How Furnaces Work and What Your Options Are

Tori Klein • March 3, 2022

Different Types of Heating Systems

Picture of a HVAC technician inspecting a furnace.

When it's time to choose a new heating system for your home, whether it's a brand new setup or a substitute for an existing HVAC system, a furnace is one of the best options to go for.


What is a Furnace?

As the name suggests, heating systems have been developed to provide warmth throughout a residential or industrial building. Furnaces are additionally referred to as forced-air furnaces because of the way the system uses a blower to distribute warm air through the home.


Exactly How Do Heating Systems Function?

Many aspects determine exactly how different heating systems work. Each kind of heating system has the objective of heating air and distributing that warmed air using the framework's ventilation system, but there are a few differences between different systems. Different models differ in the type of gas used, and the various techniques used to transfer warm air.


Types of Heating Systems

Many types of heaters are readily available, each using a different power source. Some furnace designs use natural gas, while others use electricity or oil. Some heaters also use wood as a fuel source.


Gas Heating Systems

The main difference between how a natural gas and lP gas heating system runs is that with a natural gas heater, the fuel goes into the heater using a below-ground link or pipe to the gas resource whereas a propane heater requires a tank to hold the fuel. With either kind, when the gas goes into the system the heater is triggered and begins heating the fuel.


Benefits of gas heaters include lowered home heating expenses, lower power expenses, enhanced efficiency, more reliability, and a cleaner-burning gas making it better for the environment.


Electric Furnaces

An electric heating system uses a motor to pump air into the system. The air is transported to the heating system's elements where it's heated and then sent to the air ducts. There are quite a few parts that contribute to the system's procedure.


Electric heating systems have numerous advantages. These include efficiently creating warmth as an electrical heater doesn't need a dedicated tank, eco-friendliness, a longer life, and affordable pricing.


Oil Heating Systems

Similar to the lP heating system, an oil heating system additionally requires a specialized container to hold the gas. Also, compared to electrical and gas systems, an oil heating unit operates by transforming air drawn into the system into warm air to spread throughout the ductwork.


Some of the advantages of an oil heating system include equipment that's cheaper than that of a gas or electric heating system, cheaper repairs, and that oil is an excellent generator of heat.


Maintaining Your Furnace

A furnace is an investment that you need to protect and maintain regularly. Having a maintenance program in place guarantees your financial investment, enhances performance, and prolongs the unit's life. With our program at Best Owner Direct HVAC, you can rest assured that your heating system will be cared for by one of our specialist technicians. From assured consultations, biannual tune-ups, and repairs, we keep your system working reliably for a longer time. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.


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Best Owner Direct is your local, independent, family-owned and operated, residential and commercial HVAC service, repair and installation team. We're a trade ally of the Energy Trust of Oregon and our certified professionals offer services for all major brands. With over 20 years of experience, our team can handle all of your HVAC needs.


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