Heating and cooling systems are common across America. But not all of us are aware of the different types available in the market. Here, we will primarily focus on what is forced air heating and give you a complete idea of how it works. We will also discuss the pros and cons of using this heating system. Thus, it will help you choose if you want to install this for your home or choose something different.
Table of Contents
What is forced air heating?
You will see a forced air heating system to use a strong fan to take in the air from the house. And it drives forward and above a hot substance. You will find the air to engulf the heat and finally disperse it all over the house using a set of pipes.
About forced air heating
Forced air heating systems are existing in millions of homes in America. Every forced air heating system does not have the same execution standard. So, you have to first decide how much you desire to invest in an air-forced heating system. Apart from knowing what is forced air heating, you have to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages.
You will need a big furnace if you have a large home. And then, you have to decide about the best air heating system design. If you have a huge house, then you can take the help of the contractor. It is essential you invest in a well-designed system. And that will help you to balance between keeping the home isolated from the outside. Plus, it will allow the interchange of air at the same time too. A forced air heating system can function at its best level if the setup is tight, and you keep the furnace fuel properly with a standard air filter.
The money you have to spend on an air heating system depends on how carefully you use it and how properly it is built. Costs are all the same in most cases. However, if any part of the system breaks down, then it might vary.
More about forced air heating system
Forced air heating systems only consist of a furnace. Pipeless heating systems and heat pumps also come under this group.
A heat pump is actually an air refresher that can function in both ways to warm and cool up air. It does not make heat but takes out the heat from outside. The refrigerant in the air system passes that heat from outside to inside unit through refrigerant lines.
You will get systems that heat effectively in low temperatures. Air heating system provides you more power exceeding temperatures all over the house.
How does forced air heating work?
A forced air heating system drags colder air into the tube and sends it to the heater. It warms up this cold air, and delivers it through different pipes, and disperses it through the outlet all over the house. If you don’t have the desire to heat a particular area, you can close its outlet.
Advantages and disadvantages of forced heating system
A forced air heating system is one of the most familiar systems. It is very convenient and economical in a productive manner. Now that you know what is forced air heating system, let us check out the advantages and disadvantages. We have carefully curated a list of pros and cons that you must go through before getting an air heating system for your house!
Advantages of using a forced heating system
The advantages are as follows:
- A forced air heating system takes less time to warm up the room. The room warms up very quickly.
- Forced air heating systems are more economical, and they have easy setups. Air pipes of these systems are very similar to air cooling systems. An air heating system is a reasonable device. And you can get both the hot and cold facilities from them.
- A forced air heating system does not need a lot of parts to function, so the chance of getting damaged is also less.
Disadvantages of using a forced heating system
The disadvantages of using a forced heating system are as follows:
- A forced air heating system can comfort you but put you into trouble too. The comfort which you are actually enjoying can lead you to danger. You can experience several diseases due to this system. It is true that you need comfort after a tiring working day in the harsh cold weather, and you wish to enjoy the warm atmosphere of the room.
- The dirt and other substances come inside the house due to this air heating system. Health risks are there since the dirty air is forced all over the house. You have to maintain the system with care for your safety.
- Although the air heating system is perfectly built still, it’s going to create noise. Impelling air through the tubes causes pressure, and this makes the noise.
- Forced air heating system has a single device, so all the area of the house might not get the service equally.
- Huge chances are there for leaky tubes. These tubes can make the house dirty. The increase in the electricity bill is one of the most significant disadvantages of using this. You will understand there is a leak if the system is not working in the right way like before.
- So, choose one air heating system carefully in the winter season to work well throughout the winter. Before getting one, you should check about what is forced air heating system and if it is working perfectly or not.
Forced air heating health problems
Forced air heating causes several health problems. You can suffer from head pain, frequent sneezing and coughing, acute allergies, and severe eye problems.
What are the factors that determine an excellent forced air heating system?
