You will generally locate the central unit for your forced air heating system in the basement of your home. Many homeowners typically confuse the air forced heating system for central air and use the two words to describe the same thing. So what is forced air heating? Let’s find out.
A forced-air heating system produces heated air in a furnace or heat pump and then distributes it around your home through the supply ductwork of your heating system. Central air plays the role of providing humidity and air conditioning during the summer season.
The return air ducts draw air from inside the home and send it to the heat exchangers where it’s heated, then supplied back to your home space. That’s how the forced air heating cycle works!
What is forced air heating? A forced-air heating system is an HVAC system responsible for delivering warm air into your room through the supply ductwork and vents.
Advantages
Easy-to-install
If you want to install a radiant heating system, you may have to tear apart your floors to install it. In contrast, you can attach a furnace to an existing air conditioning system without having to tear anything apart.
Cost-effective energy costs
Most popular forced air heaters use natural gas, which is less expensive than other fuel sources such as oil and electricity. Furnaces are therefore cost-effective and energy-efficient as well. A forced-air heating system is also relatively more affordable in price than its alternatives.
Heating speed and time
Furnaces and other forced-air heaters heat your home quicker. They rapidly heat the air and circulate it throughout your home.
Disadvantages
Ductwork leakage
Air ducts are a vital component of your heating system since it draws the cold air and distributes the heated air. Therefore, if your heating system is not correctly installed and designed, it might start losing its efficiency.
Leaky ductwork is a significant sign of a worn-out forced-air heater. You can notice depreciating efficiency levels if your system sky strikes your energy bills and the presence of cold spots due to uneven heating.
Noise
Regardless of the model or type of heating system any homeowner might own, there will always be the production of noises when the system runs. However, some schemes are structured and designed to insulate these sounds and minimize the noise. The noises result from the pressure enhanced by the ductwork when pushing and supplying air around the house.
Central unit control
Forced-air heaters use one thermostat to control the temperatures in your house. However, not all rooms are equal. Thus, some rooms may be warmer than others.
Maintaining Your Forced Air Heating System
Ductwork inspection
To achieve the total efficiency of your heating system, you’ll have to ensure your furnace’s ducts stay in perfect condition. Therefore, you must regularly inspect the furnace’s ductwork to see if there might be any leakages.
Regular cleaning of air filters
Your heater’s air filters trap dust, debris, and other pollutants from the air. To maintain the best and desired air quality indoors, every homeowner must ensure that the filters are in good shape to enhance efficiency.
We recommend you inspect your air filters for repair and replacement after every 3-5 months of service.
Maintenance schedule
Regular maintenance lengthens the lifespan and efficiency of your heating system. Thus, it’s advisable to schedule a maintenance plan for your HVAC system to keep track of your heater’s performance and avoid problems.
Annual furnace tune-ups identify issues before they become a catastrophe. Contact a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your heating system as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Forced air heating is any heating system that delivers temperature-controlled air throughout your home by ductwork and vents.
Advantages include easy installation, a rapid healing process, and energy efficiency. Disadvantages are noise, potential duct leakages, and central unit control.
Like any heating system, regular maintenance is crucial to optimize the lifespan and performance of the heating system.
