What is a furnace and how does it work?
If you currently have central heating, you know just how awesome it is during the winter. No one likes to be cold in their home and rely SOLELY on space heaters!
But, what are the different types of heating systems you can have and how do they work? Today, we’ll talk about one kind of furnace – the gas furnace.
The gas furnace is precisely what you’d think it is. It is a furnace powered by gas. Natural gas to be more specific. A natural gas furnace is a great way to heat your home. It provides quick, powerful heating at a (relatively) low cost per month.
But, how does the system work?
Well… although we don’t have to get into all of the “techy” details, here is a basic understanding of just how your gas furnace works.
- You change your thermostat settings to indicate your desired home temperature. This sends a signal to your furnace.
- Your gas furnace control board will then ensure that all of your system’s safeties are operational. Safeties are continually monitored throughout the heating process.
- Natural gas ignites in the furnace and then air is delivered throughout your home via the ductwork (after a 30-second delay).
- If at any point during the heating process a safety is triggered, the natural gas furnace is cut off and the furnace will enter its shut-down sequence. This is so you and your family stay safe.
- When your thermostat measures a reading at your set temperature your natural gas furnace will shut down.
Of course, this is just one type of system (a single-stage system with a non-programmable thermostat). There are many other variations of gas furnaces and thermostats that can alter this process slightly, but this is the basic gist.
If it doesn’t seem like your gas furnace is operating correctly (e.g. blowing cold air, not kicking on, making loud noises, etc.), then you should switch off the system at both the thermostat and power supply, and call your local heating and cooling contractor.
So, did you already know this? Are you curious about how other heating and cooling systems work?
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Want to buy used HVAC equipment? Here are some questions to ask
Buying heating and air conditioning online is a tricky business – particularly if you are buying from an online auction site or venturing into used HVAC equipment territory. There are many questions that you should ask before you settle on buying HVAC online. The most important question being “Is this really worth it?”
Keep these questions at the front on your mind when searching for used HVAC equipment online.
- Will this unit be covered by a warranty? When it comes to online heating and air conditioning systems, particularly used ones, quality can no longer be assured. Because of this, most HVAC manufacturers DO NOT cover HVAC equipment purchased online.
- Who will install the system? Again, because of product quality, most heating and air conditioning contractors will not install an HVAC system purchased online – at least not a reputable company.
- How should I handle DIY installation? DIY gas furnace or air conditioner installation is NEVER encouraged. HVAC equipment installation is a tricky business – you want to make sure that it is installed correctly. It can be both dangerous and costly to install your own air conditioner or gas furnace.
- Do I trust who I’m buying from?Again, it’s the internet. Do you always trust things you find on the internet? The person you are buying the equipment from could have less-than-honorable intentions.
- Do you trust the quality of the unit? If you aren’t buying through a professional, you can’t be sure that the equipment is in the best shape possible. Is it worth saving a few dollars now to turn around and have to pay for inefficient performance, and likely repairs, in the near future?
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Buying a new HVAC system? Start with some HVAC research
Heating and air conditioning equipment purchases are by no means a frequent thing. But, when the occasion to buy does arise, it’s not a decision you want to go into uninformed. After all, the gas furnace or air conditioner you buy today should ideally last you into the next decade and beyond.
But, what should you look up before you buy? Well, luckily we have the internet right at our fingertips! Here are some HVAC research topics that can really set you off on the right foot.
- Start with your contractor. This is arguably more important than finding the system! We’ve said it numerous times: heating and air conditioning system quality starts with the install – make sure the person you hire is going to do a great job the first time around.
- Understand what affects price. When you get a few quotes, you may experience sticker shock. But, it’s important to understand what is included in the price. A quality HVAC dealer may have to charge more overhead for trainings, licenses and certifications. Also, a more efficient system is going to be more expensive than a standard-efficiency model. BUT, with both of these factors, you will get money back in proper, efficient performance. Nothing is more expensive than having to replace an improperly installed system.
- Air conditioner or heat pump? There are many different systems you can choose between. Do you need an air conditioner or heat pump? A heat pump or gas furnace? Packaged or split? The list goes on… Find out which systems are common in your area.
