Using the correct type of furnace for your home depends on various factors, including your budget and the size of your home. Even if you aren’t sure what kind of furnace to buy, there is probably one that matches your needs best. There are many different types of furnaces to choose from. Based on your budget and needs, you may even be able to have more than one. Other furnaces offer different energy-efficiency levels or heating capacity per space unit.
What is a Furnace?
Furnaces are the appliances that generate and distribute heat to your home by combustion. The furnace is the central hub of the HVAC system, controlling the temperature and airflow in a building through ductwork. There are various types of furnaces, and they all work in different ways. There are also an almost infinite number of combinations and options for furnaces. Though it can be confusing, knowing the types will help you choose the best furnace for your needs.
Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces account for the vast majority of furnaces in the United States. These furnaces are designed to be installed outdoors and attached to a gas line. Outdoor gas furnaces offer the advantage of accepting natural gas, a clean-burning fuel that produces much less greenhouse gas than traditional fuel sources, such as oil and coal. Gas furnaces are designed to use natural gas as the primary fuel source. These units are generally less expensive to operate and are safer than oil furnaces. Gas furnaces also benefit from being able to burn a more comprehensive range of fuels. They are also more efficient, meaning you’ll be able to heat your home with less energy. This is especially important if you’re looking to lower your energy bills.
Oil Furnaces
An oil furnace works by heating liquid oil, then transferring it to a heater. The heater heats the air and returns it to the room. Oil heaters are typically found in homes in the northern and southern U.S. with low temperatures. Oil furnaces are a common choice in older homes, as they are commonly found in older two-story houses built before modern HVAC systems were standard. They work in any space and are naturally ventilated, so they are easier to clean than other furnaces. Oil heaters provide moderate energy efficiency and are very affordable. Because oil is a liquid, they are straightforward to install. The only challenge with installing an oil furnace is finding an outdoor location for the furnace.
Electric Furnaces
An electric furnace works by heating a liquid that flows through a circulator and is transferred to the room. Electric furnaces are efficient, but they cost more than gas and oil furnaces. They are most common in new houses because they take longer to pay off than other systems. Electric furnaces are very quiet and easy to install. If the furnace is faulty, you should get the best furnace replacement in North Las Vegas, NV. However, they are much more expensive than gas or oil furnaces. If you can afford it and your electricity is reliable enough, an electric furnace is an excellent choice for your home.
Propane Furnaces
Propane is another common type of liquid fuel used for furnaces. These units burn propane as fuel in a combustion chamber, producing hot air that enters your home through ducts. Propane is usually odorless and non-toxic, making it a popular replacement for oil. Like electric furnaces and gas furnaces, propane furnaces are easy to operate and require no maintenance. Propane furnaces are a popular choice for homeowners who live in areas with mild to warm winter weather because they can be used year-round. Propane furnaces are prevalent in rural areas, where natural gas isn’t available.
Variable-Speed Heating Systems
A variable-speed heating system adjusts the air temperature in a room based on your desired temperature. It’s a very energy-efficient heating option that is an excellent choice for homes with central air. Variable-speed systems have a digital controller to set your desired temperature. The system then controls the flow of heat to maintain your desired temperature. A variable-speed system is quieter than electric furnaces but still provides enough heat to comfort you.
Conclusion
Depending on your home’s layout, you may choose to have a larger or smaller heating system. The capacity of a system has a lot to do with how efficiently it will heat your home. The higher the capacity, the more space it will heat. However, if you live in a medium-sized house, you may only need a small capacity system to warm your home.
