Have you ever wondered whether your furnace runs on gas or electricity? It's a crucial distinction, as it affects both your heating system's efficiency and the safety measures you need to take. Your furnace is an unsung hero in your home during those cold winter days and nights. So, it’s only fair that we give you a bit more information on how it operates to keep you warm and comfortable.
Below, we'll help you identify what kind of furnace you have in your home. If you want to learn more, stick around and find out!
How do I know what kind of furnace I have?
Identifying the type of furnace you have, whether it's gas or electric, is essential not only for maintenance tasks but for safety as well. Here's how to determine what kind of furnace you have.
- Check fuel source label:Inspecting the furnace directly is the easiest technique you can do to identify what kind of furnace you have. Look for a logo or label on the outside of your furnace. Usually, this label includes essential details about the furnace, such as the fuel source. The label on a gas furnace can say "natural gas" or "propane." It may mention "electric" for an electric furnace.
- Examine the burner compartment:If it is accessible, open the burner chamber and have a peek inside. Natural gas or propane are ignited by burners in gas furnaces to provide heat. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, use coils or heating elements.
- User manual:Check there if you have your furnace's user manual. The type of furnace and its energy supply should be specified.
- Ask a technician:See an HVAC technician if you're unsure about the sort of furnace or if you can't identify it. They can do any required maintenance, conduct an inspection of the equipment, and offer guidance based on the type of furnace you have.
What does an electric furnace look like?
The appearance of an electric furnace usually consists of the following common elements and characteristics:
- Metal cabinet:Steel or equivalent sturdy material is utilized to build a metal cabinet that houses electric furnaces. All of the interior parts are enclosed by the cabinet, providing security and safety.
- Access panels:These furnaces typically have removable access panels that make the upkeep and repair possible. Screws hold the panels firmly in place.
- Heating components:There are several electric heating components inside the cabinet. These components, which resemble metal coils or strips, are what heat the air. The design of them can differ according to the type of furnace you have.
- Control board:To regulate how the furnace operates, electric furnaces use a control board or control system. Features like safety controls and a thermostat hookup may be part of this.
- Wiring and electrical parts:Since electric furnaces use electricity to heat, you'll observe a variety of electrical parts, such as cables, connectors, and maybe relays.
- Service labels:The furnace frequently features service tags or labels that contain vital details such as the model number, production date, and electrical parameters.
What does a gas furnace look like?
A gas furnace differs from other types of furnaces in that it has unique features. This is the general appearance of a gas furnace:
- Metal cabinet:A metal cabinet houses gas furnaces, similar to an electric one.
- Burner:The burner assembly is a gas furnace's most distinctive component. This assembly, which is located inside the cabinet, is in charge of lighting and burning propane or natural gas to produce heat. The burners resemble a set of pipes or tubes.
- Heat exchanger:The heat exchanger absorbs the heat generated by the burners and is positioned either above or surrounding the burner assembly, which looks different than that of an electric furnace.
- Flue or vent pipe:The burner component of a gas furnace is connected to a flue or exhaust pipe. This pipe transports the furnace's exhaust and combustion gasses outdoors. It's necessary for both ventilation and safety.
- Gas valve:The gas valve in gas furnaces controls how much natural gas is to the burners.
- Ignition system:The burners in gas furnaces are lit by an ignition system, which is a pilot light.
- Service labels:Again, the furnace will feature service labels that contain details, including the make, model number, date of production, and gas requirements.
Identifying the sort of furnace you have—gas or electric—is essential for both safety and maintenance tasks. The fuel source label on your furnace will usually state "electric" for electric furnaces and "natural gas" or "propane" for gas furnaces. This will help you identify the sort of furnace you have. Open the burner chamber if it's accessible; electric furnaces contain coils or heating components, whereas gas furnaces have burners. If you're unsure, you can also refer to the user manual for your furnace or ask an HVAC professional for advice.
Whether electric or gas, if you’re in the market for a new furnace for your home, the team at M&K Heating and Air Conditioning is here to make it happen.
We suggest reaching out to the team to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our home comfort advisors, who will be able to give you an in-depth look at our range of furnace models that fit your needs and budget! Additionally, our home comfort advisors will also give you more information about our current seasonal discounts and flexible financing options that can help you save money on your new equipment!
All at-home consultation appointments include a complimentary new system purchase estimate as well.
Reach out to M&K Heating and Air Conditioning over the phone, or use our online booking form to connect!
