The most common way of heating homes in the US is by convection. In the summer we blow cold air into our homes, in the winter we blow hot air in. In recent years more and more people have become literally sick of this method - many people believe this kind of heating is bad for your health so are looking to alternative heating.
There is a lot of talk of 'sick building syndrome', for example. This is when we catch colds and bugs from the constantly recirculated air, or from room temperatures that are kept at an ideal temperature for germs to thrive. Pushing air about like we do when heating homes in the traditional American way is likely to help these bugs pass from one person to another.
Luckily there are alternative forms of heating our homes. One of the most popular is called radiant heat, one example of which is radiant heat floor or underfloor heating.
The name, radiant heat, refers to the fact that the main method for heating is by radiation. This is nothing to do with nuclear radiation, incidentally! What it means is that the heating is not done by moving air around - this is why it is probably healthier. Certainly there is less dust moved around by radiant heating systems, so asthmatics and other with chest complaint will feel the benefit.
Another idea that will save money and may improve your health is to turn your current heating down. Most of us have the temperature too high, and can easily knock it down a few notches and still stay comfortable. Give it a try while you investigate other alternatives!