Hot Water Heat Vs. Forced Air Heat
Between environmental concerns and rising heating costs, it pays to know the most efficient and effective way to heat one's home. The two most common heating options, forced air and hot water heating, both have their pros and cons.
Delivery of Heat
Forced air heat is usually created by a furnace and delivered through a ventilation system. This is the system most commonly used in American homes. Hot water heat is created by a hot water heater, which pushes the water through devices like radiators or baseboard heaters; or in more modern homes radiant floor heating, which consists of a system of tubes installed under floor tiles.
Heat Distribution Through a Room
Forced air heat is popular because it offers the most even coverage in a room. The heat is blown through the air and reaches most areas of the home, while heat provided by baseboards or radiators is more localized. Radiant floor heating keeps the entire room warm, but the heat doesn't extend to the ceiling.
Cost Efficiency
Hot water heating generally uses less energy than forced air heating, making it less expensive. Homeowners are also usually able to set their thermostats lower when using hot water heating, further reducing energy costs.
References
Writer Bio
As a professional journalist since 1998, Lisbeth Booth has worked as a writer and an editor at several magazines. Her career has focused on music and film criticism but she has also written about lifestyle topics such as parenting and home design. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Calgary.
Photo Credits
- white radiator image by Ekaterina Sidorenko from Fotolia.com
- white radiator image by Ekaterina Sidorenko from Fotolia.com
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