If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the vents in your home walls, we’re here to feed your curiosity. If you have a heating system that pushes air out of big vents in your home, it’s most likely a forced air heating system. Forced air heating is a standard heating system in American homes, and while it’s reliable and appreciated, it’s always a good idea to know the ins and outs of your HVAC system. So we’re here to inform you about your heating system. Let’s discuss what forced air heating is and why it might be suitable for your Minneapolis home.
What is forced air heating?
Forced air heating is a home heating system that uses ducts to transport air throughout the home. The system heats air from outside and disperses it through the whole house. In most homes, this system is controlled by one central thermostat to regulate the indoor temperature. It is the most popular type of heating method in the United States, as well as in Minnesota.
How does forced air heating work?
First, the air is pulled into the furnace to be warmed. Then, it is heated by several potential fuel sources. For example, furnaces can burn gas or propane or use electricity to heat coils in the furnace. Afterward, the cold air is pushed over the hot coils in a heat exchanger and absorbs the heat. Once the air is hot, the blower moves the hot air through the ducts into each room by way of vents.
Forced air heating can get its air from two sources. In some cases, it is efficient because it circulates the air already in the home. However, if you have a heat pump, the system extracts heat from the outside air and brings it inside. Then, it passes through hot refrigerant lines and is moved by the blower through the ducts. Your heating system will continue this process until your home reaches your desired temperature, where it will stop.
What are the advantages of forced air heating?
Forced air heating is a popular heating method for good reason. Take a look at three reasons why this type of heater is a good choice for your home:
- Affordable. Forced air is inexpensive to install and maintain compared to other heating methods. Since this heating system tends to run on natural gas, a cheap energy source, your utility bill is likely lower than if you used other systems in the market.
- Doubles as an AC unit. You can also pair a forced air system with a central air conditioning system to cool air in warmer months. This cooling system can be placed without additional ductwork, making it cheap and quick to install.
- Reliable. Plus, since forced air heating is the most popular heating method in the United States, it’ll always be easy to find a technician who is comfortable working with the system and can make quick repairs. Because it is a simple system with minimal moving parts, it also tends to last longer without needing significant repairs.
- Works quickly. While other forms of home heating might take a while to kick in, this heater begins to warm your home within minutes. This feature is excellent for cold nights and needing to boost your home’s heating fast.
What are the disadvantages of forced air heating?
While there are several benefits, there are a few disadvantages to consider. Take a look at why some people prefer to stick with other heating methods for their homes:
- Disperses allergens. Since forced air heating uses blowers to push air throughout the ducts, allergens can be swept up and pushed around the home. Allergens can include anything sitting around that has been picked up by the air heating, like pet hair, dust, and pollen. Sometimes, this triggers people’s allergies and can cause discomfort.
- Requires ductwork. Unfortunately, there’s no way around the fact that forced air heating requires ductwork installation. This situation means there must be enough space in the home for the ducts to be permanent. Plus, if there’s a leak in the ductwork, it may take some time and frustration to find the issue and have it resolved.
- It may produce uneven heat. While forced air heating heats homes rapidly, there might be some cool spots in the corners of the home. However, ensuring that there’s no furniture in the way of air circulation can help prevent cold spots.
What is the difference between forced air and central air?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have two different purposes. For example, forced air is a method that uses ductwork to distribute the hot or cold air throughout the home, while central air refers to the actual central air conditioning unit. So forced air can describe the distribution of hot and cold air, while central air refers explicitly to the air cooling system.
Is forced air heating good for my Minnesota home?
Forced air heating is a reliable and efficient method we recommend for homeowners. While all heating methods have pros and cons that need to be considered, this system is a popular approach to keeping a home cozy in the winter or breezy in the summer. If you’re searching for a heating system that is economical to install and reliable year-round, forced air heating may be the solution for you.
If you already have a forced air heater and are just here to get to know it better, then you’re in the right place. The heating system will keep your home comfortable as long as you keep up with routine maintenance. We suggest having scheduled HVAC upkeep once a year to replace filters and ensure your system is functioning well. That way, you’ll be less anxious about system issues in the freezing winter or the balmy summer.
With a clean air heating system comes a comfortable home.
At Mike’s Custom Mechanical, we’re determined to bring comfortable heating to every Minneapolis home. So look no further if you’re seeking forced air heating HVAC contractors in the Twin Cities area. Instead, get a skilled technician to your home quickly by contacting us at (763) 568-7148 today.
