Furnace Basics: How Does a Furnace Work?
Maybe you’re a new homeowner.
Or maybe you’ve never been taught.
Whatever the reason, today we’d like to give you a brief crash course on how a furncace works. Our home is that it gives you some insights into how to think about maintenance and ongoing use.
How Does a Furnace Work?
Most furnaces have a burner motor, ducts, burners, thermostats and heat exchange. All the components work in unison. For a simple explanation, most HVAC systems are comparable to a vacuum. They suck air in, run in through the HVAC system (to heat or cool it), and then send the air back out into the home.
For more homes, all of the air within your home circulates 1-2 per hour, meaning it’s pulled into the air ducts, filtered through the system, and sent back out. This is what we talk about replacing your furnace filters every month.
Additionally, the thermostat is where you control the HVAC system, and it can be programmable or non-programmable. With a programmable thermostat, you can operate the furnace from anywhere at any time. However, with a non-programmable thermostat, you must manually adjust the temperature settings.
What Is the MERV Rating?
MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a furnace reporting scale that determines the effectiveness of air filters in stopping dust and other particles from passing through the filter.
What Are The Common Signs Your Furnace Is Broken?
Worn Out and Dirty Filters
When the furnace filters become dirty or faulty, you will experience issues with the system. Change the filters often so that your furnace continues operating efficiently.
Smoke from the Heating System
If you notice smoke from the heating system, it is best to contact a professional contractor immediately to prevent further damage to your system.
Pilot Lights Keeps Going Out
If the pilot light starts going out frequently, you should adjust the valve to allow sufficient air circulation to the burner. Newer systems, since about 2010 don’t use these pilot lights. Instead, they use electronic ignition systems that light only as needed.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
If you do not set your thermostat as expected, you will notice insufficient heating in your home. Set the thermostat correctly to continue enjoying heating.
Why Is It Important To Have My Furnace Tuned Up Annually?
Sufficient Airflow
Turning up your furnace helps maintain sufficient airflow in your home. Without proper airflow, your furnace might have issues, leading to costly repairs.
Consumes Less Energy
A well-maintained furnace will have fewer issues. It will produce sufficient heating without consuming much energy, thus, saving on the energy cost.
Keeps Your Family Safe
When a furnace runs for some time, it develops cracks in the combustion chamber, leading to carbon monoxide leakage. This is a dangerous gas that can harm your family. When a contractor turns up the furnace, they check out for gas leaks and take measures to prevent further leaks, thus, keeping your household safe.
Using the above information will help you stay informed about operating a furnace and when to reach out to a technician for help. Contact us today for all your HVAC needs.