Don’t Be Left in the Cold: Guide to the Household Furnace

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Winter is here once again, but is your furnace in working order? Before you call in a professional heating contractor, there are a few things you can learn about furnaces and furnace service. First, let us start with identifying the type of furnace in your home.

The most common heater type in a residential home is a gas furnace; oil furnaces are the second most common. A gas furnace burns natural or liquefied gas, where as oil furnaces operate on home heating oil. Gas furnaces are more energy efficient than other fuel powered furnaces. Heating contractors find these types of furnaces easier and cheaper to install in a household.

Gas fired furnaces rely on electricity to power the fans that push heat throughout the house. Additional furnace fuel sources include propane, electricity, and solid fuel like wood, coal or corn pellets. When choosing a furnace, you should also take into consideration the location and climate of your home. Ask your heating contractor about which fuel source is most efficient for your house.

Most furnaces operate in the same manner. They are controlled by a thermostat. Thermostats monitor your home's temperature. The heating cycle starts when the temperature falls below a desired set point. First, air is pulled into the machine. When enough airflow is established, the gas valve opens in a gas furnace, releasing the natural gas over the burners. A spark converts the fuel source into heat. The spark is turned off once the flame is lit, and the blowers start approximately two minutes later. The furnace will continue to operate until the house temperature reaches the specified point.

Some gas furnace units are combined with an air conditioning system. These are often referred to as gas packs. Other units, known as hybrid systems, combine a heat pump with a fuel burning heating system. Hybrid systems are notably more efficient than a traditional gas or oil fired furnace. It is important to talk to your heating contractor about all the options available prior to deciding which system is best for you.

Regular furnace service and maintenance is important to ensuring that your unit is running efficiently. A well maintained furnace cuts costs on your electricity and gas bills. Dust and dirt build up in the furnace unit, which may have hazardous consequences. There are several things you can do to maintain your unit regularly.

The unit must be turned off before you do any kind of maintenance to your furnace. You can clean your own furnace with a vacuum and a dry scrub brush. Disposable filters should be cleaned and replaced regularly. After cleaning, be aware of any unusual sound or smell coming from your furnace unit.

Of course, for any type of major furnace repair call a professional heating contractor immediately. Burning gas or worn electrical wiring could result in a dangerous situation. Do not be left in the cold this winter. Make sure your furnace is working properly and call for assistance when it is not.

Are you in need of a heating contractor who can handle your furnace repair? Then contact Air Treatment Inc in Greensboro, NC. Visit our website at http://airtreatmentinc.com/

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