Blog Post

   Gas Furnace Equipment Components and How They are Utilized

  • By 7064132288
  • •
  • 26 Nov, 2019
  • •

There are many different parts that keep your furnace operating smoothly and efficiently. Below we will be breaking down the individual parts of your furnace system. We are going to be focusing on gas powered furnace components and non-geothermal heating methods. We are not going to be focusing as much on furnaces such as space heaters, but a lot of the space heaters have the same parts. We want to focus today on furnaces that are directly tied into a HVAC system. The furnace components we will be discussing will most likely belong to your standard furnace that is tied into a duct system.  

   


Heat Exchanger

When gas burns it gives off a very toxic chemical called carbon monoxide. When breathed in it it can be very detrimental to the health of the residents in the domicile. A heat exchanger will help prevent the toxic gas from mixing with fresh air. A heat exchanger is a relatively simple piece of equipment considering its job is so important. A heat exchanger has long metal tubes that have been bent into an S shape. Gas flames burn inside the tubes and expel the toxic gasses through the roof. The blower motor forces air on the outside of the tubes heating the air as it does. This also keeps toxic flame exhaust from mixing with the clean air. This component should be regularly checked for cracks due to its very important job. Carbon Monoxide detectors in your home are also very important. Checking your Carbon Monoxide detectors and your furnace regularly can ensure the safety of you and your family. For a better understanding we’ve listed the systematic process of a heat exchanger in a heating cycle below;

  1. Burners trigger combustion gases and send them through the first opening in the heat exchanger.

  2. At the same time as step one the blower releases cool air over the exterior of the heat exchanger.

  3. It uses heated combustion gases to warm the air, which is then distributed throughout the home.

  4. Toxic Exhaust is released through the roof exhaust or FLUE pipe.

Igniter and Pilot Lights 

  A gas furnace needs some type of flame or very hot heat to initiate combustion. Older furnaces use a pilot light that burns constantly while the gas is on. Modern day furnaces use a Hot Surface Ignitor (HSI). The HSI (below) glows red hot, reaching a temperature hot enough to initiate the combustion process.

Burners

A burner is where gas and air are combined creating a flame that becomes the heat source.


Gas Valve 

Gasoline has to be pressurized when it enters your home from your gas line. The pressure is usually 8-12 inches of water column when it originally enters the home. The gas valve pressurizes it to the needed amount of pressure for the furnace which is usually 3-5 inches of water column. Inches of water column is used to measure gas pressure. The gas valve controls all the gas going into the furnace. When the safety switch fails the gas valve kind of acts like a secondary safety switch shutting down the pathway into which all gas to the furnace.

Thermocouple

A Thermocouple is used in relation to the pilot light to detect whether or not the pilot light is lit. It uses two small metal wires that rest inside a tube that when heated conduct electricity. After being heated they send a 24 volt signal to the gas valve allowing gas flow. If the thermocouple is bad or does not sense heat from the pilot light it will not allow gas into the system.  


Flame Sensor

A flame sensor works as a safety to detect heat when a Hot Surface Igniter is used. If it does not detect heat it will shut off the gas.

Draft Inducer Motor

Since when gas is burned it produces toxic fumes, it is necessary to have proper ventilation. This perhaps is one of the most important things that needs to happen in your furnace to ensure consumer safety. A draft inducer motor is triggered before the gas is. This in turn creates a vacuum inside the furnace system safely expelling combustion exhaust through the vent pipe.


Pressure Switch

The pressure switch’s job is to make sure the draft inducer motor has been turned on and is expelling gas properly through the vent. Inside is a small diaphragm that allows the switch to detect the vacuum that is pulled by the inducer motor. If a vacuum occurs then the diaphragm pulls in which activates a switch allowing gas flow. If a vacuum is not sensed then no gas will be allowed into the system.


Blower Motor

A blower motor is what blows the air into the vents of your home. The blower motor cycles air into the home from a return air filter past the heat exchanger and out into the home. Blower motors have a tendency to malfunction due to dirty air filters more than most components.

Blower Motor Capacitor

High and low voltage run through the capacitor run and send the necessary power to the blower motor. It is used to help start a blower motor and sometimes keep the blower motor running at a certain rate of speed in some cases. Not all systems use a capacitor to run the blower motor.

Furnace Limit Switch

  A furnace has multiple safety switches contained within its system. Yet another is the furnace limit switch. When the furnace becomes too hot this switch is activated. The switch shuts off the gas to the system as soon as it’s activated. If at any point the the switch is triggered it will turn off all gas to the furnace until the problem is addressed.

Return Air Filter

 The return air filter being dirty is one of the number one causes of dirt and debris entering your unit. To avoid this change out your filter every 30-60 days. This will prevent those debris from entering your system and keep your unit running for longer.


With all of your furnace needs this winter season allow us here at A-Plus Comfort LLC help you. We have over 5 years of experience in the HVAC trade in Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding areas. We are more than happy to assist your in your HVAC needs or questions. Give us a call today at (256) 585-2550. Thank you!

