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My living room/dining room/kitchen area has really tall ceilings-the heat outlets are high up so the heat doesn't even get to the ground unless I have the fan running to "suck" the air down to ground level...trying to figure out the most efficient way to heat this space...I currently have a gas furnace, but it will probably need replacement in a few years, so if there is a better way to heat a high-ceiling floorplan I would be open to changing systems. Appreciate any input!
If the registers were on the floor the heat would still rise up to the top. Unless you have fans moving the air around you will be left with the same problem.
Without looking at the floorplan, I have to say that you might think of installing ceiling fans. You can reverse the direction of the fan in the winter and the heat actually directs towards the lower part of the room. Heat rises but the fan can circulate it to warm the entire room. Just keep it on a low speed, not med or high, because that allows the air to cool.
By your other posts I assume you're in Nashville.
That, I would consider the south. So, what happens when it's time for A/C?
That's the reason (unless your house is on a slab) your supplies are at ceiling level, or are in the ceiling- You are in a region that is more cooling than heating.
As everybody else has stated- use ceiling fans (change direction as the seasons change).
There's radiant floor heat with a boiler (or even a solar) heater for the water. Major installation issues but my understanding it this type of heating system works particularly well with high ceilings. Electric radiant floor systems are not usually recommended for large rooms because of cost and efficiencies.
You can relocate the forced hot air vents BUT... it usually means tearing up a substantial amount of walls to relocate them. It is rarely done because it would be a major expense and might create a whole lot of cascading problems that would have to be solved. The only way it would be a minor change is if the ducts conveniently were located in walls going up to the ceiling. You could then cut an opening in the lower wall and block the vent above the new opening.
Thanks for the responses...I've been using ceiling fans to get the heat off the ceiling, but just wanted to explore other options since I will probably need to replace the furnace soon. I do plan to install hardwood floors so maybe I could integrate a supplemental radiant heating during that project. I'll do some research on those systems, thanks!
Thanks for the responses...I've been using ceiling fans to get the heat off the ceiling, but just wanted to explore other options since I will probably need to replace the furnace soon. I do plan to install hardwood floors so maybe I could integrate a supplemental radiant heating during that project. I'll do some research on those systems, thanks!
that is probably your best bet, relocating the HVAC is well... not easy.
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