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July 03, 2009  |  Login
Advantages and Disadvantages of Forced-Air Heating and Cooling Systems
By Eric Corey Freed
 

A forced-air system (also called a whole-house system) is one of the most common types of heaters used in homes. Gas or electricity is used to heat air, which is then blown around the house via metal ducts and into different rooms through vents on the floor or ceiling. The same system can be used for cooling your home as well. A thermostat controls the air flow. The vents are usually located in the draftiest parts of the room, typically near the windows and doors.

Although this sounds simple enough, forced-air systems have some disadvantages:

  • Uneven heating and cooling: Air is blown into the room, causing some areas to be warmer or cooler than others.
  • Pollen and dust: Forced-air systems bring in fresh air from the outside, carrying with it pollen and allergens. These systems also spread dust around the home — especially if the home has floor vents, where dust and dirt are easily trapped. If you have asthma or allergies, a forced-air system is the worst choice for controlling the air around you. 
Tip: If the air coming out of the vents smells funny, consider having your ducts cleaned by a licensed mechanical contractor. Not only will your system operate more efficiently, but you’ll also notice an immediate improvement with dust and allergies. 
  • Noise: You can hear when the fan is on because of the sound of the air blowing through the events.
  • Inefficient: Most homes have only one thermostat monitoring the system, resulting in some rooms being warmer or cooler than others. Plus, you typically have to heat and cool the entire home rather than just the room you’re using.
Tip: If your current heater was built before 1980, it’s time to upgrade to a new system. Even if you stick with a forced-air system, current models are much more efficient than older ones; the upgrade will pay for itself in energy savings in less than three years.
 
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