Forced air heat:
A staple of the American household
Do you have forced air heat?
Go take a look in your basement or your utility closet, there is a good possibility that you do. If so, then consider yourself in good company. A majority of homes in the United States have it. To explain how the forced air heat system works we'll start at the beginning.
There are generally two types of forced air systems first electric. In an electric forced air system the heat is generated by an electric heating element. When the thermostat tells the furnace to turn on, a fan moves air across the heating element through the ductwork and into the living area of your house.
The second type of forced air furnace is powered by natural gas or in some instances propane or heating oil. Other than the way the heat is generated a gas-fired furnace works essentially the same way, cold air is moved by a fan across a series of burners and through the duct work and into the living area.
Other then the blower and the heating element, either gas or electric, there are several other elements that comprise a forced air heating system. First, the element most people are familiar with the thermostat. This piece of equipment gauges the temperature in the living space and tells the furnace went to turn on and off. While manual thermostats are still popular, digital thermostats are much more efficient and pay for themselves several times over in the long run. Other elements in the system include the return air duct work, and the supply air duct work.
In the furnace housing itself there are several components. In a gas furnace there will be several sensors, a central control unit, a fuel regulator and a pilot system. In an electric furnace there will be several sensors as well a central control unit and in both types of furnace a filter.
If you are reading this page either you're having a problem with your heater or you are planning to replace your heater. There are several problems that can arise in the system as complex as this. If you're looking to install a new forced air heat system skip the next couple of paragraphs.
If you're looking to repair your heater there are a few things to check before you call the repairman. First, as simple as it sounds check to make sure all circuit breakers and other switches that provide power are turned on. Second, if you have a gas furnace check your pilot light, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for more information. If you have an electric furnace feel for heat when the furnace turns on. Third, make sure the blower is blowing, there won't be any heat unless the fan is moving air. Fourth, if you have a digital thermostat check to make sure the batteries are good. Finally, check the filter to make sure it is not clogged.
If after all these simple things you find that your furnace is still not working it is best to consult with a professional. Click here to set an appointment with a prescreened professional contractor in your area.
If you're looking to installing new heater there are a few things you should know. First, electricity and natural gas or propane are very dangerous and potentially deadly. Any person dealing with these elements should be VERY confident in their skills. If you're doubtful in the slightest please consult with a professional. There are any number of high quality professional service and installation technicians in almost every corner of the United States. To set an appointment with a prescreened professional contractor in your area click here.
If you've decided to be adventurous and try to tackle a project like this on your own there are many companies that will assist you in sizing a system for your needs and making sure you have all the components necessary to complete the installation.
