Heating Distribution: Radiant vs. Forced Air

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Choosing the right heater for one’s home is a fairly involved process. You must consider many different factors, including your own budget, the efficiency levels that you’re looking for, and what brand you feel comfortable investing in. You must also consider the way in which your heating system will distribute heat throughout your home, of course. You may choose to use a heater that heats the air directly, before distributing that heated air throughout your home via ductwork, or a radiant heating system, which applies heat directly to floors and/or walls, and allows the heat to radiate out into the living space. Below you’ll learn a bit more about these heating distribution options.

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Forced Air Heating

Forced air heating distribution is probably the most common method throughout the country. It allows for the prompt and effective delivery of heated air throughout one’s home. However, such systems are really only as good as the ductwork that they utilize. If your ductwork is torn, leaking, or otherwise compromised, then you are not going to be able to heat your home as effectively or efficiently as you should be able to. Also, some homes may not have existing ductwork, or may not be able to accommodate the installation of ductwork at all. Should you choose to use forced air, though, you can use the same air ducts in order to distribute cooled air throughout your home in the summer season.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heating has a lot going for it, including the fact that there is no risk of wasted energy via leaky ductwork, as there is no ductwork used in such systems. Plus, radiant heating adjusts temperatures gradually, allowing for very even, comfortable heating. However, some homeowners prefer the more rapid heating of forced air systems, and the installation of a radiant heating system can be more involved than that of a forced-air system. Ultimately, the decision is in your hands.

Call the Raleigh, NC heating professionals at Ideal Services Heating & Cooling (919) 887-9680 to learn more.

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