What Are The Different Types of Furnaces?
Your home’s heating depends on the furnace type. Every home has its own heating needs and requires different types of furnaces. You must do your research to understand the varieties available in the market and the kind that will perfectly suit your needs.
The furnace types are categorized according to the kind of fuel they burn. You’ll come across oil, electric, wood, and gas heating furnaces. Take a look at this detailed description of the furnace types and choose the one that your home needs.
Natural Gas Furnaces
Natural gas furnaces have grown over time, with the newest models said to be 98% efficient. Nearly half of the households in America rely on natural gas furnaces for heating, thanks to their efficiency and affordability. The furnaces can last up to 25 years if you maintain them well. They don’t consume much when it comes to maintenance and don’t break down easily.
Gas is no doubt the cheapest fossil fuel to burn at home. If you want to cut your utility bills’ cost, you need to buy a gas-burning furnace. This furnace produces much heat when burning, so you’ll only need a small amount to get sufficient heating that your home needs.
One disadvantage of gas is that it’s not the cleanest burning fuel and can pollute the air. It can expose your home to carbon monoxide leaks, which can endanger the family. Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors to mitigate the problem.
Oil Burning Furnaces
An oil furnace is another good choice for your home. Oil is popular in areas that don’t have easy access to gas furnaces or where gas is expensive. When the oil is not from an import, it can be less expensive than gas. Oil furnaces can last up to 30 years and require minimal maintenance. They also emit a lot of heat hence perfect for areas that receive very chilly winters.
Compared to natural gas, oil is less efficient and can cost more if imported. Oil furnaces can produce soot and dirt that buildup in your unit over time. You need to maintain regular chimney cleaning and change the oil filters regularly to keep it in tiptop condition.
Another drawback is that oil furnaces require an on-site storage tank, thus occupy a lot of space in your home. You also need to fill the tank more regularly as it won’t run with oil deficiency.
Electric Furnaces
Electric furnaces are other types you’ll likely find in most homes. They’re of great service in areas where gas and oil aren’t readily available. Some electric furnaces are connected to solar panels, making them the most reliable sources of clean and renewable energy. They’re considered safer than gas and oil furnaces as they don’t leak carbon monoxide and don’t produce soot.
Families on tight budgets prefer starting with electric furnaces to avoid incurring pipework costs associated with gas and oil furnaces. When it comes to efficiency, electric furnaces are not more efficient than gas. However, newer models tend to show incredible improvements in their efficiency and ease of installation.
Electric furnaces last up to 10 years with good maintenance. On the downside, they can be more expensive in the long run as they consume more when it comes to monthly energy bills.
Wood Burning Furnaces
You won’t believe this, but some furnaces depend on heat from wood to warm your home. In areas where firewood is readily available, this can be the cheapest furnace you can ever install. The furnace comes with a firebox that burns the wood and then circulates the heat throughout the ductwork, just like other furnace types do.
You have to fuel these furnaces manually, and you have to tend to the fire. This means they won’t heat the house in your absence and can be labor-intensive. But wood furnaces can work as an excellent supplement for gas and oil furnaces. They can be a lifesaver whenever you suddenly run out of gas or oil on a chilly night.
What’s Your Furnace Type?
With all the descriptions above, you must have an idea of the kind of furnace you have at home or know which one to get. Regardless of the type you get, you must need to service it. Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling will be at your service with licensed and trained contractors ready to ensure your furnace is working optimally. We ensure the people of Olathe and the greater Kansas City area have no problems with their heating and cooling systems. Give us a call, and let’s work together. You can also count on us for indoor air solutions and geothermal services.