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How to get your home ready for Thanksgiving dinner
Maybe you drew the short straw? Maybe you enjoy doing it? Whatever the reason may be, you find yourself stuck prepping, cooking and hosting Thanksgiving dinner. For some people, this may be a piece of cake, while others may see this as an incredibly daunting task. Either way, we have some tips that can help you prepare your home for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Here are our Thanksgiving dinner preparation tips:
- Plan ahead. Set a menu and talk to your family about pot-lucking the meal. It can be a daunting task to cook for 12 people; lighten the load by planning ahead.
- Keep things indoors. Setup indoor activities for children and designate areas for adults to be during the day. While we don’t want to discourage you from a game of flag football outside, it is best that people aren’t constantly going in and out of the house. You don’t want people going in and out of the house and letting your warm air out into the cold Thanksgiving day.
- Change your filter. You and your family can breathe easier with a brand-new furnace filter. If you haven’t changed your filter in a while, it can be a good idea to change it before the big day. This will make your furnace’s job easier and it can make your home smell fresher.
- Adjusting the thermostat. While the financial burden may be partially on you to host Thanksgiving dinner, you may actually be able to save some money on the big day. You can actually turn down the thermostat on Thanksgiving day. This is because you will most likely have more people in your home and an oven working constantly. This will naturally bring up the temperature of your home without the assistance of your furnace.
- And of course… wear stretchy pants for lounging afterwards. (Optional but highly encouraged! 🙂 )
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What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving recipes?
Turn down those thermostats. Crank on those ovens. And, loosen those belts. It’s turkey time! And, whether its grandma’s homemade stuffing or your very own pumpkin pie – we all have a favorite when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. Do you like to keep things simple (like these simple, make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes), or do you like to simply look for the best Thanksgiving recipes (regardless of time)? If you’ve got a favorite holiday recipe, we want to know!Like this post? Share it!
Have a head cold? Suffering from the sniffles? The problem may start at your furnace filter
Did you know that indoor air quality can impact the health of you and your family in a big way? If you’ve recently come down with a case of the sniffles, it could be because your indoor air quality is low. Make sure you arm your home with the proper defenses (like indoor air quality products and detectors) to make sure you and your family are happy and healthy this holiday season.
Here are a few ways in which indoor air quality can affect your family’s health:
- Carbon monoxide. There’s no questioning the usefulness of your gas furnace during the winter. But, with anything that runs on natural gas, there is the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Make sure that your carbon monoxide detector has fresh batteries and is working properly when you turn on the gas furnace for the season.
- Mold in your home. Humidity can lead to mold growth. This can aggravate allergies or cause health problems when mold spores are inhaled. Make sure that you keep your home at a reasonable humidity level – optimal for comfort and without encouraging mold growth. You can even invest in a dehumidifier – particularly in unfinished basements that may encourage mold growth.
- Be mindful of household cleaners and air fresheners. Some, if not most, household cleaners, candles, air fresheners and more contain chemicals that can negatively impact your family’s health. Make sure that when you choose those products, you find ones that are more eco-friendly, or contain fewer dangerous chemicals. Or, better yet, find out how to make them yourself. This way you can have better control over what goes into the air in your home.
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Worried about the quality of your indoor air? IAQ products to the rescue!
Want to know a scary fact? Your indoor air can be more polluted than your outdoor air! We spend so much time focusing on the actual boxes that sit inside and outside of your house that sometimes we neglect to touch on those important indoor air quality product additions. Here are just a few of the many indoor air quality products that you can use to keep your home fresh and your air clean.
- Thermostats. These are the central hubs of your home comfort system. They signal when to kick your furnace, heat pump, air conditioner or air handler on based on your set demands. If your home comfort system isn’t working properly, it can be because of the thermostat.
- Humidifiers. Did you know that humidity can make your home feel cooler or warmer – depending on the percentage it is set at? For example, you can use a whole-home humidifier during the winter to make your home feel warmer. If your home feels warmer, you can even lower the thermostat down a few degrees and save some money heating your home.
- Zoning systems. We’ve touched on zoning systems before, but they can be a great addition to any home comfort system. With a zoning system you can section your home off into different groups and control the comfort in each zone individually – the way you get maximum comfort and efficiency in each area of your home.
