Are you considering getting a furnace? Then it’s time to learn the ends and outs of these machines. While they might seem intimidating, furnaces operate in a fairly simple manner and could be the perfect way to heat your home.
Here at Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing, we are experts when it comes to furnaces. Here is a quick lesson on how furnaces work.
How Do Furnaces Work?
While furnaces might seem like complicated machines, they have a basic operating principle that allows them to work efficiently. Furnaces work by transforming air into heat and then, by using a fan, it transfers that heat throughout your home’s ductwork and out air vents. In many homes, a furnace’s ductwork is shared by the air conditioner.
Quality ductwork is vital to a furnace’s efficiency. Holes, tears and any other damage can compromise the furnace’s ability to heat your home. The damage allows heat to escape before it has a chance to be blown through your air vents to warm your home. This also means your furnace is going to have to work much harder to keep you warm, using more electricity or gas. Any damage to your ductwork must be repaired quickly, as the longer you go without fixing it, the worse the damage will become. Making the repair potential more costly and more timely.
What’s The Difference Between A Gas Furnace and An Electric Furnace?
If you are in the market for a new furnace, you’ll quickly notice how many options you have. However, the most important thing you need to decide is if you want a gas or electric furnace. They function similarly, but there are some key differences.
Gas Furnaces
A natural gas furnace use’s a pilot light along with multiple burners. The pilot light ignites these burners to create heat. The heat then enters the exchanger where it is warmed to the temperature set on the thermostat. The blower will then push the heat through the ductwork out through the air vents.
While a gas furnace can provide a more powerful heat and at an oftentimes lower cost, it’s important to note that your home has to be equipped with a natural gas line. If it’s not, installing one can be very costly and sometimes impossible. Gas furnaces can also be dangerous. Because they use gas, you’ll be at risk of a leak. You’ll need to equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors if you decide to go with a gas furnace.
Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces aren’t equipped with a pilot light. Instead, an electrical ignition is used to activate the heating elements that have a similar purpose to the burners found in gas furnaces. The heating elements have coils that electricity passes through to heat air. The higher the temperature on your thermostat, the hotter the air. Once the air reaches the same temperature your thermostat is set to, the furnace’s blower will start to push the air through the ductwork and out the air vents.
Electric furnaces are better for all-year-round use. Unlike gas furnaces, they can heat and cool your home. However, because electric furnaces use electricity, you’re going to see a significant difference in your energy bill.
If you still have questions about furnaces then don’t hesitate to call the pros here at Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing. Whether you need an AC tune-up, a furnace repaired, or a thermostat installed, we can help you with all of your heating and air needs.
If you are in Houston, contact us today!
