How Does a Furnace Work?
The modern furnace is a very simple design, but it uses some complicated and delicate parts. Most home repairs will leave the complicated fixes for the professionals and focus on the simple things that prevent proper function.
Simple Troubleshooting
You have probably noticed one of two symptoms if your furnace is not working correctly. First is the obvious issue that the furnace will not turn on. The second is that there may be less air coming out of the heat registers. You can solve both of these by checking two items: your thermostat batteries and your furnace filters. Now that the simple fixes are out of the way, it is helpful to understand the basics of how your furnace actually works.
The Basic Process for Forced-Air Furnaces
Most modern furnaces use a process called forced air. This gets its name because a circulating fan forces air through the system. To start the forced-air heating process, the thermostat sends a signal to the furnace to start. When the furnace receives that signal, a burner in the combustion chamber ignites, generating heat. That heat flows up to the heat exchanger.
The circulating fan starts once the heat exchanger reaches the right temperature. This warms the air by forcing it through the exchanger. Then, the circulating fan forces a cycle of warm air out and cold air in. It first draws cool air through the return duct. It then forces that cool air through the heat exchanger, warming it up and pushing it back out into the house.
If you encounter a problem with your furnace and cannot solve it by changing the thermostat batteries or furnace filters, it is time to call a trained professional. There are delicate parts to the furnace that can break easily. Someone trying to work on these delicate or sensitive parts without proper training risks getting injured and causing additional damage.
Call Dogtown Heating, Air and Plumbing Today!
Our team is NATE certified and dedicated to fixing your furnace correctly the first time. Serving the Urbana, IL, area, we are experts in furnace and air conditioning repair, maintenance and installation. Our team also provides plumbing repairs and air quality control solutions. Call Dogtown Heating, Air and Plumbing for your free consultation today!
