Forced Hot Air
Homeowners everywhere are struggling to spend less, use less and pollute less without giving up the warmth and comfort they've grown accustom to. Most conventional forced-air furnaces operate at very low efficiencies - some taking advantage of only half the fuel they burn.
It is as important to understand the space you're heating as it is to know the unit you are heating with. South-facing rooms may overheat during the day and call for extra heat in the evening. Bedrooms may be closed off or out of use during the day, but create high demand at night. While zoning will answer many of these issues, two-stage or multi-stage furnaces are the ideal solution since they can deliver high, medium or low levels of heat depending on demand, without creating excess. When designing heat zones or controlling heat through registers, excess heat must always be taken into consideration.
In a hot-air system, warm air is distributed via a main duct or "trunk" and a series of branches that lead to individual rooms or zones. Where the branches meet the trunk, heat is controlled by dampers which open or close to release or block heat from entry. These dampers are usually motorized and run by thermostatic controls at each zone. Individual registers may also be closed to block heat, but this is a less efficient use of the energy and heat produced than thermostatic or automatic controls. The hot air is then blown into the area by a fan that is timed to cycle on and off with the furnace.
Wherever there is heat production and control, there must be proper sizing of the heating element. More often than not, the answer to a cold house is not a larger furnace, but better distribution and control. Homeowners frequently opt for a larger furnace only to find that it is like keeping a bull in a playpen: too much energy produced without adequate outlet. Ensuing heat backup causes undue wear on the furnace, cracking, clogging or even noxious fumes and byproducts entering the home. So, take the time to properly size the furnace, the ducts and the outlets to be sure that you are using your furnace safely and efficiently.
City: Deerfield
Project: Furnace / Forced Air Heating System - Repair or Service
"They took the time to service my boiler on a holiday just to accommodate my schedule. The service technician thoroughly explained what he was doing and was able to fix any problems he encountered in a timely fashion. I would highly recommend this company!"
