A furnace is a type of heating equipment used in residential homes and commercial properties to keep the indoor climate comfortable during the cooler months of the year. Adding heat to your home in an affordable and reliable way is important for many homeowners, which is why furnaces are the heating method of choice across Canada when compared to less convenient and often costly alternatives like electric baseboard heaters, space heaters or wood stoves.
The furnace is a vital component of any heating system, and knowing a little bit about how they operate can help you choose the right model and make sure your furnace is always operating efficiently. Read on to discover more about furnaces and how they work to keep your home warm.
What is a Furnace and How Does it Work?
If your home has central heating, you may be wondering just how your furnace operates. So, what is a furnace good for besides taking up space in your basement? A furnace is the most critical component of your property’s HVAC system, keeping you comfortable all year around.
Your furnace is made up of three primary parts: The burner, heat exchanger and blower. The burner ignites the fuel source (usually natural gas) via the pilot light, and begins to warm the heat exchanger to the desired temperature. Once this temperature is reached, the blower will force air overtop the heat exchanger and transfer it through the ductwork and vents within your home.
When you adjust the thermostat, your furnace adjusts accordingly to deliver air at exactly the temperature you want. If you’ve set your thermostat to maintain a particular temperature, it will turn on any time it senses that the room temperature is below the pre-set temperature.
Types of Furnaces
There are several types of furnaces, but the most common type is the gas furnace. Gas furnaces are one of the most effective and energy-efficient ways to heat your home. Most furnaces operate in the same way, but may use a different fuel source. Less common furnace fuel sources include oil, propane and electricity. Aside from using various sources, furnaces are available in single-stage, two-stage and variable speed operation modes. There are also a broad range of efficiency levels when it comes to the furnaces on the market today.
There are many factors that will determine which type of furnace is right for you, depending on the size of your home, average climate in your area, your existing HVAC system as well as your budget. The best way to discover the right furnace for your home is to consult with a furnace specialist who can recommend equipment that suits your needs.
Looking for more information about furnaces? We can answer all your questions, including, “What is a furnace?” and “Which furnace is right for my home?”. The furnace experts at Evam Canada are available to help you select the ideal furnace according to your heating needs and desired efficiency rating. Contact us today for more details!
