The Beginners Guide to Understanding Your Furnace

As we head into fall and winter, it’s a great idea to learn about the machine that provides heat and comfort throughout the cold winter days – your furnace! The more you know how a furnace works, the better you can troubleshoot it if something goes wrong.

Energy Costs

A rise in energy costs is not just down to external factors, it can be down to the furnace losing its efficiency and wasting more energy than it is using. A repair can do the trick, but if repair prices are over one-third of the furnace’s worth, then you should seriously consider replacing it. Another indication that your furnace needs replacing is if it’s making unusual noises such as rattling, popping, screeching, or humming. It also depends on which part of the furnace these noises are coming from.

The Thermostat

Your furnace starts when it receives a signal from the thermostat that tells it to turn on. Depending on the temperature you set, when the thermostat detects the air temperature dropping below that number, it activates the furnace.

When the thermostat sends its signal to the furnace, the furnace gas valve opens and ignites the burner component beneath the combustion chamber. The gas valve works with the thermostat to regulate the amount of gas that flows into your furnace.

Furnace Maintenance Tips

Schedule a professional tune-up every fall. Your HVAC specialist will be able to test your heat exchanger for cracks, clean your pilot light, inspect the ventilation system, and much more.

Replace the furnace filter at least once every 90 days (set reminders to check the filter every month). Write the date of replacement on the filter itself so you know exactly how long it has been since the last filter change-out.

Each furnace is individual. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your current furnace, feel free to get in touch with a Trane representative.