What Are Gas Central Heating Systems?

While living in Minnesota, I have learned that winters are unbearably cold. Temperatures can drop below zero, and as a result, it is necessary to have a gas central heating system in St. Paul. There are many kinds of heating systems to choose from including gas and central heating systems. Heating systems are complicated systems, and because there are so many different kinds, it takes hours of research to learn about how they work. Many people are aware of how a central heating system works, but many are unfamiliar with how a gas system works. Read more to learn about the different types of gas systems that are available to determine which is best to input into a new or existing home.

Central Heat Systems vs Gas Heat Systems

Central heating gets its energy source from a variety of different places including solid fuels (such as wood), water/steam, petroleum and other liquids, electricity, heat pumps, and natural gases. The most common forms of central heating are electricity and gas because they are the easiest to maintain. A gas heater simply takes natural gases and burns them to make heat. This means that they get much hotter than other systems.

Central gas heating systems use natural gas to heat homes. I strongly prefer using natural gas as opposed to a normal central heating system because it is comfortable, convenient, reliable, and more efficient. Heat that comes from natural gas feels much warmer than heat emitted from a central system. The air from forced air systems is about 120 to 140 degrees. The air from a central system is only about 85-95 degrees. The air is able to heat a room, but is lower than the average human temperature of 98.6 degrees.

Forced Air System

The most common type of gas heating system is the forced air system. This system uses a natural gas burner to heat the air. The particular system works by bringing cool air into the system which is then moved to a heat exchanger that heats the air. The air is then pushed out by a blower or fan through the home’s duct system. A fear I have had about gas heating is the emission of CO into my home. However, my wall has wall vents installed pushing the air outdoors so I do not breath in the fumes. This eliminates the need for a chimney or chimney liner.

Water-Based System

Water based systems use a gas boiler to heat homes. The boiler is the most important part of this particular system. It is almost like a large fire that continually has a natural gas supply streaming from it. This system uses the boiler to create hot water or steam which is then circulated through pipes. Many boilers used in these systems are also used as hot water heaters. These systems can use different ways to create the heat including radiators, floor systems, or baseboard units. Radiators can only be completely on or off because it either has hot water flowing through it or not.