While recent technological developments have given us various new ways of heating our homes and offices, the vast majority of people still rely on a tried-and-true method: forced-air heat. This method has been the go-to for most buildings for nearly 90 years, due to the fact that it is both energy efficient and relatively inexpensive. Of course, when you move into a new building, you may not even have a choice but to utilize this method of heating since in most older buildings there will already be an established forced-air heating system. But what is forced-air heat? How does it work? Is it truly the best way to heat a building? Read on to find out.
Forced-Air Heat: The Basics
A forced-air heating system is made up of several components that work in tandem to heat a building. It all begins with the thermostat: this is the device you use to set the heat to your desired temperature. When the thermostat detects that the temperature has dropped below your desired setting, it sends a signal to the system, switching it back on.
When the system is switched on, a large fan is activated. This fan draws cold air into the vents in the building, through the ductwork, and toward the furnace. The furnace generates heat—we’ll get into how in the next section—and then utilizes a heat exchanger to transfer the heat energy into the air. Then, the heated air is circulated back through the ductwork, where it re-enters each room of the building and brings it to a more comfortable temperature.
How Is the Heat Generated?
A forced-air heating system relies on a furnace to generate the heat that it provides. These furnaces are usually installed in an out-of-the-way part of the building—basements are a common choice—and must have a safe method of venting away any waste products produced.
There are several different fuel sources that can be utilized to generate heat. Natural gas is one of the most popular options, for several reasons. The first is the simple fact that most buildings already have a gas main connected to them, so it’s just the easiest choice. It is relatively inexpensive and clean-burning, meaning that it produces fewer harmful byproducts than certain other fuel sources. However, it does still produce carbon monoxide gas when it is burned, which must be vented away to ensure the safety of the entire system and the building’s residents.
Propane is another popular choice. It burns extremely hot, which makes it excellent for areas where the winters are extremely cold. Other heating methods may struggle when the temperature drops well below zero, but propane furnaces can handle it. It’s also a fairly efficient fuel source, meaning it generates a lot of heat with a relatively small amount of fuel. A downside of propane, however, is that it must be delivered to the property in tanks. Sometimes getting more can be difficult, especially during the winter when the roads are frozen.
While the two methods above are the most popular, there are a few other methods of generating heat for a forced-air furnace. Oil is occasionally used because it burns fairly hot as well, although it’s not as efficient as gas or propane. Electric heating can also be used, as it can be installed anywhere and does not require ventilation to operate. However, it’s extremely inefficient and far more expensive than other fuel sources.
The Pros and Cons of Forced Air
As we’ve mentioned, forced-air heating is no longer the only available method for heating a building. The most popular alternative is central heating, which utilizes pipes and radiators, as opposed to ducts. Ductless heat has become quite common as well. So, is forced air still worth it? Well, as with any heating method, it has pros and cons.
One of the biggest pros is the simple fact that, as one of the oldest and most historically popular methods of heating a building, most older buildings already have one of these types of systems in place. What is forced-air heat, then, if not convenient? In most cases, it doesn’t require installation and is cheaper than the alternatives for that reason alone.
As we mentioned in our introduction, it’s also fairly efficient and inexpensive, especially with the advent of modern technology. With all heating systems, a certain amount of heat energy is lost as waste, and the ducts are historically a weak point in forced-air heating. Nevertheless, newer and more advanced versions of forced-air furnaces are able to recapture some of the waste heat and put it back into circulation. Look for the government’s Energy Star certification to ensure that a furnace is using the latest technology to maximize energy efficiency.
There are some major downsides to forced air, as well: one of the biggest ones is the fact that it can have a negative impact on air quality. Over time, dirt and dust will build up inside the ducts, gradually reducing their efficiency. That same dirt and dust will also come out through the vents and can potentially exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
Forced-air heating, while mostly safe, can occasionally create hazards for the occupants of a building. Harmful waste products, such as carbon monoxide, must be safely vented away, while there is also a potential for explosion or fire hazard.
Ensuring the Safety of Your Forced-Air Heating System
Of course, you can avoid most of the safety issues that go along with forced air by keeping up with the system’s maintenance requirements. Your heating system should be cleaned and given a tune-up at least once a year, preferably in the off-season. That is to say, it’s not a good idea to schedule maintenance during the winter, when heating contractors will be very busy.
Of course, if there is a problem with your heating system, you should look for an experienced contractor that can perform emergency repairs, like Entek HVAC. In this way, you can address any issues as they arise and before they become more serious.