What is Forced Air Heating?
As ready as we may be for Winter to be over, the temperatures outside tell us we still have a ways to go.
One thing these temperatures remind us of is how our homes don’t heat themselves. We notice the new noises our furnace is making. We start to think if our furnace is going to last us much longer or if we should start thinking about replacing it in the next couple of years.
These thoughts bring up a whole different set of questions: Do I have the right type of furnace for my house? Is there a better way to heat my home than what I have? What’s the difference between forced air heating and baseboard heating and radiators?
Here at A R Engh, our experts love these kinds of questions. We love sharing our knowledge so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Since it is one of the most popular options available, we will be focusing on Forced Air Heating this month. We’ll be exploring what Forced Air Heating is, what some of the pros and cons are, and if it’s the right choice for you.
How does a forced air heating system work?
Forced Air Heating systems distribute air throughout your home through ducts and vents from a central unit. The central unit uses a heat source powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane to create the warm air that is needed throughout the different areas of your home.
When the thermostat tells the system heat is needed, a blower fan engages to send the warm air through the ducts and vents, directly where it’s supposed to go. Once the thermostat registers the air now meets the set temperature, it sends a signal to the central unit to shut down until the next cycle.
Things to consider about forced air heating
Forced air heating is one of the most popular options on the market for a reason.
One of the biggest benefits of forced air heating is how cost-effective it is. Once the temperature has been regulated, the system shuts off. This saves on the energy required to run the system but also future costs of maintenance. When a system is running all the time, it will wear out faster and require more frequent costly service.
Forced air heating systems are also generally reliable and will last for many years when they are properly cared for. There are fewer parts involved and the parts that are involved are more durable than parts for other heating systems. New technology has also allowed for forced air heating systems to become one of the most affordable heating systems and energy efficient.
In addition, if a different heating system needs to be replaced and it already has ducts and vents installed, the price of installing a forced air heating system is lowered considerably.
Other pros for forced air heating systems are the heating time and ease of use. Once the air has been heated, the process of heating is just the amount of time it takes to push the warm air from the central unit through the ducts and vents to the area it’s needed. To adjust temperatures or engage the system, all the user needs to do is adjust the thermostat. The system takes it from there.
Just like with any device or technology, there are things to consider that could be considered cons.
One of these is the noise a forced air system can make. While new technology has made new systems much quieter than older systems, there is still a noise factor to consider. For most systems, the noise comes from the system turning on and the sound of the fan blowing the warm air through the ducts. While it is virtually impossible to have a completely silent system, the gentle sound of the fan is not likely to bother most people.
Another thing to consider is the possibility of a few health risks. If the ducts are not cleaned and maintained properly, they can grow mold or harbor other dust particles that can be pushed around the home as the air is going through (however, have A R Engh clean your air ducts and you won’t have to worry about this).
Finally, the other drawback to consider is that forced air heating systems only allow for one temperature setting for all areas. This means the temperature the thermostat is set to will be the temperature the system is working to achieve. However, this is not always doable based on the location of the room or ductwork. This could result in cold spots or some areas of the house being warmer than others.
Forced air heating is a great choice for any home
As we stated before, forced air heating has earned its spot among the most popular heating options for a reason. Its reliability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness make it a great choice for anyone wanting to improve the heating in their home.
At A R Engh, we are always ready to help you decide the best options for your heating needs. Our experts get to know you and your unique needs, allowing us to recommend only the best options. We answer your questions and take the time to truly understand you and what is best for your home.
Contact us today to discuss how forced air heating may be the exact solution you’ve been looking for.
Already have forced air heating? We specialize in forced air heating maintenance, duct cleaning, and so much more. Reach out before the weather finally starts getting warm and you forget you ever thought about your heating in the first place. We can’t wait to talk to you.
