One of the most commonly used methods to heat a home throughout the winter months is a furnace. A furnace can be powered by different types of fuel, such as natural gas, heating oil, and even electricity. As a homeowner, it’s a good idea to understand the basic components that make up a furnace and what needs to be done to properly maintain one.

Forced-Air System

Furnaces are going to be attached to a series of ductwork that runs throughout your house. This is referred to as a forced-air system. This unit is easily recognizable by vents located on the wall or on the floor. The furnace itself will force heated air through the ductwork and deliver it to all the rooms in your home. Cold air will be naturally returned to your furnace for heating via this ductwork. This process continues on and on until your house reaches the temperature set by your thermostat.

The Heating Process

The specific heating process that your furnace uses is going to highly depend on the type of fuel that it’s designed to use. Furnaces can run on electricity, natural gas, propane, or even heating oil. Furnaces that run on oil, propane, or natural gas use an ignition system that lights a burner inside the combustion chamber. The burner will then burn the fuel to create heat.

Heat moves inside the heat exchanger, where it warms up the air. That air is then forced into your ducting to be delivered to the vents throughout your home. With an electric furnace, there are heating elements that are used to warm up the air.

Necessary Maintenance

Just like other major household appliances, your furnace will need to undergo regular maintenance. As a homeowner, you should be checking the air filter located in your system at least every one to two months. Whenever you reach the point where you’re no longer able to see through your air filter, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

Each year before the winter season starts, you’ll want to bring in a licensed professional to perform service on your furnace. This will ensure that your system remains clean and performs as efficiently as possible. In most cases, furnace manufacturers will require that your equipment receives service every year from a licensed professional to maintain your warranty coverage.

Top Indicators That You Need Professional Help

While you may keep up with maintenance on your furnace, it’s important to know that you’re likely going to deal with a breakdown or two throughout your unit’s lifespan. One of the most common indicators that you have an issue with your furnace is that it will have a short heating cycle. If you notice that your heating system is turning on and off every few minutes., it’s time to get it checked out. Other common issues may include an irregular flame or excessive deposits near your vents.

When it’s time for furnace repair in Clinton Township, MI, call the professionals at North Wind Heating & Air Conditioning.