Your furnace is an essential component of your home’s central heating system. The furnace provides warm air for your family during the cold season. For this reason, you should clearly understand its mechanisms as well as its ideal location in your house.
How Does a Furnace Work?
All heating systems have three essential parts – the heating source, the heat distribution system, and the control system. These individual components perform a unique function in order to function properly.
A furnace is an example of a heating source that is responsible for generating heat inside your home. On the other hand, the heating distribution system supplies and disseminates warm air through various parts of your house. To manage the amount of heat, a control system such as a thermostat is always needed.
Three Crucial Factors
Before installing a heating system in your new home, you may want to consider the following factors first to avoid costly mistakes.
- Size: One of the most important factors to remember is the operational cost of your furnace. Always make sure the size of your furnace is appropriate for your new home. If you cannot find the right size, you may want to consult a professional HVAC specialist.
- Efficiency: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) now expects new heating systems to “display the annual fuel utilization efficiency” (AFUE). This requirement is an initiative to help consumers like you to understand the heating efficiency of a particular product. This information will surely help you effectively make a comparative study between two products.
- Fuel: Your current location dictates the type of fuel you need for your heating system. In general, heating systems use propane, natural gas, electricity, and heating oil. Your personal preference matters as well but most of the time, the most abundant fuel type available in your location is highly recommended.
Where Should a Furnace Be Located in Your House?
Furnace installation usually requires assistance from a licensed and insured HVAC technician. The following locations are simply recommendations. Air leaks are common when it comes to furnace installation that is the reason why you should always consult an HVAC specialist for your own safety and convenience.
You can choose to install your furnace either in an unconfined or confined space. At the same time, this also depends on the type of furnace you choose to install. Here are a few suggestions for where your furnace should be located in your house:
- Basement: If you prefer a gas or electric furnace, you may want to install the furnace in your basement. One major advantage is that you will have easy access to your unit in case it needs repair. Just make sure the unit is at least four inches off the floor. This allowance will help you protect the furnace from moisture and heat issues.
- Attic: Ideally, your furnace should be installed in a secluded area where you will not be disturbed by its noise. If your furnace is installed in your attic, ask an HVAC specialist if you need a more durable drainage pan system.
- Garage: Your garage is also an ideal location for your furnace especially if you do not have ample living space. Make sure you create a good drainage system that will channel all excess moisture from your furnace.
To keep your furnace in good condition, you should make sure you have easy access for regular maintenance. The unit must be totally free from any items that will obstruct the airflow.
A high-quality furnace can keep your family snug and warm during a chilly season. Consider the services of an HVAC technician who can assist you in choosing and installing the best furnace in your new home.