Discover How Furnace Works

Find out how furnace works in as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

For most homeowners who own an older model heating system, it probably is a furnace. Considered as among the oldest and most widely used home heating system there is, the modern day furnace has been through a lot over the years. During its earlier days, homeowners often used wood and coal to fuel their furnaces. As the years go by, and the HVAC industry experienced significant changes and advancements, newer models started using gas, electricity or propane for them to work. These later models boast of higher efficiency levels than its older counterparts. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is used to determine a furnace’s energy efficiency. These new models can have an AFUE rating as high as 98%, which means they can convert 98% of the fuel they use into usable heat. So, that’s 98 cents of usable heat for every dollar spent on energy. Now, you’d understand so much more about it if you simply know how furnace works.

Homeowners often don’t have an idea how furnaces work. And this relative cluelessness makes their lives more difficult especially during a breakdown. Regardless of what type of furnace you have at home, all of them operates using the same principle, forced air heating. Simply put, the furnace transfers the heat to the air that is then sent to the ductwork by the blower fan, out into your vents and your living space. Check out the short rundown of how the various types of gas furnace work.

• Natural gas furnace – it works after the pilot light ignites several burners within the combustion chamber. As the burners ignite, they generate heat that goes inside the heat exchanger. Then, this heat transfers to the air and makes it hotter so it can reach the set temperature on the thermostat. By this time, the blower takes the air and sends it in the direction of your home’s ductwork. If you have a propane-powered furnace, it works in a similar way.
• Electric furnace – instead of a pilot light, the heating process is started by an electrical ignition. This ignition starts activating the heating elements containing the conductive coils. While the current goes through the coils, they start heating the air that is passed onto the blower. More heating elements are activated depending on the amount of heat set on the thermostat.

It may sound too simple and easy, but for an average homeowner like you, bear in mind that a furnace has lots of components to guarantee that the exchange and distribution of heat run smoothly without compromising your health and safety. You are not advised to diagnose or repair a faulty thermostat unless you are a professional HVAC technician yourself armed with the right tools to do the job right. Trust on heating experts to fix whatever is broken in your furnace, regardless of its source. It is important that you hire a professional to take a look at whatever issue you are having with your furnace, especially in the case of carbon monoxide leaks, where you cannot smell, see, or taste them. So, you have no idea if there is already a leak in your home unless you have a carbon monoxide leak detector. Meanwhile, high voltage shocks is a constant threat to electric furnaces.

If you know how furnaces work, you’ll be able to use them properly, and it will also be easier for you to look after them to avoid experiencing frequent and costly issues with your furnace.

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How to Troubleshoot a Furnace Guide that All Homeowners Should Know

No need to panic once your heating system breaks down as long as you know how to troubleshoot a furnace.

You’d be surprised at how time flies so fast. The same thing can be said with the changing of the seasons. One time it’s hot and humid, the next time it’s cold and freezing outside. It pays to be handy at home and knows how to troubleshoot a furnace. You no longer have to pay for expensive emergency furnace services or endure a cold and drafty home. Check out the following nine simple tasks you can do yourself on how to troubleshoot a furnace without the help of an expert. During times of distress, every second counts.

1. Ensure that you set the thermostat to “heat.”

A lot of people often overlook this step, but many times, it is the reason why your home has no heating all of a sudden. Remember that the first step before doing any troubleshooting is to check whether you have set the thermostat to “heat.” You’d be surprised at the number of times and ways it can change throughout the day.
Also, bear in mind to set it at a temperature that can turn on your furnace. Spare several minutes for the fan to work and the heat to kick in.

2. Check the air filter.

The most common reason you have a furnace issue is because of the air filter. Most of the time, homeowners forget to replace their furnace filters. It can become dirty and clogged, significantly restricting the airflow. Most modern furnaces have built-in features that can detect the issue and shut down on its own before the filter starts messing the furnace’s operation. Other older units will keep on running but start to show signs of reduced efficiency.
To find out you are having furnace filter issues, check the filter. Homeowners are encouraged to replace their filters each month, so they no longer forget about it all the time. You can also tell if it’s a filter issue if you can hear whistling sounds. It signals that your furnace has a hard time of getting sufficient air via the filter, so it pulls air over any opening it can manage to find.

