What-is-the-Difference-Between-a-Central-and-Forced-Air-System

What Is the Difference Between a Central and Forced Air System?

In the home HVAC market, the terms “central air” and “forced air” are often used interchangeably, but the two are different. Forced air can refer to the heating system (as in a forced air furnace) but more specifically pertains to air distribution. Central air generally refers to the cooling system; however, depending on the system, it can produce hot or cold air in a centralized location and distribute it around your home. We’ll now explore the differences between central and forced air systems.

  1. What Does Central Air Mean?
  2. What Is Central Heating?
  3. How Do Forced Air Systems Work? 
  4. How Do I Choose the Right System?
  5. Can I Switch Between Forced Air and Central Heating?

What Does Central Air Mean?

A central AC system uses an outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor. The evaporator coils are located indoors. These components all work together as refrigerant is circulated through a series of copper tubes. Air is pulled into the system, cooled, and then blown through ducts and out vents into different rooms.

Central air is generally specific to the air conditioning unit. The air conditioner, along with a furnace, can be connected to a forced air system. Humidifiers can also be connected to the same system, or you can have a heat pump installed for a whole-home heating and cooling solution.

What Is Central Heating?

Central air refers to (but isn’t limited to) a cooling system. An air conditioner is essentially a central air system separate from the furnace. However, central heating is possible and often consists of a boiler that can heat water or air. The medium used is circulated through pipes or ducts that connect to radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating elements in different rooms. The entire system can be controlled with a single thermostat.

Central heating provides benefits such as:

  • Uniform heating throughout your entire home
  • Less air movement, dust, and allergens
  • Quieter performance than forced air systems

However, central heating systems can take longer to reach the desired temperature. They also come with higher installation and maintenance costs and fuel options are often limited.

How Do Forced Air Systems Work? 

Relying on a furnace or heat pump to produce warm air, a forced air heating system incorporates an air handler that forces air through the system. Vents, blowers, and dampers help control the amount of warm or cool air that enters each room. The air handler feeds conditioned air into ductwork that connects to these components (by comparison, a mini-split system includes the air handler in the indoor unit).

Forced air systems can be expensive to install and operate. If you install a furnace, it must be combined with an AC unit if your home requires cooling for part of the year. The equipment can also be noisier, while a buildup of dust, mold, and dirt in ductwork can require duct cleaning every few years to prevent air contamination. Forced air heating can also dry out the air in your house, which can be mitigated by installing a humidifier.

Forced air systems are beneficial for many reasons, including:

  • The system can filter and dehumidify the air.
  • Filtration components are easily upgraded.
  • Lower energy costs for heating and cooling your home.
  • Compatibility with the latest smart thermostats.
  • Installing a forced air system can increase home value.

How Do I Choose the Right System?

Choosing the right HVAC system for your home can be challenging, especially in the variable climate of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Climate and weather are important factors to consider. Central heating can be more effective in colder regions. However, it can be challenging to install in a larger home. Whether you install a central or forced air system, check efficiency ratings that affect energy consumption, utility costs, and your environmental footprint.

Your budget is also a consideration. Each option has different upfront expenses. Depending on what you can afford, you can choose based on the cost of installation and the system’s typical operating and maintenance costs. Higher upfront costs can often be offset by potential long-term savings.

Can I Switch Between Forced Air and Central Heating?

Retrofitting an existing system can be time-consuming and expensive. It may require modifications to ductwork, pipes, and other components. Other updates may also be necessary. To determine if such a project is feasible, schedule a consultation with your local HVAC service provider.

Call the Whale to Learn More About Heating and Cooling Systems

At Call the Whale, our EPA-certified technicians are trained in the latest central and forced air systems. They can determine if a forced air system is a suitable alternative to a central HVAC unit in your home. Our team services all major brands of equipment and is familiar with all the latest products. To learn more about the benefits of an upgrade or to schedule cooling or heating services in Vermont, contact us today.

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