A forced air heating system is one of the most popular home heating systems in North America. It distributes air throughout the home through a cooling or heating system. Here, the air is pushed through ducts and vents connected to a unit that heats or cools the home. It has the potential to provide warmth to the whole building at once. But is a forced air heating system right for you?
Below are the pros and cons of a forced air heating system. While there are a lot of benefits that you’ll enjoy, you cannot ignore the cons that come along with this kind of system either. However, remember that every heater has its unique pros and cons, so don’t let this discourage you immediately. Read on and consider these points before you purchase one for your home.
The Advantages
Here are just a few of the advantages you will find when using a forced air heating system in your home.
Energy-Efficient
The forced air heating system uses natural gas, which is clean for the environment. Above all, this upgraded system comes with new technology that provides enhanced efficiency for your furnace.
Heating Time
This is one of the biggest benefits as you’ll be able to heat your home quickly with the forced air system. The air is directly heated and is spread throughout your home using the ducts. The entire heating process takes little to no time, unlike other heating systems where the air has to be distributed from a central system, or water needs to be heated up.
Easy Installation Process
Installing a radiant heat system demands you rip your floor apart, but the forced air heating system can work with the systems already in place at your home. For instance, this means the installation process is quicker if the ductwork already exists for the air conditioning unit.
Affordable
Other air heating systems like a radiant heating system can be more expensive than a forced air heating system. Also, as the installation process is simple and easy, it lowers the overall price. With the efficient heating that you are getting, forced air heating is effective and a reasonable option to consider for your home.
Reliable
The heating systems that uses a heat pump or electricity is likely to break down compared to the forced air systems. This is because the air ducts come with fewer working parts, increasing its durability over other systems. So, you can count on the forced air system to work for you when you actually need to heat your home.
The Disadvantages
The advantages may have already made up your mind to go for a forced air heating system for your home, but there are a few downsides, too, that shouldn’t be overlooked while making your decision.
Potential Health Risks
With this system, the air is being forced throughout your home. This means that dust, particles, and possibly even mold are being carried through along with it. If the mold accumulates inside the forced air unit, it can easily cycle through your house. If you install a forced air system, make sure that the unit is cleaned properly and is well-maintained.
Fluctuated Temperature
Forced air heating controls the air in all the rooms using one thermostat. However, the heat may not be uniform in every single room of the house. Some rooms may become too hot or cold. It all depends on the location of the room, as well as the location of the ductwork. You can avoid this by installing temperature control in every room. However, individualized temperature control may not be a feature you can find easily.
Leaky Ductwork
There is no doubt in the reliability of the ducts, but at the same time, they pose a risk for leaks. If your system is not designed correctly, it can wear out gradually. This can result in losing some of the efficiency that you once enjoyed. Not only this but if you have leaky ductwork, there is a high chance of pollutants entering your home.
Keep monitoring your heating system by watching your energy bills and checking on the heating system’s effectiveness around your home. A spiked energy bill is one of the major signs that demand the maintenance of your ductwork.
Noise
Regardless of how exceptional your heating system is, it will always produce some type of noise. You cannot expect a complete noise elimination here as you are pushing air through ducts that have built up pressure. However, every type of heating system is going to produce some sound while functioning.
What Should Be Your Deciding Factor?
One of the biggest deciding factors here is probably going to be the ductwork. If you have an existing ductwork system, you can continue using the existing heating system for your home. If you are planning to replace this, you have many modern, high-efficiency units to choose from. At the same time, also be careful in hiring the right HVAC team for the job.
If you don’t have existing ductwork, you may consider the ductless unit. You can eliminate the ductwork inefficiencies by considering a system that offers you separate thermostats for each of the units. This allows you to control the temperature in different rooms as needed.
Are You Getting One for Your Home?
It is miserable to stay in a home without a good heating system during the chilly winter. Forced heating can surely keep your home warm in the winter months. However, it is recommended that you make sure that the unit you decide to purchase is the most beneficial for your space and your heating system is ready to provide you with the required temperature and comfort in your home.
If you decide to use the existing system, you may opt for service maintenance to avoid any mid-winter breakdowns. Regular maintenance also helps save money as the system will function more efficiently. No matter what you choose, make sure to get your home ready to face those chilly months ahead.