Gas Furnace FAQs
Gas furnaces are one of the main kinds of heating systems in use today. However, many people are not familiar with facts about gas furnaces or how they operate. Frequently asked questions often include the cost of the system and any benefits and drawbacks. If you are interested in purchasing or replacing a gas furnace then it is important to know some important facts about gas furnaces. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Gas furnaces use natural gas to power the heat source for a building's heater. A gas furnace has a higher running temperature than many other heating sources such as electric. The average running temperature of a gas furnace is around 125 to 140 degrees F. Gas furnaces can either be installed as a floor unit or as a wall unit. Usually the structure and ductwork in the house determine which system should be used. Gas furnaces are unique because they use external air for combustion and venting.
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Benefits
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A higher running temperature ensures that houses are kept warmer and at a more consistent temperature. The ability to offer a consistent heat can also cut down on operation costs and heating bills. According to Manufacturers Specifications Advantage Home, gas furnaces also have a longer lifespan than most electric furnaces. This means that the yearly cost of owning a gas furnace is more economical than owning an electric furnace. Repairs and maintenance on a gas furnace are also less expensive than electric.
Cost
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The cost of gas furnaces can vary by model, type and location. Additional factors such as the age of the unit, the installation costs, the price of natural gas and how cold your locale is can also affect the final cost of a gas furnace. However, the average cost of a gas furnace is easy to find. Floor furnaces can cost anywhere from $900 to $1,500 with installation running from $1,000 to $2,000. Wall gas furnace units can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 with labor also costing $1,000 to $2,000. A high-efficiency gas furnace can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000.
Drawbacks
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While there are many benefits to owning a gas furnace, there are also some drawbacks. The price of natural gas is not a steady price, and the fluctuation of gas prices can cause gas furnace operation costs to skyrocket during peak times of use. Natural gas can also leak causing fires or inhalation sickness. Replacing an older gas furnace system can also be expensive, costing anywhere from $1,700 to $7,000 depending on the complexity of the system and how many new components must be installed.
Components
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Each gas furnace has many of the same components. Gas furnaces operate through the use of combustion air intakes. Gas furnaces use gas to fuel the small burner flame that heats the air. Each furnace also has an intake and exit vent to keep the fire lit and to provide ventilation for the system. A motor is included to push and pull the heated air to heat exchangers and into the air duct system to heat the entire house. Air filters are important to keep dust and other particles out of the system which can cause fires and blockage to the valves.
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Neil Piddock
