Each year when the temperatures drop, we flip a switch and count on our furnace to send the warm air our way. We know it’s there, but do we really KNOW our furnace? Here are a few fun facts to help you get to know your furnace a little better.
1. Furnaces as we know them have been around for centuries. The Roman empire was the first known culture to use a warm-air system for heat in public places and large homes. This system, called a hypocaust, worked by heating air with fire in an open space below the floor and sending it through passages into the rooms above.
2. Installation of your heater is regulated by both the local AND federal government. Due to the inherent level of danger furnaces possess, it’s important that they are installed correctly by a trained professional.
3. Gas furnaces are the most common type across the US. This is due to their ability to operate off of natural gas or propane. They are also have high-efficiency ratings and can be used in rural or remote locations.
4. There are 5 different kinds of gas furnaces:
- Horizontal gas furnace
- Package gas furnace: also comes with an air conditioner
- Upflow gas furnace: airflow enters the bottom, and the heated air exits the top
- Downflow gas furnace: opposite of the upflow, airflow enters the top, and the heated air exits the bottom
- Lowboy gas furnace: shorter units designed for tight spaces
5. Furnaces can have a long life! With regular preventative maintenance, your furnace could last up to 25 years. On average, conventional furnaces last 18-25 years while high-efficiency furnaces have a slightly shorter life of 15-20 years.
With winter approaching, take the time to schedule an inspection with one of our trained professionals. Treat your furnace right and it will take care of you and your family for years to come.
