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Forced air heating is basically a method wherein a heating or cooling system distributes warm air through a building or a room. The air is either driven through vents and ducts which are attached to an evaporator or condenser unit that heats or cools the air. The heated air is then pulled through vents and ducts to your room. This type of heating has been used for years especially in houses, apartments, and small businesses. It’s also popular in industrial buildings as well.
Types of Forced Air Heating Units
In many homes, forced air heating provides an economical solution to provide cooling and heating needs during the winter. There are two types of forced air heating units – central air systems and portable and window units. Central air systems can provide cooling through a single duct system while units installed in windows can distribute air into several rooms. Depending on your home construction and layout, you can choose from several options. Here are some ways to make the most out of your forced-air heating.
Regular Maintenance
Mandated by law, annual inspections should be carried out to ensure that your heating systems are functioning well and that no further damages have occurred. It is important to check the filter of your heating units periodically. Your filter should be changed after every two to three years or according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This will ensure that your ventilation system is working well. It will also help improve the indoor air quality in your home.
Regular Use
Although mandated by law, frequent checking, cleaning and servicing are still critical to the proper functioning of your forced-air heating systems. Regular servicing will ensure that the fan motor and blower are properly functioning. It will also help extend the life of your heating units. If your heating system has been running for quite some time without regular servicing, you should consider replacing it with a space heater that requires little servicing. A space heater that is adequately maintained will save you money on energy and installation charges.
Use of Sealed Elements and Radiant Heaters
Forced-air heating systems can also be enhanced by adding sealed elements and radiant heaters. A sealed element is like a small cabinet that looks like a large ceramic tile. These sealed elements are perfect for heating floors, patios and other non-freezing areas.
Radiant heaters, on the other hand, are devices that generate heat using thermal energy from the surrounding atmosphere. Radiant heaters are more efficient in indoor air quality and provide clean, radiant heat that can significantly increase your home’s indoor air quality. If you are considering installing forced-air heating systems, you should strongly consider having both sealed elements and radiant heaters installed.
Use of Air Coolers and Air Conditioning Units
Although forced air heating systems require little servicing, maintaining them regularly is essential. You should not forget to change filters, remove dampers and clean coils once a month to keep your forced air heating working well. For your air conditioning unit, you should have it serviced monthly or as often as needed.
Servicing your air conditioning unit will also make sure that your forced air heating works at optimal levels to save you money on energy and on installation costs. In addition, regular maintenance services will ensure that your cooling unit functions at maximum capacity to protect you from heat damage and expensive repairs. Proper servicing and maintenance services will also prevent your forced air heating and cooling units from experiencing frequent and expensive malfunctions.
Use of Energy Efficient Heating Systems
Because forced air heating systems take up minimal space, they can be used effectively in condos, multi-story houses and apartments. In addition, if you install energy efficient air conditioning units, you will greatly reduce your utility bills. These air conditioning units are also very popular among low income homeowners because they are very affordable. Additionally, homeowners who own these units are more likely to maintain them effectively and efficiently to keep them in good working condition. Most homeowners prefer to use energy-efficient warm air conditioning systems that they can easily install in their homes and use for many years. If you are not yet certain which energy efficient systems are suitable for your home, you can ask for recommendations from your local heating contractor.
The above mentioned are some of the reasons why forced air heating systems use natural gas instead of electric heat pumps. This makes these systems more effective and efficient than other alternative heat sources. They are also easier to use and control compared to other types of forced air heating systems. Moreover, natural gas furnace prices are more affordable than electric ones, making them a more feasible option for homeowners who want to cut costs on their heating and cooling expenses.