Hot Water System Versus Warm Air System

This is a subject often asked about by people planning a new home:

What kind of heating system should I have installed?

The answer is a combination of economics, location, and comfort. Where you live can make a difference in the system that best suits your needs. If you live in an area where heating is by far the major concern, you may want to consider hot water heating. If you live in a climate that is warm to hot most of the year, then a warm air system with air conditioning may be your choice.

There are some other questions you need to ask yourself: How comfortable do you need to be and during what season do you seek the most comfort? And what about affordability?

Hopefully, the following information will help you make an intelligent choice.

Warm Air System
Advantages:
Less expensive to install
Ductwork is used for both heating and air conditioning
Can be used for heat pump applications
Air movement in the cooling season provides more comfort

Disadvantages:
Not as comfortable in the heating season
Greater need for humidification during the heating season
Satisfactory zoning is more difficult
Not as efficient as the hot water system
Air circulation carries more dust through the home

Hot Water System
Advantages:
Greater winter comfort
Better efficiency
Can be used for radiant in-floor heat, adding to comfort
Can be zoned effectively and comfortably

Disadvantages:
More expensive to install
Requires more maintenance
Cannot provide air conditioning

There you have it! OK, maybe you don't have it all, but at least you have an idea of some of the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of systems. Of course, there are home systems that use a combination of both warm air and hot water heating. They are more expensive but provide a greater overall comfortable level.

As I touched on before, if you live way south and air condition most of the year, you wouldn't need the extra expense of a hot water system. If, on the other hand, you live way up north and heating is your concern, go with a comfortable hot water system.

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