Introduction – What Is A Furnace
Home furnaces play a crucial role in keeping our living spaces warm and comfortable, especially during colder months. To better appreciate and maintain these essential appliances, it’s important to understand what is a furnace exactly and to distinguish them from other similar appliances.
What Is A Furnace – Main Types Of Furnaces
A furnace is a heating appliance used in homes to generate and distribute warm air throughout the living space. If you’re still confused, a very simple way to think of it is that its a thing, usually in the basement, that burns something (like oil or natural gas) and sends the heat from the burning around the house. Of course, modern furnaces may not burn anything, like an electric furnace. There are three main types of furnaces:
Gas furnaces: These furnaces use natural gas or propane as their fuel source and are the most common type found in homes. Modern gas furnaces are highly efficient, with some models offering Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 90% or higher, which means that they convert 90% or more of the fuel they consume into heat. Gas furnaces may require a more expensive installation, especially if a natural gas line needs to be extended to the home. See our main article on gas furnaces.
Oil furnaces: These furnaces use heating oil as their fuel source and are prevalent in areas where natural gas is not available. Oil furnaces typically produce more heat per unit of fuel compared to gas furnaces, making them suitable for colder climates or homes with higher heating demands. Oil furnaces are generally less efficient than gas furnaces, with AFUE ratings typically ranging between 80% and 90%.
Electric furnaces: These furnaces rely on electricity to generate heat and are often found in homes where gas or oil is not an option. Electric furnaces are typically less expensive to install than gas or oil furnaces since they do not require fuel lines or storage tanks. Electric furnaces will have higher efficiency compared to gas furnaces, with AFUE ratings typically ranging between 95% and 100%. However, because electric heat is less efficient than direct combustion, the overall system efficiency might be lower.
Furnaces are considered home appliances and are integral parts of a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Furnaces Are Different From Boilers
It is important to note that furnaces are not the only type of home heating system; boilers are another common option. While furnaces heat air and distribute it through ductwork and vents, boilers heat water and distribute it through pipes to radiators or underfloor heating systems.
The heated water releases warmth into the living space, and then it returns to the boiler to be reheated. Boilers are typically fueled by natural gas, oil, or electricity, and they can also be used to heat domestic hot water in addition to space heating.
Understanding the difference between furnaces and boilers is essential for homeowners when considering the appropriate heating system for their home, as each has its own set of benefits and considerations, such as installation costs, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements.
Furnaces Are Different From Heat Pumps
Heat pumps offer another alternative to furnaces and boilers for home heating. Unlike furnaces and boilers, which generate heat through combustion or electric resistance, heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another using refrigeration technology. During the colder months, heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air or ground and transfer it indoors, providing efficient and even heating.
In the warmer months, the process can be reversed, allowing the heat pump to function as an air conditioner by extracting heat from the indoor air and transferring it outdoors. However, heat pumps might be less effective in extreme cold climates where the outdoor temperature drops significantly, making supplemental heating necessary.
How Does a Furnace Work?
A furnace consists of several key components that work together to heat and distribute warm air throughout the home:
- Heat exchanger: This component separates the combustion process from the indoor air, ensuring that only clean, warm air is circulated.
- Burner or heating element: In gas and oil furnaces, the burner combusts the fuel to generate heat. In electric furnaces, the heating element uses electric resistance to produce heat.
- Blower motor: This component circulates the heated air through the ductwork and vents, distributing it throughout the home.
- Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the furnace’s operation, turning it on and off based on the desired temperature settings.
In gas and oil furnaces, the combustion process generates heat, which is then transferred to the indoor air through the heat exchanger. Electric furnaces use electric resistance heating elements to produce heat. Once heated, the air is distributed throughout the home via a forced-air heating system that utilizes ductwork and vents.
Furnace Maintenance and Safety
Regular maintenance of your furnace is essential to ensure its safe and efficient operation. Some common maintenance tasks include:
- Changing air filters: Regularly replacing or cleaning the air filters helps maintain good airflow and keeps the furnace running efficiently.
- Inspecting and cleaning components: Periodically checking the various furnace components for wear, damage, or debris can help prevent malfunctions and extend the appliance’s lifespan.
- Professional tune-ups: Having a qualified HVAC technician service your furnace annually can help identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems.
Safety concerns associated with furnaces include carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and the use of carbon monoxide detectors can help mitigate these risks.
Furnace Safety – Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide leaks
Leaks from furnaces are not common when the furnace is properly installed, maintained, and functioning correctly. However, they can occur under certain circumstances, such as when a furnace is damaged, poorly maintained, or improperly installed.
The heat exchanger is a critical component of a gas or oil furnace. Over time, it can develop cracks or holes due to wear and tear, corrosion, or thermal stress, allowing combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, to mix with the circulating air in the home.
Proper ventilation is essential for the safe operation of a furnace. If the furnace is not adequately vented, combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, may not be effectively exhausted outside and could accumulate indoors.
Insufficient oxygen for combustion, poor fuel quality, or a malfunctioning burner can lead to incomplete combustion, which can produce increased levels of carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide – The Silent Killer
Do not take carbon monoxide problems lightly. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, making it virtually impossible to detect without the aid of a carbon monoxide detector. It’s often referred to as the “silent killer” due to these properties. When breathed in, carbon monoxide will replace oxygen in your blood, which can lead to severe tissue damage or even death in a very short amount of time. Make sure to have a detector with working batteries.
Big Brand Names
Two big brand names in the furnace industry that you might want to look up are:
- Carrier: Carrier is a globally recognized leader in heating and cooling solutions, known for its innovation, reliability, and efficiency. They offer a broad range of furnaces, including gas and oil models, to suit different household needs.
- Trane: Another reputable name in the HVAC industry, Trane offers high-quality, energy-efficient furnaces. Trane is known for its rigorous testing, ensuring that its furnaces stand up to the toughest of operating conditions and deliver long-lasting performance.
Conclusion
Understanding the functions, uses, and operation of home furnaces is useful for ensuring a comfortable and safe living environment. By being aware of the different types of furnaces, how they work, and the importance of regular maintenance, homeowners can keep their heating systems running efficiently and safely throughout the colder months.
