How Does the Central Heating System Work?
Homeowners don’t usually wonder just how everything in their home operates. They know if it’s working well or not. And when your central heating system isn’t keeping you as warm as it used to, that’s when it’s helpful to know how it ticks.
Here we’ll explain what you need to know about your home’s central heating system. Your HVAC system works to cool or heat your home via ductwork. Central heating happens when heat is generated in the furnace and distributed through ducts.
How Your Central Heating System Works
Natural gas or propane generates heat in the furnace. This heat then passes through the heat exchanger. The air from the ductwork blows over the heat exchanger and warms the air.
The furnace blower sends the heated air into the ductwork, sending it all over the home. There are other essential components involved, including:
- Temperature Control: Regulated by the furnace control board, it turns on the ignition switch and starts the home’s heating as directed by the thermostat.
- Draft Induced Fan: This fan pulls air into the burner assembly, warming the heat exchanger. The exhaust is then sent out of the home.
- Gas Burners: The valves open to deliver gas and burn fuel as directed by the thermostat.
- Ignition Switch: The igniter starts a flame as gas flows over it. The flame is sent through the burners and heats the heat exchanger.
- Heat Exchanger: Part of the gas furnace, it adds heat to the air in your home. Gas combusts inside of the heat exchanger, and heat is created that heats the air that passes through.
- Blower Fan: Works to blow air overheat exchanger via return venting. The heated air goes into your home through ductwork.
- Flue: This pulls the by-products created when combustion creates the heat.
Heat Pumps are kicked off in the same way furnaces are by the switch of a thermostat. The heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it into the home.
The Role Your Thermostat Plays
Thermostats are what tell your HVAC system how to condition the air. Smart thermometers use wall sensors to check the temperature in the home and communicate that via wires. With these, you can program functions and set temperatures from applications on your phone.
Traditional non-programmable thermostats use a bi-metal or metal strip that senses a change in temperature allowing the mercury to flow to the right side to signal heating or cooling.
Size Matters
Your central heating system has to be the right size to warm your entire home efficiently. If too small, it won’t be able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature when it gets extremely cold outside. If your furnace is too big, it will short cycle, heating the house quickly and shutting off repeatedly. This can overwork your system and reduce the life of your furnace.
Trust Jamison Heating & Cooling Services
To learn more about the central heating system in your home and how to keep it properly maintained, trust Jamison Heating & Cooling Services. You must choose HVAC professionals with the knowledge and experience. Jamison Heating & Cooling Services has provided quality HVAC services in our community for over a decade.
We look forward to hearing from you!
