Types of Furnaces

A furnace is one of the main components of your HVAC system. When you set your thermostat, you activate the furnace to begin heating air. A fan switches on and circulates the warm air through your home. How the heat is transferred to the air depends on the type of furnace.

For the cold times of the year, you want a furnace that suits your home the best and you can rely on it. Here are three types of furnaces to make it easier to choose the best furnace type for your home.

A furnace can be electric, natural gas, or use a heat pump or boiler system. The three most popular furnace types are electric, gas, and oil.

Electric

An electric furnace is best for places that don’t experience intense, long winter weather. They usually have the lowest upfront costs, but their electricity costs can get expensive.

They are easy to install and maintain so they can last longer. Electric furnaces are energy efficient, especially in areas where the temperature stays above freezing.

Gas Furnaces

 First, gas furnaces have higher efficiency ratings, and their fuel costs less, but your home must be in an area where a gas supply is available.

 Second, gas furnaces require little maintenance, but the gas furnace provides less heating than oil.

 Third, gas furnaces are quieter and cleaner, but they cost more than oil furnaces.

Routine maintenance by a licensed, professional heating contractor may extend the life of your gas furnace and possibly prevent small issues from becoming expensive or significant problems over time.

Oil Furnaces

 First, the oil furnace provides more heating than gas furnaces, but an on-site storage tank is required and oil must be delivered.

 Second, oil furnaces are regularly and easily serviced by the delivery, but maintenance is more extensive due to dirt and soot buildup—chimneys must be cleaned and the oil filters changed frequently.

Third, oil furnaces cost less than gas furnaces, but efficiency is lower and fuel prices are higher than with gas systems.

Before making new Furnace decisions, whether it is an existing system or a new one, do your homework and consult an HVAC technician in your area to have the best possible information on furnaces for your new home or replacement.

For any further questions contact Alliance Energy Source via 416-259-6767 or Alliance.markham@gmail.com

For more energy-saving and home comfort tips, visit alliancehvac.ca, the perfect partner for your air conditioning repair, furnace repair, and HVAC tips and advice.