What every homeowner should know about their heating system.
Gas and propane furnaces use a burner to ignite fuel inside a combustion chamber. Electric furnaces use resistant heating elements that warm up as electricity passes through them. Oil furnaces atomize and burn heating oil in a similar combustion process.
The heat exchanger warms the air passing over it without allowing combustion gases to mix with the air you breathe. A blower fan pulls cooler air through the return ducts, pushes it across the heat exchanger, and sends the heated air back out.
Warm air travels through your home's ductwork and into each room through supply vents. As the air cools, it's drawn back through return vents to the furnace, and the cycle repeats until your thermostat is satisfied.
The most common choice in Southern Utah. Natural gas is widely available, and modern gas furnaces are highly efficient — many rated at 95% AFUE or higher, meaning nearly all the fuel you pay for is converted into heat.
A good option for homes without gas lines. Simpler in design with fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance. Operating costs are typically higher than gas, but installation costs tend to be lower.
Pairs a furnace with a heat pump, automatically switching between the two based on outdoor temperature. The heat pump handles mild weather efficiently, and the furnace takes over when temperatures drop. Increasingly popular for balancing comfort and savings.
Modern high-efficiency furnaces reduce energy consumption significantly. With proper maintenance, a quality furnace can deliver dependable performance for 15 to 20 years or more.
Without a change in usage, your system may be losing efficiency and working harder than it should.
Some rooms warm, others still cold — often a sign of ductwork issues or a failing blower motor.
The furnace turns on and off repeatedly without maintaining temperature — a common sign of trouble.
Banging, rattling, or squealing can indicate mechanical issues that need professional attention.
A burning smell or musty odor may point to electrical problems or mold in the ductwork.
Even if it's still running, older furnaces operate far less efficiently than current models. An upgrade may save you more long-term.