air Systems

These systems use a furnace to heat air and ducts to distribute it.

Fuel sources can include:

✔ Propane

✔ Oil

✔ Electric

Pros:

✔ Works with central A/C systems

✔ Quick heating response

Cons:

❌ Duct cleaning and maintenance required

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Boilers & Radiant Heat

Hydronic (water-based) systems are very common in NH.

Pros:

✔ Even, comfortable heat

✔ Works with baseboards, radiators, or radiant floors

✔ Often more efficient than forced air

Cons:

❌ Slower heat response

❌ Can be pricey to repair

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What Buyers Should Look For in a Heating System

When buying a home in Central NH, ask about:

✔ Age of the furnace/boiler

✔ Maintenance history

✔ Fuel type (oil, propane, electric)

✔ Efficiency rating

✔ Condition of tanks and lines

✔ Backup heat sources

✔ Chimney/venting condition

✔ Recent inspections

Heating is a major part of homeownership in New Hampshire — knowing the system saves you money and surprises.

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Q&A

Q: What is the most common heating system in Plymouth, NH?

A: Oil and propane heating systems are the most common, followed by boilers with baseboard heat and supplemental wood or pellet stoves.

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Keywords

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Jim Johnson Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com