You depend on your residential HVAC system to keep you warm and comfortable during the coldest months of the year. Many homes have central heating, which relies on either a boiler, furnace, or heat pump to supply warmth. When it works efficiently, you have little reason to think about it. However, you should understand how it works if you need to contact your heating contractor. Here’s what you need to know.

Answers to Your Central Heating System Questions

How does central heating work?

No matter what heating appliance you have, all central heating systems rely on the combustion or release of energy to warm your house. Furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers all create the heat, which ducts and radiators distribute throughout the home.

How do furnaces produce heat?

The gas furnace is the most commonly used type of central heating equipment. Usually, natural gas or propane power the system, and you control it by adjusting the thermostat. It functions by burning fuel in the heat exchanger, where a blower pushes the resulting heat throughout the ducts. If gas is not an option, an electric furnace is a common alternative. The system releases air over a series of electrically heated coils. The warm air then pushes through the ducts.

What about boilers & heat pumps?

Boilers depend on water instead of air to produce heat. The system works by creating hot water or steam, which it distributes through radiators that are on the walls or baseboards. They may also disperse the heat through radiant floor heating systems. Heat pumps, by comparison, extract heat from outside and transfer it inside. It’s most practical for regions where temperatures tend to be mild.

How do you maintain it?

Before temperatures fall, take a look at the pilot light if you have a gas furnace. Check that the flame is blue; if it’s orange or yellow, call your heating contractor for an inspection. Additionally, replace the filter. A clogged and dirty filter forces the equipment to work harder than necessary to warm the house, which could drive up your energy costs and lead to frequent repairs or failure. Professional inspections are also essential to maintain longevity.

Is it time to inspect your central heating system? Turn to the team at Moeller Furnace in Fort Dodge, IA. They service a wide area, including Coalville, Barnum, Otho, Badger, and Duncombe. The HVAC contractors offer a variety of services, including heating installation, furnace repairs, and air quality inspections. Visit them online to learn more about how they can improve your home’s comfort, or call them at (515) 573-5831 to schedule an appointment.