Warm Air Heating Systems - Pros & Cons?

[chris81]

Hi There,

Can anyone offer advice or information regarding Warm Air Heating systems within the home? I am currently looking at homes to buy, and came across a home built in the 1970s with this system, but I know very little about them. Pros and Cons? any dangers etc? Any advice is greatly received

Many thanks

Chris :stooge_moe:

 

[SimonJohns]

One pro is you can turn it in to a Cooling system in summer.

 

[mountainman]

One pro is you can turn it in to a Cooling system in summer.

And air con if you stick an ice pack in the return air duct.

 

[jtsplumbing]

Main draw back is noise from fan, (not recomended if you have Asthma ) old units can be expensive to run, parts are quite expensive, need to check that heat exchanger is ok, (look for holes) has it got water heater on side (Janus) these tend to clog up on fins, another costly part to replace, if its a 70;s unit would be better to replace with more up to date unit, cost arround £2500.00, but if you are going down that route , just as well put in new heating system

 

[keltoyboy]

Had it in a house i own but previously owned by my mum..... was a very warm house....downside it blows dust around the house and takes up huge space with the ducting....i ripped it out and fitted rads with a valiant combi and i'm much happier as kitchen is now much bigger as old boiler was housed in a cupboard at back of kitchen plus all the ducting.

 

[chris81]

Thanks everyone, some useful comments.