forced air heater vs radiant heatThinking about which heating method is the right choice, we compare forced air heaters vs radiant heat to help you choose the right heating system for your home. Radiant heating is the idea of using hot water as a medium to bring heat to your home. Forced air heating systems actually heat the air. When you think about your next heater or furnace, it’s important to not only consider which is more energy efficient but also which system will last the longest.

A Central Furnace System

A forced air system is a closed loop. You have a central furnace heating air with a burner or electrical resistance coils and a motorized fan blower. The blower continuously draws cooled air out of the rooms through return ducts and reheats the air at the heating source. Then the hot air is pushed through the supply ducts back into the living area thus heating the air.

A Radiant Heating System

What is Radiant Heating? Radiant heating has been used for centuries in one shape or form. Today, radiant heating systems use a boiler to heat water and pumps are used to circulate the water through piping that is embedded in the concrete slab or installed beneath wood sub-flooring. The heat then rises and warms the house.

Forced Air Heaters Vs Radiant Heat

Forced air heaters are the industry standard and the least expensive home comfort option. Standardized furnaces, ductwork fabrication and installation have made forced air systems even more economical over the years. Another advantage is that most homes combine central furnace and air conditioning units and use the same ductwork for both.   Both systems use the same blower for air circulation. Another aspect of the forced air system is that it allows you to take air quality into consideration. An air filter installed in the ductwork removes airborne dust and allergens. In fact the air in your home passes through the ducts multiple times a day. When you install a new furnace you also have the option of adding a whole house humidifier to maintain the proper humidity. Some of the disadvantages of forced air systems include the leaks in your system or home that allows cold air into the house and cause your furnace to cycle on and off. Also, because heat rises, many times the floor or lower level where you live is colder than the ceiling. This wastes heated energy.

Radiant heat has the advantage of conveying more heat energy from the boiler than a standard heat system. Water holds heat more efficiently. A cubic foot of water has 2500 times more potential heat-carrying capacity than a cubic foot of air. Radiant heat warms the room through the floor up. Heat rises and warms occupants and transfers heat directly with objects in contact with the floor. Heat is not in the air so no heat accumulates at the ceiling. Heat is also reflected off glass windows. In normal heating systems, up to 50% of your heating energy can be lost through your windows. Unlike forced air heating systems, radiant heat systems provide more even heat because the floor holds the heat and continually adds warmth to the living area. Because there are no ducts, dust and allergens are fewer and don’t circulate. Some of the disadvantages of Radiant heat include the cost of installation. For homes in Kentucky, you also need to include dedicated ductwork for your central air system. Radiant heat isn’t as convenient when it comes to heating your home quickly. This can be a big disadvantage when you consider forced air heaters vs radiant heat.

Choosing An HVAC system

ADA Heating and Air can help you choose the right heating system for your home or office. We carry quality heating systems and have experience with furnace installation in Central Kentucky. Call ADA Heating and Air today for all your heating and cooling needs.

By | 2017-08-02T01:20:45+00:00 October 23rd, 2015|Heating|Comments Off on Forced Air Heaters VS Radiant Heat

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