🕑 5 minutes read
When it comes to heating your home, warm air heating is a viable option often overlooked in favour of traditional wet central heating. However, warm air systems have much to offer regarding efficiency, comfort, and versatility. These heating systems, also known as ducted air or dry systems, have long been a preferred choice in older buildings. In contrast, it lost popularity in the late 70s to systems with water-filled radiators. It's time to revisit their advantages.
There are two types of warm air systems: one is ducted warm air, and the other is in the form of warm air unit heaters.
- Ducted Warm Air Systems: These systems push warm air throughout your home via a network of ducts and vents. The warm air is produced by a central heating unit, typically fueled by gas or electricity. Ducted systems can also incorporate air filtration and humidity control, improving indoor air quality.
- Warm Air Unit Heaters: These are standalone heating units that blow warm air into a single room or space. They are commonly used in large, open areas like warehouses, factories, and other commercial premises. Warm air unit heaters are also powered by gas or electricity.
Efficient and Eco-Friendly
Warm air heating offers an eco-friendly, efficient approach to heating specific areas, making it ideal for well-insulated homes.
All-Year Comfort
Warm air systems provide both heating and cooling, making them suitable for all-year-round use in areas of extreme temperature variations.
Changing Perceptions
Boilers were traditionally popular in the UK due to colder winters and milder summers. However, climate change has reshaped perceptions, and warm air heating in some new builds is making a comeback as a sustainable solution.
Let's explore these heating methods to see if they are a viable option.
Gas-Fired Warm Air
In a gas-fired warm air system, outdoor air is drawn in and heated via a gas flame. Older versions of these units lack the ability to heat water, but modern systems can provide both.
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps
Air-to-air heat pumps are an eco-friendly heating solution that uses electricity to move air within your home, effectively regulating its temperature. These systems employ the principles of vapour compression refrigeration to transfer heat from one area to another. They can function like air conditioners in reverse but primarily provide heating. In some cases, they can be integrated with other heating systems, such as boilers, to produce hot water as well.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps are seen as an alternative to traditional heating systems. It harnesses the heat in the ground courtesy of the sun. So, they provide an energy-efficient and consistent heating solution for homes and buildings. In the UK, where the earth maintains an average temperature of approximately 8-11°C all year round, just a few metres below the surface, buried pipework draws warm air up from the ground and circulates it through a home's ventilation system. This method allows the system to maintain a comfortable temperature without relying on costly and unsustainable energy sources. However, their cost is too high for most, and the uptake is slow. They will become affordable only when their price is comparable with gas boiler prices. They also require a large garden section (if you have one) for the pipework.
Hybrid Heat Pumps
Hybrid heat pumps are specifically designed to alternate between the use of gas for the boiler and electricity for the heat pump, optimising fuel cost savings and reducing carbon emissions. Homes with high heating demands can benefit greatly from this solution. Downside two appliances and running costs.
Warm air heating offers several advantages, making it an attractive choice for heating.
Contact serviceteam today if you need your warm air or conventional gas boiler serviced.
There are two types of warm air systems: one is ducted warm air, and the other is in the form of warm air unit heaters.
- Ducted Warm Air Systems: These systems push warm air throughout your home via a network of ducts and vents. The warm air is produced by a central heating unit, typically fueled by gas or electricity. Ducted systems can also incorporate air filtration and humidity control, improving indoor air quality.
- Warm Air Unit Heaters: These are standalone heating units that blow warm air into a single room or space. They are commonly used in large, open areas like warehouses, factories, and other commercial premises. Warm air unit heaters are also powered by gas or electricity.
Warm Air Heating in Modern Homes
Modern UK homes demand efficient heating, improved air quality, and adaptable solutions. Warm air heating systems have quickly emerged as the perfect response to these requirements. They provide rapid, efficient heating and enhanced air quality, making them a preferred choice for some homeowners.Efficient and Eco-Friendly
Warm air heating offers an eco-friendly, efficient approach to heating specific areas, making it ideal for well-insulated homes.
All-Year Comfort
Warm air systems provide both heating and cooling, making them suitable for all-year-round use in areas of extreme temperature variations.
Changing Perceptions
Boilers were traditionally popular in the UK due to colder winters and milder summers. However, climate change has reshaped perceptions, and warm air heating in some new builds is making a comeback as a sustainable solution.
Let's explore these heating methods to see if they are a viable option.
Types of Warm Air Systems
Gas-Fired Warm AirIn a gas-fired warm air system, outdoor air is drawn in and heated via a gas flame. Older versions of these units lack the ability to heat water, but modern systems can provide both.
Air-to-Air Heat PumpsAir-to-air heat pumps are an eco-friendly heating solution that uses electricity to move air within your home, effectively regulating its temperature. These systems employ the principles of vapour compression refrigeration to transfer heat from one area to another. They can function like air conditioners in reverse but primarily provide heating. In some cases, they can be integrated with other heating systems, such as boilers, to produce hot water as well.
Ground Source Heat PumpsGround source heat pumps are seen as an alternative to traditional heating systems. It harnesses the heat in the ground courtesy of the sun. So, they provide an energy-efficient and consistent heating solution for homes and buildings. In the UK, where the earth maintains an average temperature of approximately 8-11°C all year round, just a few metres below the surface, buried pipework draws warm air up from the ground and circulates it through a home's ventilation system. This method allows the system to maintain a comfortable temperature without relying on costly and unsustainable energy sources. However, their cost is too high for most, and the uptake is slow. They will become affordable only when their price is comparable with gas boiler prices. They also require a large garden section (if you have one) for the pipework.
Hybrid Heat Pumps
Hybrid heat pumps are specifically designed to alternate between the use of gas for the boiler and electricity for the heat pump, optimising fuel cost savings and reducing carbon emissions. Homes with high heating demands can benefit greatly from this solution. Downside two appliances and running costs.
Advantages of Warm Air Systems
Picking the right warm air heating system for your place is important. Johnson and Starley's warm air heating comes in different types, and they're designed to save energy and have smart electronic controls.Warm air heating offers several advantages, making it an attractive choice for heating.
- Quick Heat Distribution: They can heat a room almost instantly, faster than traditional radiators.
- Even Heat Distribution: The forced air distribution ensures no cold spots or temperature variations in a room.
- Improved Air Quality: Many warm air systems come with air filtration options, helping to reduce allergens and dust particles in the air.
- Space Efficiency: With no radiators taking up wall space, they can free up valuable room for other purposes.
- Versatility: Ducted systems can provide both heating and cooling, adding a layer of comfort during hot summers.
Disadvantages of Warm Air Systems
While warm air systems have their benefits, there are also some downsides to consider:- Initial Installation Cost: Installing a warm air system, especially a ducted one, can be more expensive upfront than traditional radiator systems. The design of the building may also pose a problem.
- Noise: Some warm air units can be noisier than radiators due to fan noise.
- Maintenance: They require regular maintenance to ensure air quality and system efficiency.
- Energy Efficiency: Depending on the system and how well it's maintained, warm air systems may have slightly lower energy consumption compared to some modern radiator systems.
Warm Air Systems Are They Expensive?
When considering warm air systems, it's important to note that their cost can vary based on factors like system type, property size, and installation complexity. Although ducted systems may require a higher initial investment due to installation, they offer long-term savings through enhanced energy efficiency.Serviceteam Warm Air System Engineers
Warm air units offer a range of benefits; however, they may have higher upfront costs (£8,000 - £10,000) and require regular maintenance. Whether a warm air system is right depends on your heating needs, budget, preferences and property design. Always consult with a heating professional to determine the best solution.Contact serviceteam today if you need your warm air or conventional gas boiler serviced.
