Hydronic vs Forced Air Efficiency

Deciding what type of heating to use is a major decision. There are many new, modern options out there for heating that should be considered over traditional forced air. Here are the pros and cons of forced air and the more current type of heating: hydronic furnaces.

Hydronic Furnace

You might be wondering what a hydronic furnace is. It is a modern system of heating using tubes to circulate hot water or heating liquid throughout the home.

Hydronic Furnace Pros

Hydronic heating allows for zone heating, meaning that every section of the home is heated consistently without neglected sections.

Hydronic heating is installed underneath the floor meaning that the floor is warmed up as well as the air in the room. Hydronic heating can be installed under most flooring materials, meaning there is no limit to the rooms that can use hydronic heating.

A hydronic forced air furnace also is a good option for those suffering from health issues such as allergies and asthma, as hydronic heating systems do not push dry, dirty air around the home like traditional heating methods do.  

The hydronic method of heating is encouraged by scientists as a part of greener initiatives as hydronic furnaces use less energy than traditional forced air.

Hydronic Furnace Cons

The initial cost of installation with hydronic heating can be expensive, however, the reduced energy it uses can be earned back over time.

Forced Air Furnace

Homes with ductwork usually have forced air. Forced air pushes air from a central heating system through the home from a furnace. It is what most people think about when they think of heating their homes. That being said, there are both advantages and disadvantages to forced air heating.

Forced Air Furnace Pros

Many homes already come with forced air systems for air conditioning or heating, making it easier to consolidate the systems which can then save money.

The cost to replace a filter for a forced air system or replace the system entirely is also relatively inexpensive as it is one of the most common types of home heating and services are numerous.

Forced Air Furnace Cons

One of the disadvantages is that heat distribution is more difficult with for a forced air system. The ducts push air into every room, but this does not mean that the air remains there. It is very common for one room to be much warmer than the others with forced air.

There are also health problems associated with forced air as it makes the air very dry which is bad for dust build-up and skin.

The cost to install a forced air system if one does not already exist in a home can be high because it is not a simple installation. It takes a lot of time and labor to install the ductwork needed to provide heat to every room.

What type of heating should I choose?

The decision of what type of heating to use should not be taken lightly, and it is important before deciding what type of heat to use in a home to consult with the experts to answer your questions and offer professional advice for all your home heating needs.