3. Replace batteries.

Most thermostats are connected to the electrical system of the house, while there are others that are battery-operated. Some models flash a “low battery” warning, but they often go unnoticed. Thus, don’t forget to replace your batteries with fresh ones every now and then.

4. Is your furnace getting power?

Check that your furnace is receiving power. A lot of thermostats come with a switch that says “On” or “Auto” wherein the fan automatically kicks in once you turn on the unit. Make sure it is set to “on.” You’re good to go once the fan turns on. You have a problem if it doesn’t.

5. Look for the circuit breaker.

If you’re still clueless on the cause of the problem, here’s another tip on how to troubleshoot a furnace. Check the breaker panel of your home and search for the circuit controlling the furnace. Check whether it’s set to “on” or “off.” There are those that shows red. There are electricians who do not label household appliances properly. The furnace switch is often the different one from the rest. Turn it off and back on to fix it.

6. Throw another switch.

There is another switch known as the “furnace switch.” It mostly resembles a typical switch. You can find it on the unit itself or a nearby wall. However, many homeowners often confuse this switch with a light switch and turn it off by accident. Throw this furnace switch and wait several minutes for it to work.

7. Break the code.

Furnaces made in 1990 or later years come with a small window where light can show through. This light indicates whether a furnace has power or flashes a code to let you know what is wrong with your furnace.
After turning the furnace switch on and off, observe the flashing light sequence. Next, open the access panel. Inside one of the two panels will let you know the meaning of the code. It can help a technician determine the problem in case your furnace still won’t work.

8. Follow the light.

For furnaces with pilot lights, check the owner’s manual on how you can relight it. But if you’re not comfortable in doing it, call an expert to do it for you.

9. Inspect the gas valve.

If nothing seems to work, inspect the gas valve to ensure that it’s not turned off. All gas furnaces come with a “gas cock” that you can find within six feet of your furnace. You can still check it even if most of the time it remains untouched. If there are other gas appliances in your home, check whether they are working or not. If they do, at least you know there’s nothing wrong with your home’s gas line.

As long as you are eager to learn how to troubleshoot a furnace, try your best to fix it. But if nothing works and you’re no longer comfortable in doing the repair yourself, you can always call a furnace expert to intervene. Make it a point to schedule your furnace for regular check-up and maintenance at least yearly during autumn. This precautionary measure isn’t that expensive, around $100 or so, and will benefit you and your furnace in the long run.

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Learn How to Choose the Best Furnace to Have at Home

Read this article to no longer wonder how to choose the best furnace you can own today.

Many people rely on their furnace to stay sane, warm, and comfortable during the cold winter months. But no matter how much we want our furnaces to remain in excellent shape for all the years to come, that is not just the case. Like any other piece of appliance, furnaces are bound to break down sooner than later. If you want your investment to last, learn how to choose the best furnace to equip your home with and save money on utility bills without putting a strain on the environment.

Select the Best Fuel Type that Fits your Budget

Different fuel sources can power your furnace. There are fuel, coal, oil, wood, and the most common of all, natural gas. If you live somewhere in the south, an electric furnace will often do since winters aren’t as harsh as in the east. If you are after performance and efficiency, choose an oil or gas powered furnace to heat your home without burning a hole in your wallet.

You’ll probably spend more in buying and installing a gas furnace than an oil furnace, but you get to save more over time on higher efficiency ratings. But if you are looking for a furnace that is more affordable for starters, go with an oil furnace instead. There are still oil-powered variants that also boast of higher efficiency.

Consider Fuel Prices

Another important consideration on how to choose the best furnace is fuel prices. Remember that gas prices don’t often fluctuate like that of oil prices. Oil prices can drop this month and spike the following month, so you better be aware of these fluctuations in advance. Buy a gas furnace if you are after more consistency since you’d likely deal with a predictable monthly expense over time.

Check AFUE Ratings

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating measures a furnace’s overall energy efficiency. They are expressed in percentages, and a furnace is said to be more energy efficient the higher the number is. For oil furnaces, they often have an AFUE rating anywhere around 60% to 80% whereas gas furnaces can have AFUE ratings as high as 98%.

The type of fuel is not the only consideration you have to remember. Other factors also matter including the furnace model and how much money you can save on a particular model. Other significant ratings like the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) can likewise help you on how to choose the furnace for your home that you can afford. Consider as many factors as you can, so that you can make a more accurate comparison and a better and informed decision as a whole.

