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How Does my Furnace Work?
As a homeowner, you want to ensure all your home systems are working correctly to keep you and your family comfortable year-round. When winter comes, your furnace must continue working properly, so your home stays warm and cozy.
But how do you know if your furnace is working properly? The best way is to understand all the essential parts that work together to keep your furnace functioning. After better understanding your furnace's components, you can pinpoint a problem accurately, should one arise. In this blog, our experts at Pine State Services will provide a better understanding of your furnace by explaining its components and how they work together to ensure your home is comfortable for years to come.
The Five Main Components of Your Furnace
Heating Element
At the heart of your furnace is the heating element, which essentially produces heat for your home and can be either gas or electric-powered. Gas furnaces are typically more efficient than electric, with natural gas being more efficient than propane. In both cases, the air is drawn in from outside the home, heated by either an electric resistance coil or a gas burner, then blown back throughout the house via ductwork.
Gas Used
Most furnaces rely on natural gas as their source of fuel. However, some older models may use propane instead. Regardless of what fuel your furnace uses, ensure it is inspected annually for any leaks or faulty connections that can lead to dangerous situations like carbon monoxide poisoning. Always contact a qualified technician if you suspect any problems with your gas line before attempting any repairs yourself!
Duct System
Your home's duct system is responsible for transporting warm air from the heating element throughout the house. It consists of a network of pipes, vents, and other conduits that connect to each room in your home. However, proper sizing and installation are essential for maximizing efficiency. Make sure you hire an experienced professional to install or repair your duct system. They know how to look for and fix leaks or other problems, such as improper insulation or sealing issues, that could result in energy loss and decreased efficiency for your furnace system.
Fans and Blowers
Your furnace has two fans:
- Blower fan
- Inducer fan
The inducer fan pulls air into the furnace to be heated. Heated air is then distributed by the blower fan, which pushes the heated air out of the unit and throughout your home via ductwork. It's essential to ensure that these fans are free from dust or dirt buildup so they don't clog up over time, which could lead to decreased performance from your furnace system.
Thermostat
Your thermostat acts as the brain of your furnace system. It monitors the temperature inside your home and adjusts accordingly based on the temperature set. When temperatures drop below what has been set on the thermostat, it will automatically turn on the heater until desired temperatures have been reached before shutting off automatically. There are many different thermostats on the market, so speak to an experienced professional to see what type is best for your home and system.
Proper Maintenance For Your Furnace
Proper care and maintenance of your furnace are critical to the longevity and efficiency of your system. Maintenance should include the following:
- Regular annual inspections.
- Replacing filters according to manufacturer specifications, which is typically once a month.
- Having the fans and ducts cleaned annually to rid the system of buildup caused by dust and debris.
It's also important to identify signs that something might be wrong with one or more components of your system, such as:
- Noise coming from inside or around it when it's running
- Decreased airflow through vents
- High energy bills
- Strange smells coming from near/around it
These issues can indicate potential problems with one or more components of your system that need expert attention so you can avoid costly repairs and ensure optimal performance from your HVAC unit over its lifetime.
If your furnace needs preventative maintenance or repair, our experts at Pine State Services are ready to take your call! To schedule an appointment, contact us online or give us a call. (207) 747-1210