Winter has New Jersey in its cold grasp, meaning your furnace has likely taken center stage. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when you crank up your thermostat and your home “magically” becomes toasty?
In this blog article, the experts at C&C are here to give you the inside scoop about the steps of a furnace heating cycle and how the system works!
1. Thermostat Control
The heating process typically begins with the thermostat. When the temperature in your home falls below the desired setpoint, the thermostat signals the furnace to start. It’s game time!
2. Combustion Chamber (For Gas and Oil Furnaces)
In gas and oil furnaces, the next step involves fuel combustion. The furnace pulls in air from your home and mixes it with the fuel in the combustion chamber.
3. Ignition and Burners
An essential component of the furnace heating cycle is the ignition system, which ignites the fuel-air mixture. The burners then produce a controlled flame that heats up the heat exchanger.
4. Heat Exchanger
This critical part absorbs heat from combustion, transferring it to the air that is then circulated through your home. The heat exchanger also ensures that the combustion byproducts, like carbon monoxide, are safely vented outside.
5. Air Circulation
Once the air is heated, a blower fan pushes it through the ductwork and into various rooms of your home. This is where you and your family start to feel warm and toasty!
6. Return Air
As the warm air circulates, some of the air is drawn back into the furnace through return ducts. This air is then rewarmed, creating a continuous cycle of heating!
While we could go on and on about the wonderful intricacies of furnaces, these are the basic steps to explain how they work to heat your home. Furnace maintenance is an excellent way to ensure your furnace runs smoothly when you need it most. If it is time for a maintenance appointment in your Central New Jersey home, give us a call at 732-860-2660 or schedule your appointment online.