The one weak point of a central system is leaky ductwork located in an unheated space. Studies have shown that these ducts, which are typically insulated but not sealed, can account for a large percentage of heat loss.

When you design your home heating system, whether it's a new home or an add-on system, duct sizing and heat loss will play a big role in the efficiency of the heating system.

Central heating systems can also include cooling, either through a heat pump which provides heating and cooling, or a forced air furnace which will accommodate a central air conditioning system. These systems allow you to heat and cool your home with one thermostat using the same ductwork.

Controlling your central system can be done automatically by including a programmable thermostat which can be set according to your daily schedule, automatically increasing and decreasing the temperature.

Air filtration is another feature that is included in central systems. These filters need to be changed or cleaned regularly for efficiency.

ADVANTAGES

• A single thermostat controls heating and cooling for the entire house.
• Air filtration system removes dust and dirt from the indoor air.
• Cooling can be included as part of the whole house system.