Beginner’s Guide to Furnaces

If you’re like most people, when the weather starts to get cold, your first thought is probably “I need to turn on the furnace.” But do you know how a furnace works? In this article, we will take a look at the inner workings of a furnace and discuss how it heats your home.

We will also explore some of the common problems that can occur with furnaces and provide tips for fixing them. So whether you are a homeowner who wants to learn more about their furnace, or you are just curious about what goes on behind that metal box in your basement, read on.

What is a Furnace?

A furnace is a device that uses fuel to generate heat. Most furnaces use either gas or electricity as their source of energy. The fuel is burned in a combustion chamber and the hot air produced by the process is then circulated throughout your home via ducts.

How Does a Furnace Work?

When you turn on your furnace, it begins by drawing cold air into its combustion chamber. This air is mixed with natural gas (or other fuel sources depending on what type of furnace you have) and ignited by an electric spark or pilot light.

The burning gas heats the metal walls of the combustion chamber, which in turn heats the surrounding air.

The heated air then passes through ductwork and is released throughout your home. As the air passes through the ductwork, a fan pushes it through the vents in each room. The returning cold air then passes back into the furnace and is cycled again.

What Problems Can Occur with a Furnace?

Several common problems can occur with furnaces, such as insufficient heat output or pilot light problems.

You may also experience issues with thermostat settings or blower motor problems. Fortunately, most of these issues can be solved with simple fixes like changing out filters or cleaning out debris from around the blower fan.

What is the Difference Between a Gas or Electric Furnace?

The main difference between a gas and an electric furnace is the source of energy used to heat your home.

A gas furnace uses natural gas as its fuel source, while an electric furnace uses electricity. Gas furnaces tend to be more efficient than electric furnaces because they produce more heat with less energy.

However, they can also be more expensive to operate due to their higher fuel costs. Electric furnaces are typically cheaper to operate but may not be as efficient as gas furnaces in colder climates.

Signs That Your Furnace is Broken

There are a few signs that could indicate that your furnace is broken. If your furnace isn’t producing enough heat, has an unusual smell, or makes strange noises when it’s running, then you should contact a professional to inspect and repair the furnace.

You may also notice higher than normal electric bills if your furnace isn’t working properly. Replacing worn-out parts or other maintenance tasks may help restore your furnace to optimal efficiency and save you money in the long run.

Signs Your Furnace Needs to Be Replaced

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. Modern furnaces are much more efficient than their older counterparts and can save you money in the long run.

You should also consider replacing your furnace if you experience frequent breakdowns or repairs that seem to cost too much money.

Replacing a broken furnace with a newer model will not only save you money on energy bills but can also provide peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to worry about sudden breakdowns or costly repairs.

How to Maintenance a Furnace

Proper maintenance is the key to a long-lasting and efficient furnace.

You should regularly change air filters, clean dust from around the blower fan, check for gas leaks, and inspect electrical connections. If you notice any of these issues or anything else that seems out of place with your furnace, you should contact a professional for help.

Regular preventative maintenance can go a long way in keeping your furnace running smoothly for years to come.

Receive Furnace Maintenance from Access Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’re looking for reliable furnace repair and maintenance services, look no further than Access Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer a variety of services to ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely.