What is Forced Air Heating?
If you’re in the market for a new home heating system, chances are you’ve heard of the term “forced air heating.” Forced air heating is a heating system that uses air as a heat transfer medium. These systems rely on ductwork and vents for air distribution. A forced air system can be controlled by a single thermostat and supplies heat to the entire house by fan-forced air through ductwork. The ducts can go unnoticed as they are typically concealed in crawlspaces, attics, or walls. Generally, the air volume within the house is continually cycled through the system via return air ducts.
How Does a Forced Air Heating System Work?
Forced air heating systems generate heat through natural gas, propane, or electricity. In a gas furnace, a heat exchanger is warmed up by gas ignition and moving air absorbs heat from the exchanger. In an electric furnace, moving air absorbs heat from high-resistance wires. With both systems, hot air is then pushed out into your ductwork and circulated throughout the home by a fan or blower.
Operating a Forced Air Heating System
A single thermostat is used to control the heating unit and turns the unit “on” or “off” according to the temperature setting. Once the system is turned on, heat is generated and the furnace fan forces air over the heat exchanger or heating elements. Hot air is then distributed through your ducts and out registers. Registers are typically adjustable to control the amount and direction of air flow throughout the house. The ignition of gas or the flow of electricity to elements stops when the desired set temperature is reached.
Proper Maintenance of a Forced Air Heating System
For any forced air heating system, one of the most important maintenance items is the air filter. If the filter is clogged, the entire system will be forced to work harder and run longer to deliver heat. You will need to replace or clean the filter monthly during the winter season and at least every three months during the rest of the year.
Every furnace could use a periodic tune-up by a professional. There are dozens of tasks that go into a complete tune-up, and the technicians of Blue Ox Heating & Air make sure no item goes unchecked. Here are just a few:
A Few Furnace Tune-up Items:
- Check blower motor and balancing of blower wheel.
- Check air temperature differential between return air and supply air.
- Inspect the heat exchanger.
- Conduct a combustion analysis on the furnace.
- Inspect the inducer motor.
Does your home have a forced air heating system? Have you considered installing one? Let the expert technicians of Blue Ox Heating & Air help you with any questions or concerns you may have. We offer installation services and can talk you through what’s right for you home.
