Forced Air Hydronic Furnace Efficiency

A radiant floor system solves all of the inefficiencies inherent in forced air systems with some studies showing that they are as much as 30 percent more efficient.

Forced air hydronic furnace efficiency.

In very cold climates homes can feel a bit drafty and dry because the heat distribution isn t consistent. Steady even heating means comfort and efficiency. This process does not introduce any new particulate into the air. Ideally homes should be heated with mildly warm air even less than 130 degrees.

Hydronic heating is efficient and comfortable because it uses water to transfer heat throughout the building and water can hold more heat than air. Homes with central heating and built in duct work often use this system. Over the long run the energy bill savings from the more efficient hydronic heating will pay back for that added expense and more. Warm air mixes into a room more evenly stratifies less and is much more comfortable.

By michael owen phd. Hydronic without a doubt whole house radiant heating has a much higher upfront cost than forced air heat. It s an 80 afue 80 efficient furnace and natural draft water heater. Hot water baseboard heaters utilize the natural airflow in the room to evenly distribute heat.

Hydronic furnace cons the initial cost of installation with hydronic heating can be expensive however the reduced energy it uses can be earned back over time. Newer models can be up to 98 efficient in heating a home but they lose up to 35 efficiency in air ducts. Michael is a mechanical engineer working in academia. The furnace is typically located in the center of the home or in the basement.

National comfort institute combustion safety instructor david richardson calls this one of the most dangerous installations allowed by code. Because the heating panels are. This is known as convection air current heating. A forced air heating system simply refers to units that use air to carry warmth throughout a space.

Forced air blows air from a vent that originates from a furnace that takes air from inside the home. According to the hydronic heat association you would need a 10 x 18 forced hot air heat duct to carry the same amount of heat that can be transported by a 1 diameter hydronic heat pipe. Air heated by a combined hydronic system doesn t exceed 130 degrees f while furnaces can go to much higher temperatures.