Which type of heating system utilizes gas or electricity for warmth through convection?

Forced air heating systems utilize gas or electricity to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout the space via air movement. The process involves heating air in a furnace or heat exchanger and then using a blower to circulate this warm air through ductwork into the various rooms of a building. This method relies on convection, where warm air rises and cooler air sinks, creating a natural circulation that spreads the warmth effectively.

In contrast, radiant heating systems directly warm objects and surfaces in a room rather than air, using either electric heating cables or hot water passing through pipes. Baseboard heating systems typically rely on either hot water (hydronic) or electric heating elements along baseboards, and they also primarily use radiation rather than convection. Steam heating systems work similarly to hydronic systems but use steam to transfer heat, relying on pressure and convection to circulate heat through pipes. Thus, forced air heating systems stand out as the option that explicitly employs convection methods for warmth distribution.