Commercial Heating: How Forced-Air Central Heating Works And Ways To Maximize Its Efficiency

Posted on: 17 August 2021

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In the market for a commercial heating system but are unable to choose from your options? Today's commercial heating systems come in all shapes and sizes to meet the needs of different users. 

That said, one popular heating system in the commercial market right now is central forced-air heating. If you've heard about this type of heating system and you're wondering if it's the right choice for your commercial establishment, you've come to the right place.

Keep reading to have some insight into how forced-air central heating works and how to maximize its efficiency.

Understanding How Forced-Air Central Air Heating Systems Provide Heat In Buildings

These heating systems work by drawing cold air from the interior of a building via the return air ducts, warming it up, and then recirculating it back to the indoor environment using a powerful blower motor or fan. They can run on different energy sources, including natural gas, propane, oil, and electricity. Each energy source has specific pros and cons that influence the final purchase decision.

The fan-forced warmed air is spread throughout the building via a network of supply air ducts. HVAC ductwork often runs in the attic, behind the walls, and in crawlspaces, so they can easily be hidden out of sight. The only visible parts of the air duct system are usually the return air registers and supply air registers where the air is drawn in and redistributed respectively.

Maximizing the Energy Efficiency of Forced-Air Central Air Heating Systems

While many high-efficiency models of forced-air central heaters are available on the commercial market these days, there are things you can do to enjoy greater energy savings during the heating season. Some of the top things you can do to maximize the heating output of your forced-air heating system while keeping energy usage as low as possible include the following:

  1. Keeping your HVAC ductwork clean: Dirty air ducts not only lead to poor indoor air quality but also affect the flow of air within your heating system. Inhibited airflow will make your heating system run harder and use more energy than usual to create a comfortable indoor environment. Periodically cleaning your HVAC air duct network should help keep your heating system running at peak efficiency.
  2. Inspecting your HVAC ductwork for leaks: Properly installed HVAC ductwork should be airtight at all times. Unfortunately, it can be damaged by a host of factors, including the rodents found inside buildings. It's recommended you get your air ducts checked for leaks while you're having them cleaned. 
  3. Optimizing your heater's thermostat settings: Setting your heating system's thermostat at the temperature setting recommended for your specific area or region can help minimize energy losses resulting from setting the heat higher than necessary to maintain comfortable commercial settings.
  4. Staying on schedule with your HVAC air filter changes: Timely changing of your heating system's air filter is essential for maintaining optimum airflow and minimizing the strain put on the system by the freezing winter temperatures. This helps keep energy usage at a minimum.

Whether for the office, cafe, restaurant, or warehouse, you'll want to make sure you're getting the most out of your forced-air central heating system. For more information on the installation and maintenance of forced-air heating systems, contact a commercial heating specialist near you, or visit a website like http://www.mercurytecinc.com.