A furnace is a mechanical device to heat your Grayslake, IL, home. Either electricity or natural gas power furnaces and they work by circulating heated air through your home using a system of ducts. They typically have four main components: the burner, the heat exchanger, the electronic ignition, and the direct drive blower motor. Each component ensures your heating system runs like a well-oiled machine.
Burner
All furnaces have at least one burner, which is the component that produces the heat. The burner is a metal box that houses a gas flame. The size and type will vary depending on the type of system, but they all serve the same purpose: to heat the air. The burner can be found at the bottom of the heating system and is surrounded by a heat exchanger.
Heat exchanger
In a furnace, the heat exchanger is located between the combustion chamber and the air that is being heated. It’s made up of a series of metal plates stacked on top of each other. The plates are separated by a thin layer of insulation, which helps to keep the heat from escaping. They’re also perforated, which allows the hot gases to flow through them and transfer heat to the air passing over.
Electronic Ignitions
Most furnaces use an electrical ignition to light the burners. There are two types of electrical ignitions: intermittent and continuous. With an intermittent ignition, the burner is lit only when the furnace is turned on. This type of ignition uses a glow bar or an igniter to heat up and create a spark. With a continuous ignition, the burner is always lit, even when the furnace is turned off.
Both types of ignitions are powered by electricity, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. Intermittent ignitions are less expensive and easier to maintain, but they can be less reliable. Continuous ignitions are more expensive to install but require less energy to operate and are more reliable.
Direct Drive Blower Motors
Today’s furnaces are more efficient and reliable than ever before, and a big part of that is due to direct drive motors. Direct drive motors operate at higher speeds than other types, which makes them ideal for furnaces. In addition, they use less energy while still generating heat.
If you’re in need of furnace repair or maintenance, contact Herchenbach Mechanical Inc. today. Our team will work hard to keep you comfortable all winter long!
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