If you’re looking to install a new heater in your home, there’s a high chance that you’re considering a forced air heating system. After all, the most popular types of forced air heating systems among homeowners are furnaces, which can be found in homes all across the country.
Unlike radiant heating, forced air heating systems push heated air through a home or structure via ducts and vents that are connected to the main unit. While this heating method is highly effective and has been widely depended upon for years, there are still advantages and disadvantages of forced air heating systems to keep in mind.
Before installing a new heater in your home, let’s discuss the pros and cons of forced air heating systems.
Pro: Quick Heating Time
During the winter, you want a heating system that quickly heats your home. Fortunately, forced air heating systems are known for their quick and effective heating capabilities. These systems use several fuel sources that burn incredibly hot, which means you’ll have warm air in almost no time at all. The air is heated directly and then sent into your home immediately through ductwork.
Pro: Reliability
When discussing the pros and cons of forced air heating, many homeowners will want to know about reliability. Since most heaters can last between 15 to 20 years, it’s crucial to understand the complexity of the system and the requirements for regular maintenance.
The good news is that forced air heaters are fairly simple systems. These heaters are known for their durability. As a result, annual maintenance services can be less expensive, and breakdowns tend to be fewer in number.
Additionally, if you have a furnace that runs on natural gas or oil instead of electricity, you won’t have to worry about losing heat during a power outage.
Pro: Affordability
There’s no way to go over the advantages and disadvantages of forced air heaters without mentioning costs. If you’re looking for an inexpensive heating installation, turn your sight to forced air heating systems. These heaters are known to be more affordable to purchase and install than their radiant heating counterparts. Of course, the price will depend on your furnace’s efficiency rating, among other factors.
Furnaces are often easier for professionals to install, and since a forced air heater can share existing ductwork with a central air conditioning system, you can avoid the additional costs of adding new ductwork.
Con: No Temperature Zoning
Forced air systems use one thermostat to control the heat in every room of a home. This central temperature control may be inconvenient if you want one room to feel warmer than the others. Increasing the temperature on your thermostat to heat that one room will also heat the entire house.
If you want a heating system that can heat one room at a time, consider a heat pump. Heat pumps, which can act as a heating and cooling system rolled into one, are great if you’re looking for a system that’s energy-efficient and convenient. You can install indoor ductless heat pump units in individual rooms throughout your home, which means you’ll have the ability to heat and cool your home according to your needs.
To learn more about the pros and cons of forced air heating systems versus heat pumps, contact our heating contractors in Montgomery County.
Con: Potential Leaks
When it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of forced air heating, another con is the potential for leaky ductwork. Forced air systems work by sending warm air through ducts to heat your home. However, ducts that are damaged or not connected properly can leak warm air, which leads to lower efficiency and inadequate heating.
The good news is that leaking air ducts don’t have to hinder your system’s performance—just get in touch with an HVAC professional for duct repairs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Heating System?
There are several advantages and disadvantages of forced air heating systems to consider. If you’re unsure what heating system is best for you and your household, the experts at Marshalls Services are here to help.
Our professional team in Montgomery County is highly familiar with all leading HVAC system makes and models. When helping you choose the right heater, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of forced air heating systems and how they apply to your home’s specific needs.
Contact us today to get in touch with top-class HVAC contractors in Montgomery County!