electric radiant floor heating vs forced air

Cool air returns to the furnace via a system of cold-air return ducts. The so-called 'octopus' furnaces found in many older homes are gravity air furnaces. However, the temperature adjustments are slow because the systems operate by simple convection currents.Ī gravity air furnace in a basement heats the air, which then rises into the various rooms through ducts. Best for: Long-lasting heating system with little maintenanceĪ precursor to forced air systems, gravity air furnaces also distribute air through a system of metal ducts-but rather than forcing the air via a blower, gravity air systems operate by the simple physics of warm air rising and cool air sinking.Another system of ducts returns the air back to the furnace through cold-air returns. These systems can last up to 25 years before needing replacement units.įuel sources: The furnaces that power forced air systems can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane (LP), fuel oil, or electricity.ĭistribution: Air that is warmed by the furnace's burner or the heating element is distributed through a network of ducts to heating registers in individual rooms. This is based on the square footage of your home, and larger houses will require stronger units that may increase costs. Installing a new forced air HVAC system typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000. Best for: Multipurpose HVAC that heats and cools quicklyīy far the most common HVAC system in modern North American homes, the forced air system uses a furnace with a blower fan that delivers warmed air to the various rooms of the home through a network of ducts. Forced air systems are very quick at adjusting the temperature of a room, and because air conditioning systems can share the same blower and ductwork, this is an efficient overall HVAC System.The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Electric radiant floor heating vs forced air