WHAT IS A FORCED AIR SYSTEM?

The HVAC industry uses an astounding number of confusing terms. You will hear these terms from your technician, or a specialist performing routine maintenance of your heating, ventilation or air conditioning system. These terms can drive you crazy if you don’t work in the HVAC industry. One of the most common confusing terms among homeowners: “forced air” heating and cooling systems.

So, what is a forced-air system and how does it differ from the conventional central air system? If you are considering purchasing a forced air system or you are just curious why these systems are popular in St. Catherines and the Niagara, here is what you need to know.

What Is Forced Air AC?

You will most likely see your friends and even AC experts refer to a forced air system as specifically a heating system such as a home. Although this information may be correct to a large extent, it might be confusing to an average homeowner since a forced air system is a term that is used to refer to any HVAC system that delivers temperature-controlled air into your home via vents and ducts. Technically, this makes your furnace a forced-air system.

Forced-air systems rely on vents, plenums, and ductwork in your home as a means of distribution which are separate from the actual air conditioning and heating systems. The return ducts usually carry the air from several large return vents to a central air-handler for cooling or re-heating. The supply ducts will then direct the cooled or heated air from the central unit to rooms in your home which the system is designed to heat or cool.

All air handlers of forced air systems have a blower, air filter, coil/heat exchanger and wide range of other controls. Just like any other type of heating or air conditioning system, thermostats are used to control the forced air conditioning systems. The forced air systems are most commonly used in North America but are less prevalent in Europe.

What Are Some of the Advantages of Forced Air AC?

The most significant advantage of these systems is energy efficiency since the Federal government now requires all the new forced-air AC systems to operate at higher energy-efficiency levels than before. The efficiency ratings are indicated on the system which ensures that homeowners select devices that will cool their homes efficiently without consuming excessive energy.

Trust Mr. Furnace to Service Your Forced Air System

Do you need help with your forced-air AC system? Contact Mr. Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning for expert cooling services that will help you beat back the hottest summer days. We always work hard to ensure that our customers get more than just conditioned air!