There are several residential heating system types, and without a doubt, furnaces are among the most popular today. While older models used coal and wood for fuel, newer models tend to use electricity and gas and are much more efficient. During the cold winter months in St. Louis, you are undoubtedly grateful for the furnace. However, do you really understand how the furnace works? Understanding the how a furnace works will help you keep it in good working condition. After all, the last thing you want is a broken furnace during winter! By the end of this article, you will be comfortable to answer the question, “How does a furnace work?”
If you are in need of HVAC system service or repair in the greater St. Louis area, Galmiche & Sons is the right company for you. Whether you want us to answer, “How does a furnace work?” or you need help maintaining your furnace for peak performance, we can help. Call us at 314-993-1110 and we will address any of your heating & conditioning concerns.
So, How Does a Furnace Work, Anyway?
All furnaces, regardless of the fuel they use, operate on the same basic principle; forced air heating. The fuel is ignited in the burner and the heat is transferred to the incoming air. Blower fans then force the heated air out through ducts, which distribute it to different rooms in the house. Cold air is drawn into the furnace and the process is repeated. Because furnaces share the duct system with air conditioners, additional space for the cooling system is unnecessary.
Getting a clear answer to the question, “How does a furnace work?” can only be achieved by understanding the various types of furnaces. Furnaces are categorized depending on the fuel they use.
- Gas furnaces have a combustion chamber with burners inside. A pilot light ignites the burners and the heat created is sent to the heat exchanger. Here, heat is transferred to the air, which is then sent to the ducts by the blower.
- Electric furnaces use an electrical ignition to initiate the process. On ignition, heating elements that contain conductive coils are activated. Air is then heated as it passes through these coils before being sent to the ducts by the blowers.
There are also many components that work together in any furnace. So to answer, “How does a furnace work?” knowing these components will help.
- Thermostat – a switch that turns on the ignition in a furnace to begin the heating process and is activated by temperature
- Fan – directs heat from the burners into the heat exchanger
- Burners – a set of tubes through which gas is directed and burned
- Heat exchanger – metal tubes that get heated to warm the air that flows inside
- Blower – directs air from return ducts into the heat exchanger
- Flue – collects and carries the spent gas outside
Learn More About How a Furnace Works & Schedule Furnace Maintenance in St. Louis
Hopefully this article has shed light on the question, “How does a furnace work?” If you would like additional information on how a furnace works, or have other heating & conditioning needs in St. Louis, call Galmiche & Sons today at 314-993-1110!
