When it comes to choosing a heating system, there are many options available for homeowners these days. Today we’re going to look at the latter: forced air heating versus radiant heating. If you have been considering a radiant heating installation in San Antonio, or have any other heating needs, call the company you can trust: Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating.
Forced Air
Forced air heating systems require ductwork (unless you use a ductless system), and usually have a furnace as its source of heat (a heat pump would be an exception). Some of the benefits of a forced-air system are:
- The distribution method for both heating and cooling
- Lower costs for most fuels and installation of furnace
- Easy systems to upgrade with indoor air quality products (dehumidifiers, air filters, etc.)
- High energy efficiency ratings (AFUE)
- Widely available
- Radiant Heating
Radiant floor and wall heating use either hot water or electricity to provide heat. With hot water, a boiler heats the water and circulates it through tubing that is installed underneath the flooring; with electricity, thin, electric cables heat surfaces from under flooring or from behind walls. Boilers commonly use gas or oil to heat, and the electric cables are part of your home’s overall electrical system. Some benefits of a radiant heating system are:
- Comfortable, gradual heat
- No need for ductwork
- Good for allergy sufferers
- Energy efficient
- Can be easily zoned
Which system is best for your home?
Answering this question will depend on your needs and to a certain extent, on whether or not you have ductwork in place. Working with a trained expert can help you determine your needs and which system will be the best to fit with you and your home.
If you are ready for a radiant heating installation – or any other kind of heating installation – call Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating today.
