Not many people know the answer to this question: “how do furnaces work”?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- How do furnaces work? Here’s a quick run-down on the basics of furnace mechanics:
- Furnaces consist of four main components: burners, a heat exchanger, a blower, and a flue.
- The furnace converts fuel into heat, with common fuel types being natural gas, propane, and oil.
- Burners are responsible for burning the fuel.
- The heat exchanger transfers heat from the burned fuel.
- A blower circulates the hot air throughout the house.
- The flue vents the heat produced by the furnace.
On average, how do furnaces work?
You rely on your furnace more than you’d think. But have you ever wondered, how do furnaces work? Have you ever been curious about what goes into heating an entire home or commercial building? Furnace mechanics are actually pretty fascinating, and by understanding how yours works, you’ll have a better understanding of how to best take care of it!
So, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today. In this post, we’ll answer a question that too few people know the answer too: how do furnaces work? Then, we’ll tell you how you can get yours checked out by a professional right away!
The Basics of Furnace Mechanics
Okay, so here’s the deal: your furnace takes fuel, like natural gas, propane, or oil, and turns it into heat that warms the air in your home. Simple enough, right? Well, there’s more to it than just that.
There are four main parts to your furnace:
- Burners: These burners are what burn the fuel in a combustion chamber.
- Heat exchanger: The heat exchanger transfers the heat from the burned fuel to the air.
- Blower: The blower blows the hot air into your ductwork and throughout your home.
- Flue: The flue vents out the gases produced by the combustion process.
Types of Furnaces
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s talk about the different types of furnaces out there:
- Single-stage: These are the most basic and inexpensive furnaces, with just one setting for heat output. They’re either on or off, and not very efficient.
- Two-stage: These furnaces have two settings for heat output, allowing them to adjust to meet your home’s heating needs and save energy.
- Modulating: These are the most expensive, but also the most efficient, furnaces. They can adjust their heat output in tiny increments to perfectly meet your home’s needs.
Common Furnace Problems
Unfortunately, furnaces can develop problems just like any other machine. Here are some of the most common issues you might encounter:
- Dirty air filters: Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder, using more energy.
- Faulty thermostat: A wonky thermostat can cause your furnace to run too much or not at all.
- Ignition problems: If your furnace won’t turn on, it could be due to a faulty ignitor or dirty burner.
- Carbon monoxide leaks: Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can be produced if your furnace doesn’t complete the combustion process correctly. Make sure to get your furnace inspected annually to prevent any leaks.
Call in the Pros
If you’ve been wondering, how do furnaces work, then chances are, you’ve been experiencing some furnace problems and you were wondering if you could fix it yourself. But you should never try to fix a furnace by yourself, especially if you have no training or HVAC experience! Instead, call in the experts. We’re a team of certified HVAC technicians based in Colorado Springs, and we’re here to help. Request an appointment today, and we’ll diagnose and fix your furnace in no time!
