Forced Air Heating Systems in Southern Illinois

Have a forced air heating system repaired or installed when you call our pros for service throughout Southern Illinois.

When winter hits, you need a heating solution you can rely on in your home. Forced air heating systems distribute warmth throughout your Southern Illinois home to keep you comfortable all winter. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. provides top-notch natural gas or electric forced air heating services. When you work with our HVAC pros, you can trust that all work will be carried out safely and accurately.

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What Is Forced Air Heating?

Forced air heating systems warm homes by using a blower fan to draw in air from the house and force it over a heat source - usually a heat exchanger, gas furnace, heating coils or electric furnace. Heat is then distributed throughout the house through air ducts.

Ways to Maintain Your Forced Air Heating Systems

When winter weather hits, you need to ensure your forced air heating system is fully functioning. To make sure your system operates at full capacity in cold temperatures, use these tips to keep it properly maintained:

  • Regularly clean the filters, ideally every three months.
  • Schedule regular maintenance before winter hits and right after the season.
  • Inspect the ductwork to look for signs of damage that can prevent hot air from traveling through the vents.
  • Check the thermostat to ensure it’s working properly.

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Benefits of Forced Air Systems

There are many options when it comes to selecting a heating solution for your home. While there are pros and cons to all units, there are certain benefits of forced air systems.

  • Increased air quality: Regularly changing your furnace filters in this system can result in higher air quality in your home. These units trap allergens and other particles that can impact your breathing or even your health.
  • Improved energy efficiency: These systems are required to operate at a higher efficiency level than ever before, ensuring your home is heated without wasting energy.
  • Combined heating and cooling capabilities: These systems are the only ones that combine both heating and cooling, allowing the same ductwork that’s used for heating the home to also carry the cool air in the warmer months.

Common Issues with Forced Air Heating Systems

Various issues can arise with forced air heating systems, ranging from mechanical failures to airflow problems. Understanding common issues can help homeowners identify potential problems early and seek prompt assistance.

Some frequent issues include inadequate heating, strange noises during operation, and frequent cycling of the furnace. Regular maintenance checks and prompt repairs can help mitigate these issues, ensuring your system operates efficiently and reliably throughout the heating season.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Forced Air Heating

Enhancing the energy efficiency of your forced air heating system can lead to substantial savings on utility bills. Simple adjustments and maintenance practices can have a significant impact on performance and energy consumption.

Consider sealing ducts to prevent heated air from escaping, using programmable thermostats to regulate temperatures, and regularly maintaining your system to ensure it operates at peak efficiency. These steps not only save energy but also prolong the lifespan of your heating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does forced air mean for heating and cooling?

    Forced air means conditioned air is pushed through ductwork by a blower and delivered through vents in each room, rather than heat radiating from water or panels. The same ducts serve both the furnace and the air conditioner. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. installs and services forced air systems in Murphysboro and Pinckneyville, Illinois.

  • What is the life expectancy of a forced hot air furnace?

    A gas forced air furnace lasts 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance, while neglected units often fail closer to 12. Heat exchanger condition, not age alone, determines whether repair is still safe. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. inspects heat exchangers on aging furnaces for Murphysboro and Perry County, Illinois homeowners each heating season.

  • How do I know if my AC unit needs to be replaced?

    Consider replacement when the unit is past 12 to 15 years, uses discontinued R-22 refrigerant, needs repeated repairs, or no longer keeps up on the hottest days. Rising electric bills with no usage change also point there. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. compares repair against replacement cost for Murphysboro and Pinckneyville, Illinois homeowners.

  • What are the disadvantages of forced air heating?

    Forced air can circulate dust and allergens, create uneven temperatures between rooms, and lose 20% to 30% of its energy through leaky or uninsulated ducts. It is also noisier than radiant heat. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. seals and balances ductwork in Murphysboro and Perry County, Illinois homes to reduce those drawbacks.

  • How often should a forced air furnace run?

    In moderate weather a furnace should run 2 to 3 cycles per hour, about 10 to 15 minutes each. Constant running in mild conditions or very short cycles both signal a problem, often airflow restriction, a bad thermostat, or an oversized unit. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. diagnoses cycling issues in Murphysboro and Pinckneyville, Illinois.

  • What temperature is considered a heating emergency in Southern Illinois?

    Indoor temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit in winter or above 90 in summer become genuine health risks, especially for infants, older adults, and anyone with a medical condition. Frozen plumbing becomes a second risk. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. prioritizes no-heat calls in Murphysboro and Perry County, Illinois at 618-687-5862.

  • What are the heating laws in Illinois?

    Illinois requires residential landlords to provide adequate heating capability, and many municipalities set minimum indoor temperatures near 68 degrees Fahrenheit during daytime heating season hours. Utilities also face winter shutoff restrictions. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. helps landlords in Murphysboro and Pinckneyville, Illinois keep heating systems compliant and inspected.

  • How much does an emergency HVAC visit cost?

    An emergency HVAC service call covers after-hours diagnosis, with parts and repair billed separately once the fault is identified. Weekend and holiday calls typically cost more. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. states the charge to Murphysboro and Perry County, Illinois customers before dispatching.

You need a top-notch solution to heat your home in the winter months. Call A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. at 618-687-5862 for forced-air heating services in the Southern Illinois area.