How Does A Forced Air Heating System Work?
Forced air heating systems are still very popular in homes today. Forced air uses air as the heating medium. This heating system uses a series of ventilation ducts to circulate the air through your home. Central air is a type of forced air heating system and is extremely popular. There are many advantages to using a forced air heating system. First, not only is it used for central air, but it can be used for humidifiers, and whole house air cleaners.
These systems are great with electric thermostats. You can even set the temperature and it adjusts within seconds. Forced air heating systems are also normally cheaper than hydronic systems, its main competitors. These heating systems are also not prone to structural damage and they hold up for a long time. Forced hot air heating systems use heat pumps and are extremely efficient in their energy usage and amount of heat lost. There are some cons in that there are filters that need to be replaced constantly. Also, it may distribute unwanted allergens throughout your home.
There are several parts to a forced hot air heating system. First there is an air handler, which is the heat pump or a furnace. A common misnomer is that with a forced air heating system, no fuel is needed. This is false, something needs to heat the air. Gas or electricity is used to heat the air to circulate the air. Ducts are then needed to transfer the air through the home and back to the heater. Thermostats obviously are a must since they are used to control the heating. In forced air heating systems, the amount of air released must be equivalent to the air returned to the furnace.
Usually this all goes through the same duct, but some systems have one way ducts that only give air to a room, or send air back to its origin. If this does not occur, the air gets backed up and can be dangerous with noxious effects. Also, this can cause heat to be lost which is a waste of money all together. Forced air heating systems are quite expensive to set up. If there are already ducts in place, it can range from two to four thousand dollars. However, if there are no ducts, the entire job should cost at least ten thousand to fifteen thousand dollars.
A high efficiency system with ducts already in place will run about five thousand dollars. This is the best option, especially if the ducts are in place already. There is currently a tax credit available if you buy an energy star efficient machine. There are other small added costs that can add up like inspections, filters, and removing old components.
Overall, forced hot air heating systems are incredibly beneficial and useful in a home. They provide excellent sources of heat, and have a long life. It is a sturdy system that is not prone to damage. If you are looking to upgrade your heating system, a forced air system can be the way to go.
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