How Does A Furnace Work?

Do you have heat in your home? If so, you might have a working furnace. Furnaces are one of the oldest providers of residential heat. Out of the types of residential heat providers such as heat pumps, boilers or solar heating, furnaces are one of the most commonly used in homes around the world.

What Is a Furnace and What Does It Do?

A furnace is a critical part of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It is the part of the system that provides you with heat throughout your home. A furnace heats the air in one location and then distributes it throughout the ductwork and vents located in your home.

Your furnace is comprised of a few main parts including:

  • Heat exchanger: This is also known as the core of your furnace where heat is generated.
  • Gas burner: The air in the heat exchanger is heated using the gas burner.
  • Gas manifold: Gas burners are connected to gas valves using the gas manifolds.
  • Thermostat: Your thermostat is what you use to control the heat or air conditioning throughout your home. Most of the time, a thermostat looks like a small keypad located on a wall in the middle of your home.

Your Furnace: How Does It Work?How Does A Furnace Work?

The heat exchanger, gas burner, gas manifold, thermostat, and other parts work together to generate the heat that is distributed through your home. It all starts with the adjustment of your thermostat.

  1. Thermostat signals the furnace: When you adjust your thermostat, your furnace will receive the message to start generating heat for your home. As a result, the gas valve within your furnace opens to ignite the gas burner via the gas manifolds.
  2. The heat exchanger reacts: The heat generated from the burner is used to heat the heat exchanger. That heat is transformed into air as it flows through the exchanger.
  3. Heat is distributed using the internal furnace fan: Once the heat is turned into air, it is distributed using an internal motor and fan attached to your furnace. The heat is sent through the ductwork in your home, coming through your vents to heat the area.

When the temperature in your home rises to the correct temperature noted on your thermostat, the furnace will stop producing heat.

Common Issues Found During Furnace Repair

Have you turned your thermostat up only to notice that your furnace hasn’t kicked on? Or, maybe you’ve noticed that your home is cooler than normal. You might have a furnace that’s in need of repair. Some of the most common issues found during furnace repair include:

  • Filters full of debris: Your furnace includes filters that clean out debris. If these filters become dirty or damaged, this can cause your furnace to malfunction.
  • Broken or cracked heat exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger can cause your furnace to stop producing heat. It can also cause harmful emissions of carbon dioxide into your home.
  • Frayed blower belt: If you hear a squealing noise coming from your furnace, it could be a frayed or slipped blower belt.
  • Problems with your pilot light: Is your pilot light yellow? This could be the result of higher than normal levels of carbon monoxide.

If you find a problem with your furnace or need help diagnosing the problem, it’s best to call in a professional. It’s also important to have regular maintenance performed on your entire HVAC system to save you from costly repairs in the future.

Do You Need Furnace Maintenance?

Even if your furnace isn’t malfunctioning at this time, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system to protect your home. To learn more about furnace maintenance, call us at (952) 529-5409 or send us a message.

Furnace Repair – Servicing the Carver, Waconia, Chaska, MN and Surrounding Areas.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance Services @ (952) 529-5409 or Schedule Online today! Encore Heating and Air is dedicated to your comfort!