How Do Furnaces Work?

“I’ve always wondered: how do furnaces work?”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• How do furnaces work? Here are the basics of how most furnaces work:
  • Your furnace is made up of four main components: burners, a heat exchanger, a blower, and a flue.
  • Your furnace converts fuel into heat. Some common fuel types include natural gas, propane, and oil.
  • The burners actually burn the fuel.
  • The heat exchanger transfers the heat from the burned fuel.
  • The blower is what blows the hot air.
  • The flue is what vents the heat.

In a nutshell, how do furnaces work?

How Do Furnaces Work? - HVAC Solutions

​When you turn on your furnace on a chilly evening, have you ever wondered how it works? Well, let’s talk about it! In this blog post, we'll explore how furnaces work, the different types of furnaces, and some common problems that you may encounter.
 
So, in simple terms, how do furnaces work? Let’s break it down together.

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First, let’s go over the basics.

​The basic principle behind a furnace is simple: it converts fuel into heat. The fuel could be natural gas, propane, or oil, and the heat produced by burning the fuel is used to warm the air that circulates through your home's ductwork.

There are four main components to a furnace:

• Burners: These are the parts of the furnace that actually burn the fuel. The burners are located in the combustion chamber, which is where the fuel is mixed with air and ignited.

 

• Heat exchanger: The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring the heat generated by the burners to the air that circulates through your home. The heat exchanger is a series of metal tubes that the air passes over.

 

• Blower: The blower is what circulates the heated air through your home's ductwork. The blower motor is connected to a fan that pushes the air through the heat exchanger and into the ductwork.

 

• Flue: The flue is responsible for venting the combustion gases produced by burning the fuel out of your home. It's important that the flue is properly installed and maintained, as carbon monoxide can be a byproduct of incomplete combustion.

Here are a few different types of furnaces:

There are three main types of furnaces: single-stage, two-stage, and modulating.
 

• Single-stage: Single-stage furnaces have only one setting for heat output, so they're either on or off. They're the least expensive type of furnace to purchase and install, but they're also the least efficient.

 

• Two-stage: Two-stage furnaces have two settings for heat output, so they can operate at a low or high output. They're more efficient than single-stage furnaces because they can adjust their output to meet the demand for heat.

 

• Modulating: Modulating furnaces are the most expensive type of furnace, but they're also the most efficient. They can adjust their heat output in small increments to precisely meet the demand for heat in your home.

What are some common furnace problems?

Furnaces are complex machines, and like all machines, they can develop problems. Here are some of the most common furnace problems:
 

• Dirty air filters: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and use more energy.

 

• Faulty thermostat: A faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to run longer than necessary or not turn on at all.

 

• Ignition problems: Ignition problems can prevent your furnace from turning on at all. This can be caused by a faulty ignitor or a dirty burner.

 

• Carbon monoxide leaks: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by incomplete combustion. It's important to have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that the flue is properly venting combustion gases.

Having furnace problems? Let us help!

Maybe you’ve been wondering more than just, how do furnaces work? Maybe you’ve been dealing with some heating issues, and you were thinking about trying to fix it yourself. But why go through the hassle of diagnosing and repairing your furnace when you can just call the experts?
 
That’s where we can help! We’re a team of certified HVAC experts based in Colorado Springs. We’re here to help you with all of your furnace needs. Request an appointment today, and let our experts diagnose your furnace right away!