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What Are the Different Types of Furnaces?

What Are the Different Types of Furnaces?

A malfunctioning furnace can do much more harm than good in your home. It is an energy guzzler and poses a safety risk. If your furnace is on its last legs or needs frequent repairs, it makes sense to replace it. Before you start looking for a furnace, make sure you know about the different types of furnaces. 

To help you get started, we take a look at different types of furnaces that furnace repair companies in Fairfield typically work on. 

Gas Furnaces 

Gas furnaces burn natural gas to produce heat. Natural gas is more affordable than many other fuels used for generating heat. It is also plentiful, so it’s no wonder it is the most popular heating fuel. Almost 50% of homes in the U.S. use natural gas for heating. 

When you switch on a natural gas burner, the fuel is ignited in the burner. The flame heats the metal heat exchanger and the exhaust is sent out through the flue. The heat exchanger transfers heat to the cold air. Once the air is warm enough, the blower transfers it into your ductwork, which is designed to distribute air throughout your home.

Natural gas furnaces are also more efficient than many other types of furnaces. Though they are expensive to install, gas furnaces have lower operating costs, which means you will save more in the long run. As an added benefit, natural gas burns cleaner than many other fuels. 

Electric Furnaces 

An electric furnace works like a gas furnace, except it uses electricity rather than natural gas to produce heat. Once air enters the heat exchanger, electric heating elements warm it up. The blower guides the heated air in the ductwork, which distributes it to different rooms in the house. 

Electric furnaces are very easy to install and cost less than gas furnaces. An electric furnace does not release harmful fumes and is environmentally friendly. It heats faster than other furnace types. However, electric furnaces tend to have higher operating costs and do not work during power outages.

Oil Furnaces 

When activated, an oil furnace uses a fuel pump to draw oil from a reserve tank. Once the fuel enters the burner chamber, it is converted into a mist and sprayed onto the burner. 

The chamber starts heating up. When the air that was pulled from the house passes over the chamber, it heats up as well. The conditioned air is circulated through the ductwork. 

Oil furnaces are more effective than their gas counterparts. With proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 30 years. Oil burns hotter than gas and has more BTUs per gallon than natural gas. However, oil furnaces are more expensive than gas furnaces and need more frequent maintenance. 

Need help choosing the right furnace for your home? Look no further than Right Now Air & Solar. We are also your go-to team for furnace repair in Fairfield. Our know-how and experience allow us to design effective solutions without cutting corners. To make an appointment, call (707) 868-8736.