If you think knowing more about how your HVAC system works can help you maintain it, you’re probably right. Air Tech of Central Florida can answer all your questions. Call them today to learn more!
Are you wondering, “How does a gas furnace work?” Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about a gas heating system, including how it compares to other types of furnaces.
At Air Tech of Central Florida, we bring our extensive knowledge and friendly, professional service to every job. Whether you search for “Furnace installation near me” or can’t determine why your heating process isn’t working, we can help.
The Basic Heating Cycle
While various types of furnaces function differently on a nuanced level, the basic process remains the same across all types. First, the fuel source ignites the burner in the furnace. The flame heats a metal component called the heat exchanger, and a fan blows the exhaust (basically, the leftover gas or byproducts) outside your home, keeping you safe.
The heat exchanger transfers the hot air into your home, which the blower fan then distributes through your ductwork and into each room of your home. The hot air forces the cold air into the return vents, which delivers it back to your furnace, starting the process over.
The Process: Step by Step
Now that you know the basics, how does a gas furnace work specifically? Gas furnace operation uses the following process.
1. Thermostat Control
When you set the thermostat to heat your home to a certain temperature, it triggers the furnace’s control board, which tells the furnace to start the heating process.
2. Combustion Chamber Ignition
When it receives the signal from the control board, gas jets send fuel into the combustion chamber. In older furnaces, the pilot light ignites the gas, starting the heating process. With newer HVAC technology, modern furnaces ignite the gas using a hot surface igniter, which is more dependable, requires less maintenance, and ignites using less fuel.
3. Heat Transference
The heat exchanger consists either of a set of metal coils or looped wires. When cold air passes over the heated metal, its temperature rises, and the warm then flows into your rooms.
4. Distribution
After passing over the heat exchanger, the hot air enters the blower, an encased fan powered by a motor and, usually, a belt. Before entering the connected ductwork, the air passes through a filter. The air filter reduces the level of dust and other organic compounds that affect the air quality of your home.
Once it enters the air ducts, the fan continues blowing it evenly throughout every room in your home.
5. Termination
When your thermostat senses the ambient temperature matches the settings, the gas valve closes, eliminating the fuel source and shutting off the furnace until you need it again.
Comparing a Gas Furnace to Other Types
How does a gas furnace differ from electric and oil types?
Type of Fuel
It may seem obvious that the primary difference between furnaces is the type of fuel they use, but this also affects how they operate. For example, an electric furnace doesn’t use a flame to heat the exchanger; instead, it directly powers the coils to heat up. An oil furnace draws from a tank installed on your property, which requires a pump to deliver the fuel into the ignition chamber.
Different types of fuel directly affect how efficiently the furnace heats your home.
Exhaust
Exhaust occurs when the fuel source produces byproducts or doesn’t completely disappear during the ignition process. A gas furnace produces both water and carbon dioxide as byproducts, and in a functional system, it expels the toxic gas outside your home. If the ventilation clogs, it poses a serious risk to your family’s health.
In addition to water and carbon dioxide, an oil furnace produces toxic chemicals like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. Because electric furnaces don’t produce exhaust, they’re the safest form of heating for your home.
Efficiency
If you want the most energy-efficient furnace, an electric furnace doesn’t lose fuel during the heating process, and it also makes the most environmentally friendly option.
Heating Speed
Electric furnaces heat your home the slowest, while oil furnaces heat the fastest.
Let Air Tech of Central Florida Provide All Your Furnace Needs
Now you know the answer to “How does a gas furnace work.” Whether you need furnace repair or regular maintenance, Air Tech of Central Florida delivers quality service at competitive prices.
Call Air Tech of Central Florida at 321-204-8230 for unparalleled service for your furnace in Central Florida.