Air heating systems function by warming air and then circulating it throughout a space. The most common method involves drawing in cooler air, heating it, and distributing the warmed air via ductwork. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Air Intake:
- The system begins by drawing in air, typically from inside the house through return vents. Some systems can also draw in fresh air from outside, although this is less common in basic setups.
2. Heating Process:
The core of the system lies in how the air is heated. Several methods exist:
- Furnaces (Gas, Oil, Propane): These burn fuel to heat a heat exchanger. Air is then blown over this hot heat exchanger, absorbing the heat.
- Electric Resistance Heating: Electric coils heat up as electricity passes through them, warming the air that's blown across them.
- Heat Pumps: While often used for cooling, heat pumps can also reverse their cycle to extract heat from the outside air (even in cool temperatures) and transfer it inside. An electric resistance element may also be used as a supplementary heat source during colder periods.
3. Air Distribution:
- A blower fan forces the heated air through a network of ducts. These ducts are typically located within the walls, floors, or ceilings of the building.
- The heated air is then released into individual rooms through vents or registers.
4. Thermostat Control:
- A thermostat monitors the temperature of the space. When the temperature drops below the setpoint, the thermostat signals the heating system to turn on. Once the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat shuts off the system.
Simplified Summary:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Intake | Cool air is drawn into the system. |
| 2. Heating | Air is heated by a furnace, electric coils, or heat pump. |
| 3. Distribution | Heated air is forced through ducts and released into rooms through vents. |
| 4. Control | A thermostat regulates the system to maintain the desired temperature. |
In essence, air heating systems act as sophisticated air circulators that add heat to the air before distributing it throughout a building.
