How to Understand How a Gas Furnace Works
Natural gas is an cost-efficient fuel source for the energy required to heat homes, and gas-powered furnaces are a safe and effective means of home heating. These furnaces usually operate on the principle of forced-air heating, when air is heated and pushed out of heating ducts located throughout the home. An understanding of how gas furnaces operate can help you to recognize and prevent common issues. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the thermostat. It is generally located on an interior wall in the home. When the switch is turned to the "on" position, a command travels to a circuit board in the furnace and the furnace comes on. When the switch is placed on the automatic setting, the circuit board recognizes when the indoor temperature drops below the specified temperature and comes on automatically.
-
2
Understand that when the furnace recognizes a command from the thermostat, it sends a signal to the gas valve. The valve opens, allowing the flow of natural gas to reach the burner.
-
-
3
Open the front of your furnace to see if you can locate the pilot light. Older furnace models have a standing pilot light that burns continuously under the main burner, while newer models use an electric ignition system to light the burner. Both types use this flame to ignite gas and air.
-
4
Know that, although it can't be seen, air is being heated inside the combustion chamber by the main burner. After a short period, a sensor recognizes the accumulation of heated air and activates the blower fan to blow air over the heat exchanger.
-
5
Place your hand over one of the heating ducts in your home. These are located on the walls in your home, often near the ceiling. You will feel hot air blow out of the duct as the electric blower fan pushes the heated air through the air filter and through the system of ducts inside your attic space and walls.
-
6
The carbon dioxide and moisture created during combustion are filtered through a separate ventilation system that removes these by-products from your home.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Replace furnace filters monthly and keep heating duct vents clean to provide maximum heat to your home.
Common problems that cause gas furnaces to stop working or work improperly are when the pilot light goes out, the electric ignition fails or the blower motor or belts fail. Most furnaces have safety features that recognize these failures and close the valve to stop the unit's gas flow.
Standing pilot lights can blow out when located in drafty areas. If your older gas furnace is not working, first check to ensure that the pilot light is lit.
With the exception of relighting the pilot light, contact professionals to repair your furnace.
Carbon dioxide and natural gas sensors work like smoke alarms and can provide an added level of security if you are concerned about leaks.
Do not store combustible or flammable items near your furnace.
If you smell a strong odor of gas in your home, contact the emergency services department of your local gas company.
References
- Photo Credit natural gas meter image by Tijara Images from Fotolia.com
