Even though the winter season is almost over, it’s important to understand how your furnace works, and how to keep it in good condition so that it serves you well for the next season.

As you become more knowledgeable, you will be able to recognize and detect any early malfunction signals given by your furnace, and perhaps even be able to troubleshoot some problems yourself.

In this post, we’ll discuss what it takes to make your furnace run smoothly, its major components, and why you should install a smart thermostat in Downers Grove:

How a Furnace Works

A furnace could either be electric or gas-powered. It has a central air circulating system that is responsible for carrying heated air via the ductwork and vents to all parts of the house. The furnace is governed by the thermostat. Based on the temperature that is set, the thermostat sends signals to the furnace to either turn on or off.

Once the furnace receives the signal to be turned on, the furnace gas valve opens and ignites the burner in the combustion chamber. The flames then heat a metal heat exchanger to warm up the air. Next, the air handler moves the heated air through the ductwork and through the vents. Once the set temperature has been reached, the thermostat turns the heater off, and you are left with a warm home.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is an essential component that receives direct heat from the flames. It comprises of several loops of metal that are heated. Air is then passed over these components, heating it to the temperature set by the thermostat. This heated air is then circulated throughout the house via the air handler and ductwork system.

It is important to ensure that the heat exchanger has no leaks or cracks. Also, it is vital to make sure that the heat exchanger is venting the combustion gases safely outside of the home.

Air Handler

The air handler is the combined term for both the blower motor and the fan. Both of these components are responsible for pushing the air through the heat exchanger and into the ducts so that the air effectively reaches all the rooms in the house.

Smart Thermostat

The thermostat is the control mechanism behind the furnace. With the advancement of technology, smart thermostats can now be installed to help you save money on energy bills as well as repairs.

Here’s how:

• Accurate readings: A smart thermostat sends accurate readings of the temperature to the furnace, ensuring that it is operated only when necessary
• Tracking energy usage: Installing a smart thermostat will allow you to compare energy usage as per the functioning of the furnace. If you find the energy usage increasing, with all other factors being the same, this could indicate a malfunction within the furnace
• Alerts: A smart thermostat can also give you alerts if there is a sudden spike in energy usage, indicating a problem that may need to be rectified by a professional

Have Your Furnace Serviced by a Professional Downers Grove Heating Company!

Are you looking for a furnace maintenance or repair company in Downers Grove? Maybe you’re looking to install a smart thermostat in your home? If so, Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help.

Having been in business since 1996, we have served numerous customers throughout the Downers Grove area. Whether you need a regular tune-up or a major repair, we have the HVAC experts to help you. That is the primary reason why we’re the most trusted name in DuPage County.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!