Are you curious to know more about a forced air and central air system? Unfortunately, the two terms cross each other, and it is very common to confuse them or be unclear about their meaning.
If you are trying to get a new system, knowing the difference between the two and which are the pro and cons can help you to make the right decision for your situation. If you need assistance in deciding which system is better for you, read more.
What is the difference between a forced air and a central air system?
The two terms are frequently confused since individuals tend to use them interchangeably when speaking. Forced air, on the other hand, is frequently referred to as a heating system, while central air is referred to as a cooling system.
You could also hear the term central heating, which refers to furnaces and boilers due to the fact that the heat is created in a central location.
In addition, when you say forced air, you imply a series of ducts and vents moving air through the house until the desired temperature is reached.
Central heating refers to a boiler system too. But instead, forced air is related to heating and can indicate a heat pump with ducts or a furnace. In conclusion, there is a slight difference between the two terms and how they are used in daily life.
The confusion comes about the fact that a central air system will use the forced air system ducts and vents to cool the air into the house.
What is a central air system?
The main concept of this type of system lies in the word “central.” In general, a central air system uses ducts and vents to distribute air coming from heat (or cooling source) through the house.
If you think about a specific or central location in your home that distributes air to all other locations, you have mastered the definition of a central air system. Such a system can produce hot or cold air from a place and send it around.
The outside unit in the central air conditioning system includes a condenser, evaporator coil, and compressor. On the other hand, a forced system is a delivery method for the HVAC when it has to deliver cool or hot air in the house.
What is a forced-air system?
A forced-air system uses ductworks and vents to make air circulation possible. It is possible to control the system with a thermostat. The heated air is pushed around utilizing vents once you’ve settled on the desired temperature.
Forced air systems can generate heat using natural gas, electricity, or propane, depending on the type of furnace used. Air absorbs the heat through the heat exchanger warmed by gas ignition or through a series of wires warmed by electricity.
But, once the air is hot, it is circulated in the house through the ducts and the fans. A forced-air system might include a furnace, a heat pump, electric heaters, and natural gas.
What are the Pros of the forced air system?
There are several advantages to using a forced-air system. Here are the main benefits:
- Faster healing time
- Easy installation
- Cost-effective
- Filtration easily upgradable
- Require little maintenance
Forced air systems can heat the house faster since the air is warmed up directly from the energy source and gets it immediately through the ducts in every room. In addition, installing this type of system is relatively easy and pretty fast compared to other types.
In general, a forced-air system is cheaper and cost-effective when compared with other systems since it works with what is already in place in most homes. In addition, it can keep the maintenance costs down since there are few working parts subject to wear and tear.
A forced-air system is easy to upgrade when it comes to filtration. It is compatible with almost any kind of thermostat and requires minimal maintenance.
What are the Cons of the forced air system?
A forced-air system has a few disadvantages, which are the following:
- Risks of mold
- Noises coming from the system
- Only a central control
- Maintenance required for the ductwork
- Potential leaks situation
Since a forced-air system requires a system of ducts, you have to deal with all the problems connected with them, such as leaks and mold. Mold can grow inside the ducts and move inside the house, and its spores get into the air, causing health issues.
In addition, leaks might start to appear when the ducts get older, and routine maintenance is required to find those issues and resolve them. Another disadvantage is that this system works with a central control or thermostat, and you can’t change the temperature in different rooms.
Although modern systems are effective and are built to produce fewer noises, they cannot reduce them to zero, and central air cannot be used in all types of homes. In addition, you will have to change the filters routinely to maintain good air quality.
The pros and cons of a central air system?
A central system has several benefits, such as:
- Consistent temperature throughout the year
- Filtered air
- Air conditioning and heating at the same time
- Easy to use
A central system can provide both hot and cold air since it is connected to a thermostat, which can dictate the desired temperature for the house. This system makes it possible to heat and cool the air throughout the house without the need for different units.
The disadvantages of this system are the need for ductwork, higher energy bills, and required yearly maintenance.
Conclusion
Whether you use a central or forced air system, you will have advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best for your home depends on what you are looking for, the set-up of your house, and the budget you have at your disposal.
If you are unsure which system is best for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.