Think about the Overall Cost of Ownership

The overall cost of ownership takes into consideration installation, energy use, maintenance, as well as repair costs of your new furnace. There are particular furnaces that last longer and actually become more efficient with continued use. There are also furnaces that require less effort or time to set up, which in turn lessens your upfront cost.

However, calculating the overall cost of ownership before buying a furnace is not an easy task. You need to consider several factors and ratings to determine how a certain furnace works. Thus, it is best to seek the advice of an expert on technical issues such as a furnace installation.

Contact a Furnace Technician

Remember that furnace technicians are an indispensable resource when it comes to HVAC. They have worked on furnaces throughout their professional career and have worked on all makes and models out in the market. Ask a contractor to do a load calculation that takes into consideration the size of your home and how many people live in the house in determining your heating requirements. Expert furnace technicians will consider your budget, heat requirement, and all other important considerations to help you choose the best furnace for your home.

Moreover, they are knowledgeable about the different models and brands as well as the manufacturer’s industry standing. Ask your technician to suggest at least three models for you to choose from. It will help you make an informed decision and minimize how much you need to research yourself.

A furnace is a significant investment. Knowing how to choose the best furnace for your home will help you take advantage of new and energy-saving alternatives that are now commercially available in the market.

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How to Replace a Furnace on your Own

During winter, learn how to replace a furnace once it breaks down to save time and money without suffering in the cold.

If you live somewhere cold, the warm summer heat is a welcome respite from the biting cold you constantly experience during the long, frigid winter months. Even if winter is still months away from now, it pays to learn how to replace a furnace on your own, so you don’t panic in case it happens in the middle of winter, and the last thing you want is to stay cocooned at home in the cold. As early as now, try to find out what’s involved in a furnace replacement and what your alternatives are if ever the need arises.

Why is a furnace replacement important?

Most of the time, furnace replacement is a necessity rather than optional. A furnace can only live so long. Once it reaches it maximum lifespan, it will eventually have to retire. Also, it costs more to operate an older system, not to mention the frequent and costly furnace repairs just to keep it going. The sad thing is that it may also be doing a poor job of heating your home.

Check out the following factors you need to consider when assessing your current furnace’s condition and performance to find out if a replacement is better than a repair.

• Age – is probably the most important factor you need to consider when it comes to furnace replacement. Those units 15 years old and over will likely require replacement. But if you maintain your unit regularly, it may be able to work for several more years before finally retiring. Remember that age is not the only factor, if you maintain your unit regularly, it will take a while before it starts to show troublesome signs.
• Deteriorating Reliability – frequent repairs are not a good sign for just about all furnaces. If this is the case, you better weigh your options whether the cost of constant repairs is still worth it than replacing it altogether. A furnace that is about to reach the end of its lifespan experiences frequent breakdowns. If your furnace experiences this, think about your options and consider whether the money you spend on repairs will be put to good use by buying a new furnace as an investment.
• Inconsistent Heating – the purpose of a furnace is the provision of consistent and reliable heating during the cold winter months. If it can’t do its job, it will have a hard time coping with the temperature you set on your thermostat. If the quality and amount of heating vary from one room to another, it probably is your furnace’s fault.
• Decreasing Heating Efficiency – it costs more to operate an inefficient furnace since you use more fuel just so your furnace can generate the same amount of heating you are used to or you need for an unusually cold day.
  If there’s a sudden increase in your monthly utility bill even though there is no change in your heating requirement, your current system may no longer be up for the challenge of heating your home. And worst of all, it might break down all of a sudden when you need heating the most. Your best bet, just get rid of your old one and buy a new furnace to enjoy more savings and energy efficiency.
• Burner’s Flame Color Changes – only applicable to furnaces using fossil fuel like propane or natural gas. Its flame should be a color blue indicating safe and excellent fuel combustion. If the flame changes to a yellow color, it is probably due to a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and deadly gas that is likewise a by-product of fuel combustion. For suspected carbon monoxide leaks, contact your furnace technician and local utility company for expert assistance. If the leak is due to a cracked heat exchanger, replace your furnace right away.
• Furnace Giving Off Strange Sounds – normally, a furnace should work without making much noise. Most of the noise generated comes from the air handler blowing the air from the furnace into your home. If you start hearing strange sounds, contact your heating technician immediately. More often than not, it does not really warrant a replacement, especially if a loose bearing caused the sound.

