This might seem like a strange blog post topic, but bear with us. When furnaces are neglected, they often become dangerous. These systems rely on yearly maintenance, fast and effective repairs, and the vigilance of a homeowner who is ready to call for professional help when the need arises. Thus, it’s becoming more and more important to us that you start to know how your furnace works and what role you have to play in its lifespan.
If you need help with your gas furnace in Westlake, OH, then you can always call us. Or, if you think it’s time to replace your system with a new one, we can do that too. The first priority of this post is to inform you about how your gas furnace works, the ins and outs of a combustion heating system, and when to notice that yours isn’t working properly.
With this insight, you should be ready to let us know when you need help, or at least feel more comfortable each night knowing your system is working properly.
How It Works
Furnaces consume natural gas that is injected from a municipal source to create heat. Natural gas is a clean-burning, flammable substance that is efficiently burned to create heat and then your furnace sends that heat into the air ducts where it can be felt through your whole home.
This entire process takes place in the combustion chamber of your furnace, where heat is exchanged from the toxic space to the chamber with fresh air called the “heat exchanger.” From there, you get fresh air that is warmed to your specifications. It’s really that simple!
The Furnaces of Today
Furnaces have been around for a long time, and if you count some ancient heating methods as part of the same category, they’re almost as old as civilization. Creating heat by combusting materials is an ancient process that has always worked effectively and reliably. The major differences between a furnace today and a furnace from one hundred years ago are efficacy, efficiency, and safety.
- Efficacy. Furnaces of today are more effective than they used to be. For instance, we use ductwork that is sealed tightly to prevent heat loss. Our systems also produce more heat from the same amount of fuel, or less, which makes it easier for families to remain comfortable during the coldest of months.
- Efficiency. Furnaces are much more efficient than they used to be. For instance, you would be lucky in the old days if your wood or gas-burning furnace would reach half the efficiency levels of a natural gas-powered furnace of today. We can essentially make the same amount of comfortable heat with half the amount of fuel consumption.
- Safety. Back at the turn of the 20th century, furnaces were a hazard to deal with. People were injured all the time when dealing with these kinds of combustion-based systems. Now, with the help of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, furnaces are built with safety as the number one priority. It’s extremely uncommon to deal with safety hazards from a furnace these days.
Need help with your furnace, or are simply looking to purchase a new one? Call Westland Heating & Air Conditioning today for personalized service.
