Most effective/cost efficient way to heat a home.

[WarDog]

A natural gas fired furnace (60 000 - 120 000 btu/hr) with a good efficiency rating (newer) and regular maintenance is the most cost effective way to heat a home.

Modern 'in-floor' radiant heating systems are also great however the tankless water heater (150 000 - 400 000 btu/hr) can use more gas than a furnace to achieve the same temperature rise.

Electric baseboards are the norm in basement suits. The landlord passes this cost onto the tenant, so he cares little about cost efficiency. Using electricity to generate heat uses a lot of energy. The same is said for electric water heaters.

However, all of this is useless unless the envelope of your home is properly done. Triple glazed windows, seamless vapor barrier, an insulation R value greater than local code and proper ventilation in the attic.