- UV Lights. These systems treat the air – destroying bacteria, viruses, mold, odors and more. Ever heard of “dirty sock syndrome?” Trust us, it’s gross. They also only require bulb changes once per year, so they are pretty low maintenance for how useful they can be.
- Air Cleaners. Air purification starts with the filters you use. A heavier duty filter/air cleaner can filter those damaging particles out of your indoor air and help you and your family breathe easier.
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Replacing your gas furnace? You may want to think about replacing that air conditioner while you’re at it.
Earlier this week, we explored what you should know when you replace your gas furnace. But, did you know that it can also be a good idea to replace your air conditioner while you’re at it? Planning ahead is always best practice – particularly when it comes to home comfort. You don’t want to be “left in the heat” without an air conditioner when spring and summer roll around.
Here are a few reasons why the fall can be the ideal time to replace your air conditioner.
- Not in use. For most areas of the country, your air conditioner is not being used during the fall. It’s better to go ahead and replace that old system before it’s needed. This way, you won’t have any days where you’re suffering without air conditioning.
- Matched systems. For those of you who are replacing your gas furnace, it’s a good idea to look at your cooling equipment anyway. Indoor and outdoor components of a split system must be matched in order to enjoy the best efficiency and performance possible.
- Deals! Because fewer air conditioners are installed during the fall, you may find that you can get a deal through your contractor on a brand-new air conditioner. HOWEVER, make sure you talk to your local HVAC contractor and make sure this is the case. Get a few quotes to be sure you are getting a good combination of quality and affordability.
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What to look for in a brand-new gas furnace
Ready to toss out that old gas furnace and upgrade to a bright and shiny, new model? Well, we think you’ve made an excellent choice. Not only can a brand-new furnace make your home more comfortable than that old model, it can save you some money along the way. Here are some things you should know before you take the plunge and buy a brand-new gas furnace:
- Hire the right professional. Get several quotes. Ask for recommendations. And, do your research online. Installation quality is heavily tied into the continued quality of your gas furnace – this is not the place to skimp. Here is a more in-depth look into hiring an HVAC contractor.
- Compare performance features. Want to save energy? Go with a multi-stage unit instead of a single-stage unit. Want a better mixture of air throughout your home? Check out a variable-speed furnace. New gas furnaces come with many bells and whistles that help reduce spending and increase comfort – they’re not just for show.
- Don’t just go with the cheapest system. Make sure you think about long-term savings. Although the initial sticker price may seem costly, it’ll be worth it in the end. Utility bill savings can make up those initial costs over time.
- Check out the benefits of zoning. Zoning systems can be great for reducing utility bills and increasing comfort. Ask your contractor whether your home can benefit from a zoning system.
- Know what’s involved in the costs of your new system. Installation prices will comprise a big chunk of your final bill. But, the price of your new system also includes: ductwork, size, efficiency, comfort additions, and more.
- Make sure your system is correctly sized. Your HVAC contractor should perform a Manual J load calculation to make sure the unit is the right size.
- Warranty registration! Ask whether it is your responsibility or your contractor’s responsibility to register your warranty. After you register your equipment, you’ll enjoy full warranty coverage.
- Don’t forget about IAQ! The quality of your indoor air is just as important as the temperature of that air. Surprisingly, indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air. That makes indoor air quality systems like air cleaners and UV air purifiers that much more important!
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Here are some things to consider about your air conditioner…
Happy first week of November! Temperatures are dropping, the leaves are falling, and we are definitely putting cooling season in our rearview mirrors.
If you have an air conditioner, it’s important that you take some steps to make sure that it remains in tip-top shape during the heating season. After all, you don’t want to flip over to cooling mode on the first hot day of the year and be greeted by unconditioned air!
So, if you’re buckling down for a long, cold winter, here are some things you should keep in mind.
- Brush leaves and debris away from your air conditioner. Blocked airflow can really produce some big problems when you go to turn your air conditioner on for the first time during the cooling season. Why not head off that issue now, instead of worrying about it later? Also, if you hose your air conditioner off to remove the gunk, make sure you dry your unit. You don’t want ice accumulating on the condenser.
- Air conditioner on its last leg? Consider replacing it now. It’s much better to stay ahead of the game so you don’t end up waiting for cool air during the peak season. Schedule an air conditioning system consultation now to ensure home comfort later.