 

 Global Climate Change and How it Affects HVAC

By 7064132288 • November 26, 2019
As we progress in technologies the HVAC industry continuously is changing with new technology. This new technology provides a lot of benefits not only for the consumer, but global climate change as well. These technologies have helped increase the energy efficiency of the unit and overall systems. Below we will discuss why this is beneficial to global climate change.

Why You Should and How You Should Clean Your Dryer Vents

By 7064132288 • November 25, 2019
  Lint build up in your dryer vent is a huge fire hazard due to the combustibility of lint. Lint builds up in more places in your dryer duct system than most people realize. Here in this blog we will be giving a detailed description on how to clean, identify, and avoid these huge fire hazards.

How Long You Can Expect Your HVAC System to Last and Factors That Contribute to Shorter Lifespan of System

By 7064132288 • November 25, 2019

  Furnaces typically have a life expectancy of 15-20 years on average. Heat pumps last 16 years on average. Air conditioning units generally last 16-20 years. Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of 20 years while a gas or electric water heater have a life expectancy that’s half that. Even though the older units were significantly less energy efficient, they malfunctioned a lot less. In the older units there were much less parts that could malfunction and the system while low in efficiency was very straightforward. Due to the lack of moving parts the older systems could take a lot more abuse from the elements and much less maintenance. They were less susceptible to dirty filters, plant overgrowth on the outside of the condenser, dirty blower wheels, dirty coils, and oversized ductwork. The newer systems save you much more money relative to the old ones. The new units require more maintenance but have the potential to last just as long as the old units while simultaneously saving you way more money on energy efficiency.

 Tips On Buying a Furnace for a Historic Home

By 7064132288 • November 25, 2019
When buying an older home there can be a lot of things to consider. If you still have the original furnace system of the home it most likely is outdated, unsafe, and very low efficiency. If you are flipping a house to resell it replacing the furnace system can increase the value of your home. When replacing a furnace system we here at A-Plus Comfort LLC are here to help advise and inform you on the multiple things to consider.

                 Why Your Furnace is Blowing Cold Air 

By 7064132288 • November 25, 2019

 When winter arrives, the last thing you need is your furnace going out. The furnace of your HVAC system provides heat throughout your entire home, so during the winter, it's very important that it’s working properly. I will explain also how to troubleshoot a furnace as well.

The Difference Between a Good and Bad Install

By 7064132288 • November 13, 2019

When performing a HVAC system install there are a lot of very important factors that must be considered each time. Experience and knowledge of HVAC systems is highly viable when doing installs or service calls.

Reasons to Use a Programmable Thermostat

By 7064132288 • November 13, 2019

Convenience is the first reason we are going to discuss why a programmable thermostat is right for you the consumer. If you like your home at a certain temperature, a programmable thermostat can ensure that it stays in the temperature range you set for it. Not only that, you can program the thermostat to make your house reach a certain temperature before you arrive home in the afternoon and before you get up in the morning.

 

  These settings are what differentiates between a normal and programmable thermostat. Because of these settings your thermostat will help you save lots of money by not running while you are away. It has been reported that the average consumer can save about 10-30% on their heating and cooling costs alone. Maximum energy saving settings are pre-programmed for your convenience. A programmable thermostat has precise temperature control with only one degree variations. Most programmable thermostats also tell you when it's time to change out the filter in your unit as well.

  A programmable thermostat is compatible with almost all systems and is super easy to install. There are many programmable thermostats to choose from according to your lifestyle. For every consumer a programmable thermostat is a cost effective and smart option. If you have kids for example and the kids get home earlier than you, sure you could trust them with your thermostat, but with a programmable one you wouldn’t have to worry about that at all. Your home will be the exact temperature that you want it at when you arrive or leave your home. With the hustle and bustle of busy life who wants to worry about the thermostat. Go out and get a programmable thermostat today or call us.

 

Zone control system in HVAC

By 7064132288 • November 13, 2019

A zone control system splits your home into multiple zones. By doing this a zone system is increasing the efficiency of your system. Also each zone can be heated or cooled independently of the other zones. For example you may like your bedroom much cooler than your living room. A zoned system can ensure that is achieved.

Why you should choose A-Plus Comfort LLC?

By 7064132288 • November 13, 2019

A-Plus Comfort LLC, is a veteran owned and operated HVAC business. Collectively our technicians and staff have over 20 years of experience, and understand that you the consumer deserve the best quality service provided. Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC, our mission statement is ensuring customer satisfaction and comfort.

         HVAC Maintenance Tips For Pet Owners

By 7064132288 • November 13, 2019

 Having an efficient unit that runs properly is important in all HVAC systems. Why is that important you may ask. Well pets carry extra dander or micro particles that can get caught in the airways of your home. Here are some tips to help prevent that, and keep your unit in great shape.


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