What Is Forced Air Heating and How to Know If It’s Best for Your Home

Forced air heating is not a term that gets used a lot outside of professional circles. Contractors who build homes and heating and air repair professionals use it all the time, but everyday homeowners may have no clue what it is — even if it’s already a part of their home! Despite the disparity in awareness, forced air heating is one of the most common ways that homes are heated in the United States. So, if you’re currently building a home or doing a major renovation that will require you to overhaul your HVAC system, it’s important that you understand what forced air heating is and how it works.

In today’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about forced air heating and help you decide if it’s the right heating system for your home. And remember, if you need help installing or repairing a heating system and you’re located in North Carolina, reach out to the experts at All About Heat & Air for help!

What Is Forced Air Heating?

Forced air heating is part of a standard HVAC system that helps spread heated air throughout a home. The system works by increasing the temperature for a set volume of air (typically by electricity or gas). Then, that heated air is propelled throughout the home using one or more fans. The air travels through a home’s air duct system and then comes out via the vents on your ceilings, floors, or walls, heating your home in the process. 

While this covers the basics of how it works, it doesn’t really tell you much about all the different parts and devices required for the entire system. Generally, this type of heating system consists of the following components:

• Furnace
• Thermostat
• Air supply duct system
• Return duct system
• Heat exchanger
• Fan
• Safety switches
• Combustible fuel exhaust

Factors to Consider When Implementing Forced Air Heating

If you don’t have a forced air heating system or you’re wondering if there is a better option out there, there are a couple of factors that you’ll need to consider before making any changes to the heating system in your home:

• Your Budget – Forced air is one of the more affordable ways to heat an entire home. While you may have to invest more upfront to install a new forced air heating system, you’ll typically save more on your utility bill, especially when compared to boiler systems or radiators. 
• The Climate In Your Area – Forced air heating is generally best for homes in areas that experience significant temperature shifts as the seasons change. This applies throughout all of North Carolina, which is why many homes utilize this type of system as part of a standard HVAC system. 
• Existing Ductwork – This type of heating can be easily integrated into air conditioning ductwork. So, if your home already has an air conditioning system, forced air heating could be an easy and cost-effective addition. 
• Energy Usage – Forced air heating is one of the more energy-efficient methods for whole-home heating. However, geothermal heat pumps are generally considered more efficient than traditional furnaces, even though they cost far more to install. So, if you’re concerned about overall energy usage and efficiency, a forced air system might not be your best option.

Get HVAC Help From the Experts

If you live in the counties of Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, or Transylvania, and you need help repairing, maintaining, or installing a forced air heating system, the experts at All About Heat & Air are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or get a quote!