There are several factors to keep in mind while selecting the right home heating system. You may be using an old system and investing a lot to keep it moving, but choosing the right and a good system is more helpful, mainly if you are buying a new house. A perfect heating system can give you service on a long-term basis. You have to select a system for your home carefully. And to do that, you require a fundamental understanding of the separate types of systems.
You have to know the types of fuel. Also, you have to know the fuel type which is actually available in your region and the cost of the fuel. If you are unaware, then you can take the help of a qualified contractor. He should be able to give you some basic estimates for various types of fuels.
You may think that a big-sized heating system is better all the time, but it is not true. If you take the help of the contractors, they may always give you suggestions to take larger systems than what you actually need. A big system may fulfill your demand for warming up rapidly, but it may never be as effective as you think. Before taking a new system, tell your contractor to give a demonstration of the new system.
The usefulness of choosing a good air heating system
The heating system can help you to enjoy warmth in the winter and stay cool in the summer. You can depend upon the system during winter to keep warm. It functions well in all types of houses. However, you have to buy a new one if the system for your house has become too old. You can take the help of your friends and families if you are newly purchasing a system. Plus, the system should fit in your budget and also be a good one.
You may experience a breakdown of the system in the middle of the winter season. Many people have experienced it. If you are using a good quality system, then you can be sure not to face any breakdown in the middle of the winter season. In case you are using a poor quality or old system, you may have to face a breakdown, so it is better to change the system if it is too old before the winter season. Otherwise, you may have to suffer the rest of the winter season in harsh cold weather.
What is forced air heating vs central
The type of air heating system indicates an arrangement with air pipes and outlets that can dispatch the hot air into the house. At the same time, central heating also means a heater system. Forced air heating is just an allusion to either boiler or chamber with pipes. Central air adapting uses the pipes, chambers, outlets to ventilate the forced air heating system to bring out fresh air. There is very little difference between forced air heating and central air heating systems.
Air forced heating vs radiant heating
You know what is forced heating, so let us tell you about radiant heating. Unlike this type of heating, radiant heating is expensive, and you cannot get the air conditioning facility from it. However, forced air heating is less efficient than radiant heating. If you have allergies, you should avoid using air heating. Instead, go for radiant heating because it does not spread allergens.
Types of the air heating systems
There are many types of heating systems. Let us check them out in details below:
Natural gas
- Heat is formed through the burning of fuel. A heat interchanger retains the burning byproducts from going into the airflow.
- You will find a torch-like burner present in the heat interchanger.
- Devices that are safe ensure that unburned fuel or burning gases do not gather in case of firing failure.
Electric
- An electric heating component which is very simple, makes the air hot.
- The time when the thermostat wants the heat, the electric fan, and component arrives.
- After the thermostat is comfortable, the electric fan and component shut off.
- You have to take extra care of it.
- It is usually more expensive than a gas furnace.
Heat pump
- It takes the heat from the surrounding using both the ground and air through the refrigeration cycle.
- The heat pump uses less energy than electric heating and more useful than gas/coal/oil-fired furnaces.
- The types of air sources may not suit the cold climates. You have to use a secondary medium of heat. If you are using newer modes, they may provide heat when temperatures are coping below 0° C (32°F).
- A single refrigerant coil is situated in the exchanger of air in place of an exchanger of heat. Just like an air condition system, you can also use this for cooling purposes.
Hydronic coil
- It combines the heating of hot water with air delivery force.
- The burning of fuel produces heat.
- A hydronic coil is situated in the handler of air, just the same as a refrigerant coil in a pump system or an A.C.
- Hot water is pushed through the exchanger of heat. It comes back, and it is then required to reheat.
Final thoughts
Now that you know what is forced air heating system, its pros and cons and much, it should not be difficult for you to decide if your house requires one.
An air heating system is essential for every house, mainly in cold countries. So, if you are living in the United States or any other cold country, get one for yourself. It is affordable and very convenient. You get both air conditioning and heating facilities. But always look at the pros and cons before you purchase a forced heat system. Also, don’t forget to take the advice of a contractor before buying it. And once you do, don’t forget to let us know in the comment section below!
