Deciding on a heating system for your home can be overwhelming. There are boilers, radiators, mini-splits and baseboard heaters, to name a few. However, the most popular choice among homeowners is forced air heating.
What is forced air heating? While you’ll find it in countless homes, not all homeowners know how it works. Here’s everything you need to know about it, including how it works and its pros and cons.
If you decide on forced-air heating, contact a licensed professional to install it in your home. The HVAC technician can also perform regular maintenance checks to keep it in tip-top shape. Plus, this pro can help address other HVAC issues, like when you ask, “Why am I not getting power to my thermostat?”
What is Forced Air Heating? Here’s How It Works
Forced air heating is a component of an HVAC system that heats homes. It uses a heat source like a furnace or heat pump to increase the temperature of the air, relying on natural gas, electricity or propane for power. A blower fan distributes the heated air throughout the space via vents and ducts.
How is forced air different from central air? Many use the two terms interchangeably, but they’re different. Homeowners tend to equate the term forced air with a heating system. However, it’s part of an HVAC system that forces hot and cold air through ducts and vents. Meanwhile, central air refers to the air conditioning unit itself. Central air conditioners use the forced air system in your home to distribute cool air throughout your space.
Various processes happen inside a forced air heating system. Some of them are simultaneous, while others occur in a series. The operating sequence differs for electric and gas-powered forced air heating systems. Here’s how the latter works:
- The thermostat will call for heating, sending the furnace an electrical signal.
- The furnace will perform various safety checks to ensure a safe and seamless startup.
- If you have a modern furnace, it triggers the inducer motor to release leftover gasses from the previous cycle.
- The pressure switch will also do a safety check.
- The heat source will ignite via a spark ignition, surface igniter or standing pilot.
- The furnace will perform another safety check to ensure the gas burns properly.
- The heat exchanger will heat the air, and the heated air will collect in the plenum.
- The blower fan turns on and forces the heated air through the supply ducts for distribution. It also suctions the recycled air into the return ducts.
- The system will pull in fresh air to replenish the air forced from the home.
- If the thermostat senses that the air has reached the ideal temperature, the system will turn off and remain on standby until the next cycle.
All heating systems, including forced air heating, have benefits and disadvantages. Choosing the best one for your home will depend on various factors, including home size and the climate in your area.
Pros
Here are the pros of forced air heating to help you decide if it suits your needs.
Instantaneous Heat Distribution
Once the heat source turns on, your home will warm quickly. The system heats the air directly and distributes it through vents and ducts.
Energy Efficient
Forced air heating systems are efficient. According to Energy.gov, they boast an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 95% to 100%. That means almost all of the fuel turns into heat with minimal loss. Homeowners can further lower energy costs by installing a smart control.
Cost Effective
Forced air heating systems are typically more costly to install, but they make up for that through cost savings.
Durability
Furnaces can last up to 30 years, so you can rely on your forced air heating system to keep you warm for a long time. Even if you have to replace your furnace later, the installation will be easy with the existing vent and duct system. A professional can help you identify the signs you need a new furnace.
Cons
Here are the cons of forced air heating.
Carbon Monoxide
Forced air heating systems can create carbon monoxide leaks, which can be dangerous if undetected.
Noise
Forced air heating tends to be louder than other systems, which can be a disturbance at home.
Dust and Allergens
Dust and allergens can collect in your ducts if you don’t clean them every few years. When you turn the heat on, the blower fan pushes them out into your home.
Maintenance
Forced air heating systems have many components that require regular maintenance to function efficiently. A licensed professional is needed to perform tune-ups.
Forced air heating is a popular heating system in modern homes because of its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. If you want to feel warm and cozy in the winter, contact a licensed professional to install a forced air heating unit.
Is Forced Air Heating Gas or Electric?
Forced air heating can be gas or electric, and both systems work similarly. They use a blower fan to force air through a heating element (electric) or heat exchanger (gas) and will then distribute the heated air throughout your home via ducts and vents.
If you’re wondering whether your forced air heating system at home is gas or electric, these steps can help you find out:
- Turn on the thermostat and wait until you hear the air moving through the ductwork and feel the circulation of warm air.
- Locate your forced air heating unit, which might be in the utility closet, attic, basement or outside access panel. Following the ductwork can help you with this step.
- Once you find the unit, check if its label says whether the system is gas or electric. If it does, the mystery is solved, and your job is done.
- If there’s no indication on the label, check the front panel. You have a gas heat exchanger if there’s a small window and you can see a blue flame. On the other hand, you have an electric system if you don’t see a window or a flame.
Whether you have a gas or electric forced air heating system, one problem you might encounter is a blower motor that smells like it’s burning. That typically means the blower motor is overheating, and a clogged air filter is the usual culprit. Replacing the air filters should eliminate the burning smell.
HVAC pros generally recommend swapping out your filters every three months to avoid overheating and keep your heating system working efficiently. If the unpleasant burning smell persists, get a professional to identify the root cause and perform the necessary repairs or replacements. The HVAC technician can also help if you’re wondering, “Why won’t my heat turn on?”
Does Forced Air Heating Also Cool?
When they hear forced air, many homeowners think of a heating system. However, forced air systems are part of the HVAC system that distributes hot and cold air throughout a home using ducts and vents. That means they don’t just heat your home when it’s chilly. They can also cool you down on sweltering days. Furnaces, heat pumps and central air conditioners are all forced air systems.
How do central air conditioners work? They use a closed loop of refrigerated air to deliver the cool, crisp air you desire in the summer. The condenser, compressor and evaporator coils work together to cool down your home. They cycle the refrigerant, pull hot air from your space and reject the heat. They then distribute the conditioned air through vents and ducts, the same ones used for forced air heating.
Forced Air Versus Central Air
Central air conditioning is a cooling system that uses the forced air system in your home. It distributes conditioned air throughout your living space through ducts and vents. Central air conditioners connect to the same delivery system as your furnace or heat pump, but they are independent of each other.
While many interchange the terms forced air and central air, it’s not quite right to do so. Forced air refers to the air distribution system, while central air refers to the air conditioning unit.
Let a Pro Take Care of Your HVAC Troubles
Forced air heating is a complex system that can develop issues over time. Attempting to fix HVAC problems yourself can be dangerous, even if you’re an experienced DIY-er. Instead of risking it, let a licensed professional take over. An HVAC specialist will assess the situation and provide a safe and effective solution to your heating system woes.
ABC Can Solve Your Heating And Cooling Woes
A home’s heating and cooling system is complex, and trying to work on them without special training and tools can create larger problems and can even lead to damage to your home. Instead of taking these risks, contact the professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our licensed specialists are available all day and all night to handle any HVAC repairs or issue you may be having.
