If you’re planning a home renovation, make sure to check what kind of heating system you have. Is your house suffering from heating problems?
Whether you’re replacing your old broken heater or you’re building a new house, it’s important to know the differences between the two major types of heaters: radiated and forced air heat. Different home designs call for different heating setups.
This article takes a look at the two most common types of residential heating systems. Continue reading to compare the difference between radiator vs forced air heat.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Radiator and forced air heat are two heating systems commonly used to provide warmth in homes and businesses. It is up to the homeowner to decide which type of system is best for them.
Check the advantages & disadvantages of each system below:
Radiator
The advantage of having a radiator is that it’s energy-efficient and relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. Another benefit is that it’s cleaner and quieter than some other heating systems.
The main disadvantage of radiator heat is that it takes longer to heat up. In addition, the system needs frequent maintenance. Radiators can also be noisy, as they can be quite loud when they turn on and off.
They can be inefficient if they are not properly designed or maintained and can be extremely costly to replace.
Forced Air Heat
An advantage of forced air heat is being relatively inexpensive to install and easy to maintain.
The system is also capable of providing cooling when an air conditioner is added. One more advantage is the ability to adjust the airflow based on the desired temperature.
The main disadvantages of forced air heat are that it can be noisy. The system will require periodic maintenance to keep it operating efficiently and minimize energy consumption.
Efficiency Comparison
Forced air systems are relatively easy to install and maintain. These systems have limitations in insulation and are impacted by drafts, leading to wasted energy.
Radiator heating systems are more efficient compared to forced air systems. They offer a more uniform heat and provide temperature control. It allows adjustment of the temperature of specific zones without affecting the others.
Radiator heating systems are also more expensive than forced air systems, but they are more efficient and are an excellent long-term investment.
Cost & Installation
The installation cost of a radiator is usually much lower than the cost of a forced air heat system. The radiators are simpler to install as they require minimal piping and no electrical wiring.
Forced air systems require the installation of ducts, pipes, and vents as well as electrical wiring. This makes them much more costly. Radiators also typically require less energy to operate than forced air systems and are able to better absorb and distribute heat more.
Maintenance
Maintenance costs can be high for radiators due to their complexity. These include the costs of flushing and refilling the tank.
Forced air systems’ air filters and belts may need to be replaced, but overall maintenance costs are typically much lower than their radiant counterpart.
Whatever system you may have, you will want to ensure it is maintained and examined regularly. Any issue that may arise, including lack of heating or hot water, may lead to you needing to call out an emergency heating specialist. Having a reliable engineer handy can help fix any problems, and have your heating working again in no time.
Learn the Difference Between Radiator vs Forced Air Heat Today
Based on the above comparison, forced air heat is more efficient, affordable, and consistent with temperature than radiator heat. When making a decision on choosing radiator vs forced air heat for your living space, take the time to consider each option and even consult with a local heating specialist to determine what’s best for your needs.
Speak to an expert today and take advantage of your options!
Make sure to browse our blog for more interesting reads!