Forced Air Heating System Basics
Do you have a geothermal or radiant heating system? If not, you probably have what is known as a forced-air heating system. Forced air heating is the type of system found in most homes, whether it’s natural gas, electric, or a heat pump.
The process
Forced heating systems rely on a furnace to heat the air, which is drawn through the filter, warmed by the furnace, and then distributed through the ductwork to the home using a blower. A heat pump will pull the air from the outside, pass it through the refrigerant lines, and then through the air handler.
This process of heating and moving air repeats until the air in the home matches the temperature set by the homeowner at the thermostat. The whole process is simple, practical, and increasingly efficient. We can be more comfortable now than at any time in history, and it’s safer than ever.
Care and maintenance
Forced air heating systems require a certain amount of attention. For example, the filter needs to be checked every single month and changed periodically, although not quite as often as it does in the summer, or washed if you have a reusable filter. (Make sure it’s dry before you put it back in place.) A dirty filter will allow polluted air through the system and through your home, which is particularly unpleasant for people with allergies.
Your registers or vents may be on the floors or walls, and there will also be an air return vent that will allow air from your home into the system. The air return will typically not have any airflow restriction and is where the filter is usually located.
Safety practices
The registers need to be kept free of furniture, rugs, pet hair, and debris. (As a side note, make sure that your Christmas tree isn’t on top of a heat register!) Make sure all vents are open, as well. This is a good time to vacuum dirty registers and return your ceiling fan to the clockwise position, which will force warm air (heat rises) up against the ceiling and down the walls of your home to warm the room. Do you still have the vacuum handy from cleaning the vents? Give the ceiling fan a couple of swipes with it, or use a pillowcase over each blade as a catch-me to collect the dust when you clean.
Do not allow anything to grow around the outdoor portion of the system. Nor should you store anything flammable in the area where the furnace is located, including paper, flammable liquids, etc.
The system should be professionally checked once a year. You may have had this done in the fall. If not, now is an excellent time to get the system checked by a professional.
CMB Air is residential heating and cooling installation, service, and repair and company with 15+ years of experience serving Tampa and surrounding areas. If you need a new air conditioner, repair, maintenance or some other service, we can help! Call 813-447-1443 today!
