Are you unsure what forced air heating is and want to know more? Perhaps you have heard others talking about it and want more information? Whatever reason brought you here today, we have the answers for you!
We know how tricky it can be to navigate the world of heating, especially when it comes to forced-air heating. Everyone seems to have a different answer, leaving you even more confused than when you first started looking!
Well, no more. Today, we are here with the answers that you need. Just keep reading to find out what forced air heating is and everything else you need to know about it.
What Is Forced Air Heating?
Forced air heating is a system that circulates cold air in an enclosed space, like a living room or bedroom. It’s designed to provide comfortable temperatures while minimizing your energy bill. As its name implies, the system forces warm air into a closed area by blowing heated air with a blower fan.
This process creates convective cooling, which draws warm air from high areas toward the ceiling and lowers walls, allowing cooler air to move into those spaces.
Most forced-air heating systems use one central unit that heats all of the connected spaces at once. Sometimes these units are called “zone controllers” because they control each separate area individually.
Types Of Forced Air Heating Systems
There are two types of forced air heating: baseboard and radiant. Baseboard systems work similarly to traditional electric heating coils. They usually use a blower fan, heating element, and timer for controlling the flow of hot air.
Radiant systems work differently than other methods. Instead of circulating room heaters throughout a building, radiant systems create a small amount of constant heat via a series of tubes.
These tubes distribute warmth evenly across large areas. Radiant systems are often used for whole buildings rather than individual rooms.
Forced air heat also can be divided into three different styles depending on their operation: wall-mounted, portable pedestal (also known as a wall mount), and floor standing. In general, wall-mounted systems are more expensive than other varieties.
Wall Mounted Systems
Wall-mounted systems consist of an enclosure box that holds the components. Most include a blower fan, thermostat, ducting, and register. Wall-mounted systems tend to come with prewired wiring since it makes installation easier.
Portable Pedestal Systems
These systems operate exactly like wall-mounted units except that they’re larger and heavier. Portable pedestals often have wheels attached so they can easily be moved around.
Floors Standing Systems
Floor standing systems rely on the same technology as radiant systems, but they’re built to sit directly on the floor.
Some manufacturers offer versions that float on top of the ground when not in use. Floats usually have special insulation properties and are constructed using lightweight materials.
Benefits Of Forced Air Heat
The most obvious benefit is comfort; you’ll feel warmer during winter cold snaps.
You’ll also save money on utilities like electricity or gas because you won’t need as much to keep your house comfortable. For this reason, many families choose to upgrade to forced-air heating.
The benefits of forced air heat are numerous. If you think about it, why wouldn’t you want to pay less for heating? If you still have doubts, here are several reasons why forced air heating is a better choice:
1. Energy Efficiency
When you use forced air heating instead of traditional heating methods, you’ll reduce energy consumption.
This means you’ll spend less on utility bills and avoid wasting resources. It’s especially beneficial if you don’t currently have a furnace in your home.
Installing forced air heating will allow you to retrofit your existing system without tearing up your floors, walls, ceilings, or paintwork.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
You might not realize how bad your air quality has become until you install forced air heat. An inadequate supply of fresh air combined with chemical fumes from furniture polish or pet odors can contribute to health problems such as asthma attacks or allergies.
With forced-air heating, you eliminate any risk of breathing those harmful chemicals by providing ample ventilation through your vents.
3. No Maintenance Costs
If your home doesn’t already have forced air heating installed, you’re going to incur increased expenses over time. Because your current unit isn’t compatible with new technologies, replacement parts will require additional investments.
On the contrary, forcing air requires little maintenance at all, which means you’re free to focus on your career rather than spending four hours per week cleaning and repairing mechanical equipment.
A forced-air heating system will last longer too, offering you savings in the long run.
4. Safety And Security
Forced air heating eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide builds up inside homes where there are no chimneys or combustion sources, such as furnaces and wood stoves.
Many studies show that CO causes thousands of deaths across the country each year.
It kills more people than car accidents, alcohol abuse, drug overdoses, suicides, and murders combined.
To protect yourself and your loved ones, make sure your home has an exhaust vent that empties into the outside through the roof. By doing so, you’ll prevent the build-up of dangerous fumes while keeping smoke out of your windows.
5. Convenience
Forced air heating makes life easier. Instead of waiting three to seven minutes for your water heater to heat your entire home, you’ll instantly be warm when you arrive home after work.
And since fans move air quickly throughout the house, you won’t experience overheating as you would in a room without proper circulation. As a result, you’re able to stay comfortably cool even during the hottest months of summer.
6. Lower Cost Of Ownership
Even though you’ll end up paying $600-$10,000 or more for forced-air heating equipment, you’ll save hundreds of dollars every year once you factor in the lower operating cost.
For example, the average gas furnace uses roughly 75 gallons of fuel per month compared to 100 gallons of oil used per month by other models.
That’s 10 times the amount! Plus, modern systems feature variable speed blowers and thermostats that automatically adjust according to changing conditions, so they can save you money on utility bills.
7. Longer Lifespan
Thanks to continuous airflow and high-efficiency systems, forced-air heating lasts much longer than traditional heaters. If properly maintained, most units can last 25 years or more before needing repair or replacement.
Additionally, because your furnace doesn’t emit any toxic gasses or cause damage to indoor materials, your forced air heating system will never need repairs or replacement, unlike conventional furnaces.
Finally, forced air heating also offers energy conservation features, making them eligible for government rebates and tax credits.
8. The Right Choice For Your Lifestyle
If you’re looking for home comfort year-round, consider investing in a central air conditioning system designed specifically for your home. These systems provide consistent temperature regulation in rooms where AC isn’t practical.
For example, if you live in a single-family home with limited space between rooms, then choosing a ductless HVAC system will keep you comfortable all year long.
On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might want to consider a condensing unit that draws outdoor air through the cooling coil instead of forcing hot, stale air from the basement straight back upstairs.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember to follow manufacturer instructions carefully and hire a professional installer who specializes in forced-air heating and cooling systems.
10. Quiet Operation
When it comes to enjoying your home as well as the environment around you, quiet machinery is key. While newer models are much quieter than their predecessors, many older homes don’t offer enough insulation to naturally reduce noise levels.
With that said, few of today’s forced-air heating systems operate at 50 decibels or higher—which is the threshold required to keep noise levels low.
As a result, your neighbors may have no idea that you’ve installed a new piece of technology under your kitchen sink or attic.
To make sure that your system remains completely out of sight, try installing it near an exterior wall or behind some furniture. Or, if privacy is necessary, you could install one inside a closet or bathroom.
How Reliable Is Forced Air Heating?
A reliable heating system runs smoothly throughout the entire season without having to be turned off during extreme weather conditions.
There are three main aspects to this:
1. Performance
Your system should perform consistently throughout each day, week, month, and even season. In addition, it should continue working when the power goes out due to a storm or other issues.
2. Warranty
You purchased your furnace and HVAC system expecting it to work as brand-name products do. Unfortunately, there are several common problems homeowners face every season and year, such as malfunctioning registers or broken components.
The best way to avoid these situations is with a comprehensive warranty. Warranties typically cover the whole system, including the parts and labor costs involved in repairing any of its components.
3. Installation
Installing a forced-air heating/cooling system can seem intimidating, but most people can do it themselves with proper instruction.
If you choose this route, however, make sure that qualified professionals install your heater and ensure that your system is properly sized according to local building codes.
Conclusion
Forced heating systems are designed for comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. If you’re considering adding one to your home or business, our guide above has all the information you’ll need about benefits and installation options.
