Important Furnace Parts and Functions

When the temperatures begin to fall throughout the winter months, your furnace may struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. While this may suggest that you require a replacement furnace, it is more probable that one of your furnace’s components requires repair. Understanding all of the components of a furnace can help you make the best choice for your home.

To help you better understand furnaces, below are the important parts and functions you need to discover.

Parts and Functions of a Furnace

1. Flame Sensor

The flame sensor is a safety device located in the burner compartment close to the heat exchanger. Its job is to monitor the flame’s intensity, making sure it does not become too hot. The sensor also detects when the pet is extinguished before turning off the gas to the furnace.

2. Temperature Reset Switch

The temperature reset switch is located next to the flame sensor, and it has a vital role. It resets if the flame goes out, ensuring that the burner can be relit. The temperature reset switch has a high resistance rating measured in ohms. If this rating is outside the normal operating range, the furnace may not reset when the flame goes out.

3. Gas Valve

The gas valve has a simple function: it controls gas flow to the burner compartment. It also ensures that gas is shut off to the furnace if the pilot is out or the flame sensor or temperature reset switch is not functioning.

4. Thermostat

The thermostat is used to control the operation of the furnace. The temperature of the house activates it. A low temperature activates the stove, while a high temperature deactivates it.

5. Blower

The blower is a critical component of the furnace as it distributes heat throughout the home. It is located right above the burners, where the hottest air is. The size of the furnace typically determines the motor size of the blower.

6. Burner

The burner is the furnace portion that ignites the natural gas or propane, creating a flame. The flame heats the heat exchanger and distributes the heat throughout your home.

7. Hammer

The hammer is a critical component of the furnace. It is located in the burner compartment, and it is used to ignite the gas to the burners. It does this by striking a part of Pyrodex.

8. Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is another critical component of the furnace; it distributes the heat throughout the home. Without it, the heat generated in the furnace would all be concentrated in the burner compartment, possibly damaging it.

Significance of a furnace

A furnace is integral to most homes, even if they are not used as much as other appliances, such as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and clothes dryer. That’s because it performs an essential household function: heat. When it is bitterly cold outside, and you are trying to keep warm, a furnace keeps you comfortable by providing warmth.

A furnace is an energy-inefficient device, so it is essential to keep it operating at the highest level possible. 

At Legacy Heating, we specialize in HVAC systems for residential new home construction (RNC) furnace replacement and servicing of air conditioning products in Edmonton and Calgary. Install a furnace with us now!