During the winter, you must have a system in place to warm up your home inside. If you’ve been in the market for a solution, you may have come across the term forced-air heating. However, you’re probably asking yourself, “what is forced heating?” Simply put, a forced-air heating system applies air to transfer heat. It has an impressive blow fan to draw air from inside and move it over a source of heat. Usually, it’s the heat exchanger in a gas furnace or an electric furnace’s heating coils.
Once the air heats up, it is distributed throughout the property using ducts and vents. You can control the system via a thermostat to supply heat to the house. As for the ducts, they’re usually hidden in crawl spaces, the attic, or within the walls.
Forced Air Heating is Affordable and Efficient
Forced air heating systems are an energy-efficient option as it relies on natural gas which is far more affordable than electricity. Apart from assisting you in reducing your energy bills, this is the better option for the environment. Additionally, the latest technology has enabled forced-air heating systems to deliver a greater level of efficiency for your furnace.
These systems allow for hot air to warm the intended space quickly through the ductwork. Since a heat source is responsible for increasing the temperature of the air, the process is quick. Other systems demand that you wait for the water to heat up before being distributed through a central system. Furthermore, because the air is being forced out of the vents, your rooms will feel warmer faster than traditional systems where the air radiates rather than circulating.
Simple and Cost Effective, Forced Air Heating Pays For Itself
Homeowners often presume that the installation of this type of system is complex. On the contrary, a professional HVAC contractor can use your existing ductwork to complement the forced air heating system. On the other hand, radiant heaters may require you to take down some internal components to cater to installation.
As we’ve mentioned before, these systems are cost-effective while operating. When you consider that the installation process is fairly straightforward, you end up saving even more money.
Heating systems that depend on electricity are more likely to break down as opposed to forced-air heating systems. Generally, the ducts are more durable with fewer moving parts than traditional warming systems, which means you can depend on them to heat your home when it matters most. The peace of mind you have when you can rely on your forced air heating system is enough reason to opt for this heating method.
Forced Air heating Components
As with any air conditioning system, one of the most critical components is the air filter. The same applies to the forced air heating system. If the filter is clogged, the equipment must work harder to warm up your space, and it will take a longer time to achieve the desired temperature. Consequently, the more you work the system, the less efficient it will be in terms of energy. During the winter, it’s advisable to replace the filter or to clean it once a month. Simply have your local HVAC contractor inspect it and ensure it’s operating in peak condition. During other seasons, consider replacing the filter once every three months. Bear in mind that every furnace can benefit from periodic servicing from a reputable technician. Several tasks comprise a complete tune-up, and only a qualified HVAC professional can check all the boxes required for your system to perform at its maximum potential.
If you feel like something is off with your forced-air heating system, you can check a few elements if you have the ability. Inspect the blower motor and balance of the blower wheel while investigating the air temperature difference between the return and supply air. Ask a technician to perform a combustion analysis on the furnace and inspect the heat exchanger and inducer motor.
Older thermostats can cause problems with your forced air heating system, making it difficult to determine the indoor temperature and make the necessary adjustments. Consider upgrading your thermostat, and if you can, opt for a programmable one. This device will allow you to set the temperature at specific times and days of the week to reflect your lifestyle. If you’re away from home or asleep, it’s best to lower the internal temperature as it will lead to considerable savings throughout the cold season. Ensure that an HVAC technician installs the thermostat for your peace of mind and the correct placement of its sensors.
Don’t face the might of winter at home with a broken heater, even if just for a few days. Instead of being miserable, install a forced-air heating system to enjoy a comfortable interior space. If you have an emergency or require an HVAC technician to service the system, find a reputable contractor with a history of delivering quality services.