Warm air heating systems in the UK aren’t terribly commonplace, and many of these systems are being replaced with central heating. But do you really need to convert it completely, or is it just time for an update?
How do warm air systems work?
Warm air systems work by drawing cold external air in through ducts. This is then pulled into a warm air heating unit and blown across a heat exchanger by an electric fan. The warmed air is circulated around the rooms via ducts, with vents in each room instead of radiators.
What are the disadvantages?
One of the main criticisms of warm air heating systems is that rooms can be heated unevenly, creating some spots which are warmer than others. It can also be the case that pollen and allergens are drawn in with the air from outside, so if you are an allergy sufferer, this type of heating may irritate your allergies. It has also been said that the ducts take up wall space and the systems can be noisy, so this is something to consider, particularly if wall space is precious in your home.
But what are the advantages?
It has to be said that many of the above criticisms are now seen as outdated. Indeed, in America, warm air heating is often the heating system of choice! Modern systems now have electronic controls which provide stable room temperatures and a quieter operation. They also often feature an electronic filtration system which cuts down on the allergens being passed into your home, removing up to 95% of particles, and have improved fuel efficiency. It may be time to ask your professional plumber to update, rather than replace, your warm air heating system!
