A warm air heating system is a robust and efficient system for residential and commercial applications that have been around for more than 70 years. A warm air heating system is also a ducted or forced warm-air distribution system. This system doesn’t use any radiators, heaters, furnaces, or boilers, just the heated air in your home.
Warm air heating systems are becoming more and more popular because they eliminate the need for radiators or baseboard heat and they’re easy to control. However, just like with any other heating system there are some disadvantages. Depending on your needs, weighing out the pros and cons will help you decide if this installation is the right one for your home.
What is a Warm Air Heating System?
A warm air heating system, in its most basic form, is a system that actively seeks for and absorbs heat from the outdoor air. This hot air is distributed by a network of ducts, vents, or grills set up at strategic points around the house. These heating systems, which can be controlled by a thermostat, are a practical replacement for traditional furnaces in both residential and commercial buildings.
They are a fantastic option for many homes due to their numerous advantages and can be easily installed by a professional local installation service. So, for instance, if you live in the Kingston region of New York, and are considering installing a warm air system, it would be wise to shop around for the top Kingston heating services in your area in order to get the best price for professional installation and maintenance.
Warm Air Heating System Types
There are three major kinds of warm air heating systems available:
- Air Source Heat Pumps. Imagine an air conditioner working in reverse, drawing outside air in and chilling the air within. Heat pumps that use air to generate heat are effective even in very cold climates.
- Ground Source Heat Pump. There is a sustainable heat source underneath the earth that may be utilized year-round to warm your house or company. Using a network of subterranean pipes, it warms the air and squeezes it into a smaller volume without having to install any additional heating or cooling systems.
- Gas-fired. Basically, it involves passing cold air over a gas flame to get it to the desired temperature.
Advantages of Warm Air Systems
Warm air heating systems have several advantages, and the cost to upgrade might be far lower than you would expect.
The first is the speed with which a contemporary warm air heating air system can get your house or company up to a comfortable temperature. Also, because of where the systems are installed, you won’t need any radiators, so you’ll have more options for furnishing and decorating your space.
When properly installed and maintained, warm air systems are notoriously quiet, ensuring that they won’t disrupt your peace and quiet at home or at work. In addition, the operating expenses of a contemporary warm air heating system are as much as 20% cheaper than those of certain other kinds of heating systems.
Electronic controls, standard in today’s systems, provide a constant temperature and provide further regulation of power use. Electronic filtration is available in certain warm air systems and is shown to effectively remove up to 95% of all airborne particles, including pollen, human and animal hair, and pathogens.
The Drawbacks of Warm Air Heating
Since many warm-air systems are incapable of heating water, a gas boiler or immersion heater may be necessary. The installation of ducting or vents in an existing home is problematic and often results in unsightly exposed ductwork.
People with allergies may experience discomfort with a warm air heating system since it circulates air and, by extension, dust, around the building.
Developments in Technology
Although warm air systems were common in the United States throughout the 1960s and 1970s, gas boilers and electric heaters have since replaced them as the primary sources of house heating. Warm air systems did not make as much development as boiler technology did to keep up with the increased demand. It was thought to be difficult to adapt the systems to preexisting buildings since there were so few manufacturers.
Thankfully, technology has advanced to the point that all heating methods, with the exception of traditional gas-powered warm air systems, are now viable alternatives for homes and businesses.
Final Thoughts
The choice to purchase a warm air heating system will be based on your personal requirements. For those who want a more straightforward thermostatic setup, this kind of transition might be the best option if you don’t prefer radiators or baseboard heating. If you decide that a new installation would benefit your home contact a local heating contractor to schedule an in-home consultation.
Source: Cover Photo: Flickr
