In Canada, your heating system is absolutely essential for keeping your family safe and comfortable during the winter months. Your furnace is an important piece of your HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about furnace fundamentals and efficient home heating, including:
- your furnace’s components and how they work
- furnace maintenance tips to keep your heating system running efficiently
Furnace Fundamentals
Let’s start with the basics. Your furnace will look like a large, rectangular, metal box. Most furnaces are installed centrally in the home, usually in the basement or special utility closet. If your home doesn’t have a basement, it may also be in your crawl space or attic. You may find other appliances in the same space as your furnace, such as your water heater, or washing machine.
Essentially, your furnace works by burning fuel (usually natural gas, but some furnaces use propane or oil) to generate heat, which is then circulated throughout your home.
Furnace Components
Your furnace contains many parts that work together to heat your home. Here’s a quick breakdown of each part and its function:
- Burner – The burner is the part of your furnace that ignites the natural gas, initiating the combustion process (creating a flame) and generating the heat necessary to warm your home.
- Heat Exchanger – The heat exchanger is a thin metal piece or tube that facilitates the transfer of heat from the combustion process to the air that is blown into your home and ensures no dangerous gasses enter the treated airstream.
- Blower – The blower is a large component that blows the warm air through your vents. It is powered by a blower motor which spins a fan, generating the necessary airflow.
- Gas Valve – The gas valve regulates the flow of natural gas from the supply line into your furnace.
- Ignition System – The ignition system provides the spark to burn the fuel that heats air which passes into your home. Many furnaces use a pilot light, a small blue flame, but newer models may have an electronic ignition.
- Ductwork – Your furnace sends warm air through your home’s ductwork system, a series of metal tubing, that leads to your home’s vents and registers.
- Air Filter – Your furnace uses a filter to trap dust, allergens, and other pollutants from getting into your blower fan and circulating throughout your home.
- Thermostat – Your thermostat serves as the central control for your HVAC system. When the outdoor temperature cools you can start your furnace by activating the “heat” setting and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Furnace Maintenance Tips
Regular furnace maintenance is crucial to keep your furnace running properly. Not only will an efficiently running furnace help you stay warm and comfortable during the winter months, it will save you money on monthly utility bills and help you avoid costly repairs.
Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your unit. Follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Change Your Air Filter – One of the easiest ways to maintain your furnace is to change your air filter regularly. A dirty or clogged filter restricts the airflow to your furnace, making it work harder to maintain the right temperature. Swap out your filter at the beginning of the winter season, and at least every three months (more if necessary).
- Keep Your Ducts Clean – Clearing your ducts of any dirt or debris can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Remove the covers from your air vents and vacuum them thoroughly. It’s recommended to get a professional duct cleaning every few years.
- Check Your Thermostat – At the beginning of the heating season, replace your thermostat’s batteries with fresh ones, so you don’t wake up freezing in the middle of the night! It’s always a good idea to keep some new batteries on hand, just in case. Check all the settings in your programmable thermostat. Adjusting the temperature to your daily schedule can help save money on monthly energy bills. If you are experiencing issues with your furnace, the first step is always to check your thermostat’s settings and make sure it’s functioning properly.
- Inspect the Blower Motor – Dust and debris can accumulate on your furnace’s blower motor over time, reducing its performance and leading to increased energy consumption. To inspect your blower motor, turn off the circuit breaker to the furnace and shut off the gas before removing the panel that accesses the blower. If necessary, gently clean the blower motor and fan with a toothbrush or vacuum to remove any dust.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance – Scheduling annual maintenance appointments with a professional HVAC technician ensures your furnace is running as efficiently as possible and can extend the life of your unit. Your technician will inspect and clean all components of your furnace and can identify any mechanical issues or repair needs before they turn into major problems.
Your furnace is one of your home’s most important appliances, especially during a harsh Canadian winter. To schedule a maintenance appointment or install a new furnace, contact us today at Lynn’s in Winnipeg.
Greetings, I’m Dallas. I’m a small business owner living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and operate Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg: Heating Cooling Sewer & Drain.
Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg plumbing, heating, cooling is a small family owned and operated business since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality work completed by licensed technicians. We believe our outstanding customer service sets us apart from other Winnipeg residential plumbing, heating and cooling companies. Experience the difference and be a part of the Lynn’s family! “We provide comfort at your door!”
Services we provide:
– HVAC repair, – AC repair & install, – Furnace repair & install, – Hot water tanks, – Water heaters, – Clogged drains & sewage, – Plumbing
Areas we serve:
Winnipeg, Oakbank, Beausejour, La Salle, Ile Des Chênes, Stonewall, Niverville, Gimli, Ste. Francois Xavier, Landmark, Selkirk, Steinbach, Stony Mountain, Winnipeg Beach, Lorette & More!
