In retail and warehouse complexes, space heating using air has been used for a long time. But recently, private developers have also begun to pay attention to this heating method. Let’s try to understand how advisable it is to use air instead of water, and what is needed for this.
Air heating system elements
What does the system consist of?
An air heating circuit can include a large number of different devices. However, its main elements are heat-generating equipment, a piping network, and fans. Let’s consider all of the above in more detail.
Heat generator
This can be devices that run on different types of fuel. The simplest and most economical option is a gas burner. Moreover, the presence of the main gas is not necessary: the burner can also operate from a cylinder.
Solid fuel boilers are no less popular. Such equipment includes the well-known Buleryan stove. Its design already provides for pipe routing, which is very convenient. All that remains is to connect the air ducts.
A diesel unit can also be a heat generator. Its operation, taking into account the cost of fuel, will cost more than using a gas boiler. In addition, diesel engines require periodic cleaning.
An electric boiler is perhaps the most expensive equipment of all the above. Mainly due to high energy consumption. An exception may be electric generators operating as part of complex air systems with heat recuperators.
Air ducts
Round or square air ducts are used to transport air to different parts of the house. It is believed that the latter fits better into a residential interior.
At the same time, round-shaped structures have better aerodynamics, which increases the efficiency of the entire heating system as a whole. The choice of pipe diameter depends on the total area of the premises and the power of the heat generator. Usually, it is 100-200 mm.
Corrugated round pipes can be used as air ducts
Fans
Strictly speaking, the presence of these devices in the system is not a prerequisite: warm air will in any case rise up through the air channels, providing the rooms with the necessary heat. True, it is better to install the air ducts closer to
the floor. The operation of duct fans will create the necessary pressure, due to which the movement of air masses will be faster. As a result, heating the house will also happen much faster. In addition, in a system with forced air circulation, it is easier to control the temperature.
Optional equipment
Air heating can work in a single complex with various devices: air conditioning, recuperator and ventilation systems, anti-dust filters, air humidification, and disinfection units. Such a complex can be assembled independently using various components or purchased as a ready-made climate control project. The functionality of the equipment and the degree of its compatibility will depend only on the size of the investment.
Operating principle
- An air intake located near the floor draws cold air into the boiler. Once in the heat generator, the air enters the heat exchanger, where, having heated to a certain temperature, it goes through the hoses into the premises of the house. Delivery of heated air masses to each room occurs using ceiling diffusers;
- Cooling down, the air falls down, where it is again drawn into the heat generator, after which the entire cycle is repeated. The heating system is often combined with forced ventilation, which, ensuring proper air exchange, enriches the room with oxygen from the street;
- The temperature regime is maintained by regulating the speed of duct fans and boiler power. In most functional systems, this task is taken over by automation: if the temperature is too high, the volume of gas supplied to the boiler is reduced, and the fans begin to work at a lower speed, or stop completely.
Installing air ducts in the attic of a house
Advantages
Let us list the main positive aspects of using air heating.
No radiators and economical energy consumption
Since there is no need for liquid coolant, there is no need to install a water circuit and a large number of batteries throughout the house. This circumstance allows you to significantly save on materials. In addition, heating air requires less electricity than heating water. As a result, the efficiency of the system is higher compared to the efficiency of traditional water heating.
Easy maintenance
You should not think about preserving the heating if you need to leave the house for some time during the cold season. You no longer have to think about the risk of water freezing in pipes. As well as the fact that leaks may appear in the pipeline. Maintenance will consist only of promptly changing used fans and carrying out preventive inspections of boiler equipment and control automation.
Heating speed and durability
Complete heating of the entire house is carried out in 20-40 minutes, even if the temperature in the rooms was initially negative. The reliability of the system is determined by the absence of problems that are inherent in water heating. A properly assembled set of devices can be used for more than 30 years.
Low cost
The price of air heating generators is comparable to water boilers, but wiring around the house will be cheaper. Aluminum duct hoses, diffusers, and interior ventilation grilles cost significantly less than water circuit pipes, radiators, shut-off valves, and fittings. For this reason, it is advisable to use heating of this type not only in living rooms but also in small utility rooms – garages, or workshops. However, it should be borne in mind that the cost of a finished climate control system, which includes air conditioning, ventilation, and recovery systems, is significantly higher.
The air heating system may include a recuperator
Flaws
There are also disadvantages. Compared to the benefits, they are not many, but for some, they may seem quite significant.
Presence of noise
Unfortunately, the system can hardly be called absolutely silent. Running fans will produce a not too noticeable hum. In addition, some humming can be heard from the heat generator. The way out of the situation is to purchase equipment with minimal noise levels.
Difficulty of installation
Air heating in small one-story houses, as a rule, does not require the installation of fans. In this case, air transport into rooms for effective convection must be carried out at floor level. Air duct hoses will have to be laid inside walls or between flooring joists, which entails a large amount of labor-intensive work. This installation method is best suited for frame buildings with hollow walls.
