The majority of homes that need to be heated usually have a central furnace connected to a labyrinth of ducts going to the various rooms. From a descriptive point of view, furnaces in Chicago are quite simple. Using a fuel, usually, natural gas, LPG, or oil, air is heated and blown throughout the house via a system of ducts. This type of system is known as “ducted, forced-air.”
How does a furnace work?
Fuel; natural gas or oil, is mixed with air and burned. The resulting flame heats a heat exchanger; it is here where heat is transferred to the surrounding air. The heated air is forced through the ducting system by a central blower.
The products of combustion are vented outside through the central flue of the chimney. About 30 percent of the heat that generated in the furnace goes up the chimney.
Three types of gas furnaces:
The majority of furnaces in Chicago use natural gas or LPG as fuel. The anticipated life expectancy of a gas furnace is about 15 years. New technology has influenced modern furnace design that in turn dictates system efficiency and comfort.
Single-stage furnace:
- This type of furnace has a rather simple fuel delivery system. A valve opens, and closes and gas is sent to the combustion chamber at one rate; high. This type of furnace is not very efficient; it is used more often in areas of the country with mild winters.
Two-stage furnace:
- The two-stage furnace is a superior system; the gas flow valve will adjust; high or low; full-power or half-power. When the system comes on it starts to deliver heat at half power. When the thermostat sends a signal to the furnace that high heat is required, the valve fully opens, and twice the heat is delivered.
Modulating furnace:
- The best furnaces in Chicago are the modulating type. The gas regulation valve regulates fuel delivery by one percent increases. These systems are always adjusting the fuel flow to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort; minute by minute.
As Chicago gets long, brutal winters, it is well worthwhile to invest in a top-of-the-line modulating system.
If you are looking for a company that sells, installs, services and repairs furnaces in Chicago you are invited to call Heatmasters. Since 1950, Heatmasters has been one of the most trusted HVAC companies in the area.
