# 6 — Cleanliness: Why a hydronic heating system is cleaner than a forced air system

We've made it to installment #6 of the Top 7 reasons why a hydronic heating system is a better choice than forced air — Cleanliness. I hope you're still with me.

A forced air furnace with its blower and duct system will stir up and move dust, pollen and other impurities throughout your home. Some will remain airborne and inhaled while others will land on surfaces and leave a layer of dust that can again become airborne during cleaning. Then the cycle continues. Some of those impurities come to rest and cling to the inside of your air ducts.

Whole industries have sprung up to prevent and remediate the issues created by the "burner and blower" concept of heating. The sale and installation of HEPA filters, UV lights and electronic air cleaners have produced plenty of revenue enhancement for the furnace guys. And it seems duct cleaning services are being offered by everyone with a shop vac — from handy men to furnace guys to cleaning outfits. You gotta admire them, though — invent and sell a heating system that pushes dirt and allergens around your house, then offer add-on solutions to fix it. Hmmm.

As we've discussed in previous installments of Heidronics, your hydronic heating system uses a completely different heat delivery method. Pipes and tubing deliver heat from your boiler to your rooms without stirring up a trace of dust. The radiators, panels and convectors deliver their gentle heat without blowers or fans. The result is a cleaner indoor air environment with less airborne dust and allergens. You'll also find you need to dust less. And, of course, you'll avoid the added expense of replacement filters and duct cleaning.

Another hydronic advantage, especially for low-temperature radiant systems like in-floor or ceiling radiant, is a reduction in dust mite concentrations. Studies have shown that dust mite populations are significantly lower in homes equipped with low-temperature radiant heating. They've also shown a lower incidence of allergic reactions to dust inhalation. You'll find more detailed information at environmental ergonomics expert Robert Bean's website healthyheating.com.

Next week I'll wrap things up (and maybe dispel a myth) with a discussion about humidity. You may be surprised.

Heidronically yours,

Wayne