Furnace Efficiency

Aside from the factors mentioned above, furnace replacement can let you enjoy all the perks offered by a modern and energy efficient system. If you want to know how to replace a furnace, consider furnace efficiency in looking for one. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating can be seen on the accompanying EnergyGuide card or written in the owner’s manual. The AFUE rating measures a furnace’s efficiency, specifically the amount of energy or fuel it converts into heat that is then distributed to your home. For instance, gas furnaces with a 90% AFUE rating convert 90 cents into usable heat for every dollar spent on energy. The remaining 10% is lost through the ductwork.

Expect greater efficiency from furnaces with higher AFUE ratings. These furnaces can burn fuel better and cost less to operate as well. Even if the initial upfront cost is a bit higher than ordinary furnaces, the amount of money you can save on lower utility cost each month pretty much has it covered.

Furnace Types

• Natural Gas – quite common and a popular choice, and also boasts of high-efficiency ratings. Apply for a gas connection to supply you with fuel from your local utility company.
• Propane, Oil, or Other Fossil Fuel – provided in bulk by a local supplier, you have to spend a bigger one-time payment than be charged monthly by a utility company for your entire monthly consumption.
• Electricity – very efficient and generates high-quality home heating.
• Heat Pumps – used for both home heating and cooling, moves heat from one part of the house through a duct system that is full of refrigerant. It is capable of pulling the heat out of the cold outdoor air that is then circulated inside your house. A heat pump is highly efficient and excellent at regulating your home’s indoor temperature.

Replacement Furnace Sizing

Your new furnace should be the right size to supply the heat requirements of your home. Before choosing a particular unit, hire a heating contractor to do a load calculation. The expert will evaluate your home’s level of insulation, the number of doors and windows, and the number of household members, among others to be able to determine your home’s unique heating requirements.

After knowing your heating load, that’s when you can start choosing the type of furnace you want to have at home. Keep in mind that once you learn how to replace a furnace, the major considerations you need to bear in mind is efficiency without spending more money or using larger amounts of energy.

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Why Natural Gas Furnace Is Best

Find out why natural gas furnaces are better than other heating systems you can find on the market.

The reason why a natural gas furnace is the best choice can vary from the obvious to its undeniable significance. If you have your reservations in the past whether a natural gas furnace is a perfect fit for your home heating needs, now is the perfect time to find out and to see how a natural gas furnace compares to the other heating systems that are now commercially available. It is the best time to determine whether a natural gas furnace is a worthy long-term investment.

Heating Alternatives

When purchasing a natural gas furnace, you have lots of alternatives to choose from such as a wall furnace and a horizontal system among others. Taking the time to do your research and make a comparison of your alternatives is an excellent way to weigh your options so that you end up choosing the best one that addresses your heating needs without putting a dent on your finances.

Natural Gas Furnace Installation

A lot of homeowners often realize that it is not so hard to install a natural gas furnace than they used to think. And bear in mind that you can always contact a professional to help you out in case you have a difficult time figuring out what needs to be done. Learn to accept the fact that you are not knowledgeable, skilled or trained enough to do the job right. Feel free to ask the assistance of an expert to help you finish the installation.

Cost

When making cost comparison among a natural gas furnace and the other heating systems out there, you will soon realize that you can start saving money using it to heat your home. The topic of the cost is something that can make the day of most buyers. For most homeowners, it is a big deal for them if they can save money on heating costs. When buying a new natural gas furnace, don’t just consider the price of the equipment and installation costs, also think about maintenance costs and how much you need to spend to have it working in excellent shape over time.

Heating and Energy Efficiency

Efficiency is a major factor when purchasing a new furnace. With the number of modern and energy-efficient models, you can definitely find the right fit for you. An efficient furnace can help you save money by reducing monthly heating costs than when using other heating systems. Again, do not just focus on the upfront cost. How much you end up paying over time is just as important too. Remember that high usage costs can quickly add up during the following months.

Natural Gas Furnace Works

The obvious reason you want a furnace is for home heating. When you choose a natural gas furnace, most homeowners often realize that it heats their home better than the other heating systems they’ve had before. Thus, choosing one is a good decision that can benefit you and your home for good.

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