The skies are grey, the blustery wind is biting at your face, your knuckles are red and chapped from the bitter cold and your hands scramble for your house keys so that you can step into your warm inviting home. Finally, you turn the key and step in, already anticipating the warm embrace that you know will be there.
Disappointment swallows you as you realize the warm home you thought you’d find, isn’t so warm. What happened? Everything was fine earlier in the day, why now when the sun is setting, and temperatures are dropping does something go wrong?
One quick look and you can see that your furnace isn’t working as it should. Time to bundle up for what is sure to be a long winter’s night.
Homeowners depend on furnaces to keep their houses warm when temperatures drop and winter arrives, but how much do you know about your furnace? About how to properly maintain your furnace? Or what about warning signs when something is wrong?
Take a look at these 7 furnace facts and get to know this appliance that you likely couldn’t live without, not comfortably at least.
- Furnaces Can Have a Long Lifespan
Yep, it’s true. If you properly maintain your furnace it could last for 15-20 years keeping you and your family warm and toasty. - Furnaces Are the Most Common Heat Source Found in Homes
Sure, some people use fireplaces, space heaters, and lots of blankets, but furnaces are the most common heat source found in American homes. And this isn’t anything new. Furnaces originated with the Romans and have been a common household appliance ever since. - Furnace Installations Are Regulated by The Government
This is not a DIY situation. Furnace installations are regulated by the government for your protection. It’s important to call in a professional to install and maintain your furnace so that you don’t run into any safety hazards. - Furnaces Keep Your Pipes from Freezing
No one likes to wake up to a flooded basement because a frozen pipe bursts. Furnaces can help keep this from happening when the temperatures dip below freezing. - Furnaces Have Three Main Parts
The three main components of a furnace are:- The burner that produces the heat
- The heat exchanger that separates breathable air from the rest
- The blower that circulates the breathable air through the air ducts
Yes, there are more than those three parts, like the pilot light, air filter, control valve, etc. but those are the three primary components that make up your furnace.
- Furnaces Should Never Be Crowded
Homeowners are often tempted to store holiday decorations, boxes of memories, or bags of giveaway clothes next to the furnace in the basement, but furnaces should never be crowded. Storing things too close to your furnace could result in a fire hazard and prevent you from reaching the furnace quickly in case of an emergency. - Furnaces Need Preventative Maintenance
Like most appliances, furnaces do require preventative maintenance so that they continue to work at their peak performance and keep you warm for 20 years or more. The team at Roland Black Heating & Cooling is trained to properly assess your furnace, make any necessary repairs and ensure that it is ready to keep you warm all winter long. You can make your appointment with Roland Black Heating & Cooling by calling (980) 409-3848.
Do you have other questions about your furnace or the rest of your home’s heating and cooling system? We’d be glad to talk with you and provide comfort and clean air in your home. Give our team a call today at (980) 409-3848.