Which heating system is likely to cause issues due to the "Distribution Effect"?

The "Distribution Effect" refers to the way heat is distributed throughout a living space and can lead to uneven heating. In a forced air furnace system, particularly one that has a return air opening located in the furnace room, the heating distribution can become problematic. This setup typically results in the furnace room receiving more heat than other areas, causing a potential for hot spots near the furnace and colder areas further away from the heat source.

Those differences can lead to discomfort, as some rooms may feel too warm while others remain chilly. This imbalance in temperature distribution is influenced by how air is returned to the furnace for reheating and the placement of ductwork throughout the home.

In contrast, hydronic systems circulate hot water through radiators or baseboards, which tend to distribute heat more evenly since they do not rely on forced air currents that may cause uneven temperatures. Similarly, baseboard heating elements directly radiate heat to the surrounding air from a constant surface temperature, promoting more uniform warming of a space, and electric resistance heaters also offer direct heating with less concern about air distribution issues.

Therefore, the forced air furnace with an improperly placed return air opening is particularly susceptible to issues arising from the "Distribution Effect."