The Basics: What to Know About Your Furnace

The Basics: What to Know About Your Furnace Air Temperature Control, Inc Call Now : 734-697-8288 Air Temperature Control, Inc Any Michigan homeowner knows that you want your heating system to work properly. In the winter months, it can become a complete emergency if we have to go without heat due to a problem or breakdown with our furnace.

Understanding your furnace is crucial. If you’ve been putting off learning about it, or if you’re curious about its inner workings, now is the time to delve into it. Here, we’ll guide you through the essential aspects of your furnace.

How Your Heating System Works: Efficiency and Comfort in Your Home

Although every unique furnace model will vary, your HVAC system typically consists of four components: the indoor part of the system, such as the furnace or air handler; the outdoor unit, such as the air conditioner or heat pump; the thermostat; and the air quality component, such as humidity control or air filtration.

Other factors to be aware of include:

Heating capacity: Depending on your home’s unique needs, this refers to the overall capacity of your furnace.
Ventilation: how your air is passed through the home and ventilated is
Exhaust: If it were to build up without ever being cleaned, exhaust, a byproduct of your furnace, can pose a risk to your health and safety.
Electrical: Not to be forgotten, but it is the key that your electrical system plays in keeping things running.

Is it Time for a New Furnace?

Furnaces typically last 20-30 years. If you are over 15 years old, it’s wise to start thinking about a replacement. Here’s how to know if it’s time for a new one:
Signs You Need Furnace Replacement:
Age: Over 15 years old.
Frequent Repairs: Constant breakdowns are a red flag.
High Energy Bills: Increasing costs with consistent usage.
Uneven Heating: Some rooms are too hot or too cold.
Short Cycling: The furnace turns on and off frequently.
Humidity Problems: The air feels too dry or too humid.
Strange Noises: Rattles, buzzes, hums, or excessive noise.
Dust and Debris: The furnace blows out dust, soot, or rust.
Visible Rust or Damage: Corrosion, cracks, or rust on the unit.
What to Do:
Call an HVAC Professional: If you notice any of these signs, have your furnace inspected. A simple repair or filter change might be enough.

Check the AFUE Rating: A technician will assess your furnace’s efficiency using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating measures the amount of fuel converted to heat in a year, with higher ratings indicating more efficient furnaces. An AFUE below 80% means it’s time for a replacement.

Consider a Home Warranty: If your furnace is nearing the end of its life, a home warranty might help cover repair or replacement costs. Home warranties can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected repair or replacement costs. Be sure to check the policy for coverage limitations on older systems.

Get Contractor Estimates: Obtain estimates from at least three reputable HVAC contractors. When getting estimates, make sure they include details about the new furnace, removal of the old unit, permits, and any necessary modifications to your home’s systems. This will help you compare the total cost and scope of work involved in the replacement.

Energy Efficiency:

Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace is a smart financial move. Energy Star-qualified furnaces are significantly more efficient than older models, potentially saving you $94 per year for gas and $66 per year for oil. This means you can enjoy a comfortable home while being mindful of your budget.

Key Takeaway:

Air Temperature Control, Inc Don’t wait for your furnace to fail. Taking a proactive approach to replacement can put you in the driver’s seat, saving you money, improving comfort, and increasing your home’s energy efficiency.

A single-stage furnace is one with one speed—meaning you have full heat (maximum speed) that provides warm air. Put your system will “wait” for the air to cool down, which triggers your furnace to turn on again. This is how conventional furnaces work to heat your home in the winter. You can see how this “off or on” furnace setup is not as efficient as furnaces that have adjustable and adaptable furnace capacity.

Two-stage furnaces offer greater control and consistency in heating your home, unlike the ‘on or off’ setup. Their precision allows you to regulate the heat output of your furnace continuously, even as the outdoor temperature fluctuates throughout the day.

With a variable-speed furnace, the fan moves at various speeds to control the amount of heat dispersed throughout your home. Increased airflow means a more comfortable home, including improved air quality.

In the end, single-stage furnaces inevitably result in constant temperature variation. Homes with two-stage or variable-speed furnaces are more adaptable in real-time and, in most cases, allow you to keep a more constant temperature in the house.

We’ve been in business since 2001 and have a great reputation. We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

What Else Should I Know About My Furnace?

As much as we try to keep things simple here, it is true that your heating system is a complex, complicated system—but also one of the most important parts of any home! Here is what else we can help you understand better:

Humidity in your home: A humidifier and dehumidifier can help control your humidity level. Some systems are built into your system, but we can also help if you want to add a separate dehumidification or humidity system to your current setup.

The benefit of flexible solutions: conventional heat pumps would force heated air through ducts. Compare this to ductless systems, which work to deliver air directly into various zones of the home.

Ductless systems, which deliver heat on a room-by-room basis, are gaining popularity. This is what people mean when they talk about zone-based heating. Many homeowners opt for this system for its cost-saving benefits in both heating and cooling.

Today, you have more efficient options than ever. The US Department of Energy reports that modern heating systems can achieve efficiencies as high as 97 percent. This means higher efficiency, increased savings, and greater comfort with a modern furnace that can convert nearly all that fuel to helpful heat. In this post, we have covered the heating component. Stay tuned for more on what you should know about the rest of your system, and feel optimistic about the potential benefits of modern heating systems.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. If you’re ever in doubt about your furnace, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Greater Comfort.

Furnace-Installation-Milan-MI We’re here to help you navigate any issues and ensure your home’s comfort. Now that you know more about your furnace, you are better equipped to make future decisions about your home’s air quality and heating/cooling. Call us today to learn more—especially if your furnace is not heating right, is louder than normal, only runs for a few minutes, or if the furnace blower is showing signs of not working consistently. Other signs you should give us a call can include excessive dust in the home or humidity-related issues. Furnace-Installation-Canton-MI

If you’re researching or considering new heating and cooling equipment, call to learn about the energy-efficient options best suited for your home.

Air Temperature Control, Inc.

Air Temperature Control, Inc.