When it comes to home heating system basics, the more you know, the better off you’ll be. That’s because a homeowner who understands how his or her furnace works will know what it takes to keep it running at peak performance. In the long run, that saves both time and money.
Familiarize Yourself With How Your Home Heating System Works
Take, for example, a typical forced-air furnace. Here’s a primer: When the temperature in the home falls below the setting on the thermostat, the burner in the furnace ignites and generates heat. The heat is transferred to the surrounding air when the furnace fan blows air over the heat exchanger. This warm air then passes through the ductwork to heat the rooms throughout your home. Cooler air travels back to the furnace by way of cold-air return ducts, and the cycle continues until the home reaches the desired temperature.
That’s a simplified explanation, but it’s a good start if you’re learning some home heating system basics. It gives you some clues about where problems may occur in the system, and what can be done to keep things running smoothly. With that in mind, here are a few maintenance tips for homeowners with forced-air heating systems:
- Air can’t travel through blocked vents. Check vents regularly and remove any furniture or draperies that may be obstructing them.
- Furnace air filters only last so long. Plan to replace your furnace’s 1” air filter every 30 days during the heating season (5” filters can last up to a year).
- Leaking ductwork won’t deliver the heat you need. Make sure your ductwork is properly connected and thoroughly sealed.
- Insulation reduces energy waste. If you have ductwork in unheated spaces, insulate it to ensure that you aren’t losing heat.
- Regular professional maintenance will keep your furnace running properly and identify any potential problems with the system before they grow.
Want to know more? At Custom Comfort Home Services, our expert technicians will be happy to answer any questions about these and other home heating basics. We also offer WeCare Protection plans to keep your furnace operating smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more.
Commonly Asked Questions
How does a home heating system work?
A home heating system relies on a furnace that spreads heat throughout other rooms with air ducts and vents. When the furnace ignites, the blower fan blows air over the heat exchanger and then pushes the air carrying warm temperatures into the ducts in the room. Then, the cooler air returns to the furnace, where it heats up once more; the cycle can be repeated until a desired temperature is achieved.
How do you use a home heating system?
Generally, you have to turn your thermostat to the desired temperature. When your home falls below that temperature, the furnace begins warming the air. The furnace then blows the air through the ducting to all the rooms in your home. When your desired temperature is reached, the system will shut down. At this time, if you have an energy star furnace, the blower motor will continue to run at a low speed circulating the air thus helping to minimize the temperature differences within your home while continuing to filter and clean your homes air. It’s always a good idea to check out and maintain your heating system so you know it works efficiently.
How do you heat your home, and what do you typically use in heating at home?
Standard methods for heating a home include forced-air systems, boilers, and heat pumps. One of the most popular is forced-air systems, which uses a furnace to heat air and distribute it through the ductwork. Others include systems such as baseboard heating or radiant floor heating that distribute the heat more locally. Recently, heat pumps have become popular because of their energy efficiency.
What is the best heating system for a house?
The best heating system for the house would be based on factors like space, energy efficiency, climate, and budget. Among them, the most popular choice is forced-air systems; however, other alternatives are more efficient: heat pumps and geothermal systems.