How to Tell If a Forced-Air Heating System is Right for You

Forced-air heating systems are one of the most common kinds of air conditioning systems used in modern American homes today. In a forced-air system, electricity or sometimes gas is used to heat air, which is then blown through the house by way of metal air ducts. The vents through which the air escapes are usually placed in the colder areas of rooms, such as by windows or doorways. Generally, a thermostat is used to control the airflow. But is a heating system like this right for you? There are many advantages to having a forced-air system in your house, but unfortunately, there are also a few disadvantages.

Advantages

1. It's energy efficient. Forced-air systems are one of the most efficient air conditioning systems out there, and this is a prime factor that many people look for when choosing how to heat their house. Because the thermostat can easily and quickly be used to turn on or shut off the system, you can easily control how much energy is being used and save a lot of money on your electric bill.

2. The entire house can be heated quickly. Because air is generally very easy to heat and cool, it doesn't take long at all for your house to become a few degrees cooler or warmer after you've turned your system on.

3. You can filter the air. With other heating systems, in addition to having to heat and cool your house, you also need to invest in an air filter if you want to be sure you're breathing clean. But with a forced-air system, the filters can be installed inside of the system, ensuring that your air is clean before it gets into the house.

4. It's cheaper. Generally, when comparing air conditioning systems, forced-air systems turn out to be cheaper than other kinds of systems in the long run.

Disadvantages

1. Maintenance. Despite their efficiency, forced-air systems require a lot of maintenance. If you want to keep breathing clean air, you need to change your filters periodically; you also need to maintain your air ducts and heat source to keep them performing optimally.

2. They're noisy. I have a forced-air heating system, and when it turns on, the sound of the air rushing through the vents can be heard throughout the entire house. It's easy enough to get used to, but at times it can be occasionally distracting and very loud.

3. It's difficult to control what's being heated, where. If you only have one thermostat to control your entire air system, you won't be able to direct its flow into different rooms, for example, or be able to choose what areas of the house to heat, making it an all-or-nothing affair.

4. Heat is not always evenly distributed. Despite the fact that you'll probably have a vent in every room, there are always a few blind spots, such as in corners, where the air may not reach and that may be cooler/warmer than you want them to be.