How Does My Gas Furnace Work?
On a frosty winter’s day here in Ohio, your gas furnace is hard at work, keeping your home warm and cozy. Feeling grateful? You’re not alone—it’s one of the most popular forms of heating, it is as American as apple pie.
In 1919, New Jersey inventor Alice H. Parker filed a patent for the first gas-fueled furnace. The basic technology is the same years later—only it burns less gas. Modern furnaces operate up to 98% efficient. Keep this in mind if you’ve owned your furnace for ten years or longer.
Our team at Wm Price Heating Co could help you save big bucks on your monthly utility bill by performing a furnace replacement. And while we’re on the topic, we can help with your other HVAC needs: air conditioning, heat pumps, indoor air quality (IAQ), and more. All you need to do is call.
How a Gas Furnace Works
Furnaces that burn natural gas have five basic elements:
1. The Thermostat
Your thermostat is the operation’s eyes and ears. If it senses your home is below the target temperature, it sends signals to your furnace. Then, your furnace starts until your home is adequately warm. Finally, when it detects the desired temperature, the thermostat tells your furnace to stop running (until further notice).
2. The Ignitor
The ignitor is an electronic element that heats up to 2600°F to ignite the gas.
If your furnace is a decade old (or older), the ignitor might be a pilot light. The pilot stays lit 24/7, running on a small stream of natural gas. Newer furnaces have an electric ignitor, a considerably safer option. Electric igniters are less risky because if your pilot goes out, you can have gas building up in the heat exchanger.
3. The Heat Exchanger
The next component is the heat exchanger, where the ignitor lights the fuel. Natural gas becomes intertwined with oxygen supplied via a vent system or draft hood. The oxygen ensures that the fuel burns cleanly and efficiently.
Besides taking in oxygen, the ventilation system pushes exhaust through your flue. Mid-efficiency furnace flues are usually made out of galvanized steel. However, homeowners with PVC venting see long-term savings due to higher efficiency.
Whatever your flue is made of, stay on top of maintenance. A clean flue ensures healthy air and prevents gas from being squandered.
4. The Blower
After the furnace starts and the gas is ignited. The blower will start, which will pull air in through the return ducting, directing the air around the heat exchanger, and heating it. Then it will push the heated air through the air supply ducting and out through the registers.
High-efficiency furnaces have variable-speed blowers, which use less energy and allow better temperature control. These premium models may also have multiple heat exchangers, which helps your furnace use less fuel. For a free estimate on upgrading your system call our office at 330-545-3722 or you can send in a request online.
5. Air Filter
The air filter is located between the return duct and the furnace. This captures dust and contaminants, cleaning the air before it passes through the furnace and out of the registrars. Following the recommended guidelines for the correct size, Merv rating, and frequency it should be changed which is critical for your furnace to operate as efficiently and as long as possible.
Remember to schedule seasonal maintenance—a cracked heat exchanger can lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) leak.
Need Service? We Have You Covered.
Wm Price Heating Co is pleased to offer second-to-none heating and cooling services. Our certified HVAC specialists can perform repairs, maintenance, and installations. Call our office at 330-545-3722 or request service online for prompt assistance.