Furnaces provide homes with heat during the cold winter and are popular because of their high efficiency, long lifespans, and compatibility. Furnaces are a critical component of every house, and there are different kinds to fit every home.
Furnaces can heat a home using natural gas, heating oil, electricity, or propane. After the air is heated, it will enter your living space through the ductwork to ensure comfortable temperatures indoors. Most furnaces are placed in basements or attics, and if you are choosing a new furnace for your home, you must first understand the different types of furnaces available to you.
What is a furnace?
It is a heating system and is one of the main components of an HVAC system. Furnaces burn natural gas, electricity, or propane to heat your home and are the most commonly used heating systems. Air is heated in the furnace and distributed throughout your home through ductwork.
Most homes in North America are kept warm with one of the three main types of furnaces: natural gas, oil, or electric. Knowing the details surrounding each option can help you make informed decisions.
Types of Furnaces
Natural Gas Furnace
This is the most common type of furnace found in homes today. This furnace requires a municipal gas line connection and operates through central air ducts. Gas flows along a burner ignite to create hot combustion gas that raises the temperature of the air, and the fans then circulate this warm air through the ducts. Gas heating tends to be the most affordable type of furnace because natural gas is cheaper than oil and electricity. While it’s true that you will pay more upfront, you will save money in the long run because it is more affordable to run, repair, and maintain this type of furnace.
It is highly recommended that you contact a professional furnace technician to install or repair a natural gas furnace; otherwise, you can risk your safety and that of your family.
Oil Furnace
Homeowners who do not have access to natural gas may need to fuel their furnaces with oil. This furnace is most commonly used in cold environments and converts oil to heat. They are less energy-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts but are still considered an effective way to heat a home.
The heat exchange process in an oil furnace consists of the following steps:
- A fuel pump carries the required amount of oil to the heat exchanger to convert the oil into a mist.
- This oil mist sprays on the burner element.
- The burner heats the incoming air supply.
- The warm air then circulates throughout your home ducts.
With this type of furnace, you will need to keep a full oil tank ready at all times because if it goes empty, it can dry up your furnace and damage your system.
Electric Furnace
This is a great option if you do not have a natural gas line coming into your house. This furnace uses electric heating elements that warm the air and distribute it through your home’s ductwork. They are inexpensive to purchase up front and smaller than other furnaces so that they can fit into most spaces.
An electric furnace pulls surrounding air into the system and heats it using an electrical heating unit, forcing it out through your air ducts. It is a simple system although electric furnaces tend to be less efficient, but if your options are limited, this can be a good choice.
Which Option is best?
In order to choose the right type of furnace for your home, you must consider the following:
Size
You must purchase the right furnace size for your home as this will ensure comfort, and you won’t have to spend more on heating than you need to. Consider your home’s square footage because bigger homes will require more BTU (a measurement of heat energy).
Annual fuel utilization efficiency
This is a significant consideration and you must look at the furnaces AFUE because a high number indicates high energy efficiency and you will enjoy lower monthly heating bills. You will have to make sure your air duct system is intact and your house is well insulated otherwise, you will be wasting heat and you will spend a lot more money than you need to. The truth is, with proper insulation in your walls, doors and windows, even the most energy-efficient furnace can save you money.
Contact a professional furnace technician
Professional furnace technicians ae aware of the different types of furnaces and will discuss each in great detail to help you make the right choice. They will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and will provide you with professional recommendations to ensure you are comfortable. They will also tell you which option will save you the most money and will discuss your home specifically to ensure you purchase the right brand and size.
They will help you determine which type of furnace is most suitable for your home, which may depend on what energy sources are readily available and your budget.
Takeaway
Do you want to make sure your home remains warm this winter? DMA Gas Services is always ready to help. If you are in need of furnace repairs, our reputable technicians will diagnose the problem and provide you with the best solutions. We will get your system back up and running and discuss energy-efficient home options.
If you need furnace repair specialists, contact us today!
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