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Why Forced Air Heating Isn't Smart
Danger tops the list. Any system that relies on combusting gas indoors is potentially dangerous. This of course includes forced air furnaces. Carbon monoxide fumes from such a system kills approximately 50 people every year in Canada alone.
Studies in California in 1991 show that there were 252 carbon monoxide deaths by fuel and combustion appliances. The situation is so serious, the government recommends that every room be equipped with a Carbon Monoxide Detector to prevent accidental death. (Source: Tempstat Mechanical Co. Dallas Texas)
The Inefficiency Of Forced Air Heating
To understand the ins and outs of how heat is transferred to the living areas of a house, Duct Transfer Losses must be factored in.
Heat from the furnace is transferred to the air, which is blown through the ductwork, finally reaching the rooms where the heat is needed. Measure the heat efficiency in these rooms and you'll find that even the most efficient furnaces don't meet their own test specifications.
Just like baseboards, forced air systems create a bellows effect, which creates uneven heating. Temperatures are much warmer near the heat register than in the rest of the room, resulting in serious heat loss. Also, blowing warm air throughout a house causes drafts, which also creates low humidity levels. To compensate, you would have to add the expense of a humidifier to the cost of the forced air heating system.
No Pings, No Pangs
Another thing to factor in when considering a forced air system is maintenance. Furnace motors and igniters often malfunction. Fan belts need replacing and gas valves and burners need periodic cleaning. Dust, insects, and rodents can get into the ductwork, adding to the frequency of duct cleaning. In addition, the air filter must be changed several times a year. Remember, a SmartRooms Thermal Comfort System comes with no motors, belts, fans, filters, valves, etc. And no worries about rodents, insects, or dust.
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