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A furnace generates heat by burning a fuel source to produce energy. The thermal energy produced by a furnace is used to heat the home. Furnaces can be distinguished by their source of fuel. The primary furnace types are gas, oil, electric, and waste oil furnaces.

Gas-Fired Furnaces

Many American households use gas-fired furnaces. Although gas furnaces are more expensive than oil furnaces, gas is the non-renewable energy that burns the cleanest. One of the potential risks of operating gas furnaces is CO leaks. Therefore, if you are going to install a gas furnace, ensure you also invest in CO detectors. Gas furnaces have lower maintenance than oil furnaces because they are capable of staying clean despite being used for a long time.

Oil Furnaces

These furnaces are popular in rural areas where gas lines are scarce. Oil furnaces are powered by oil that is reserved in a tank. You need to regularly restock the oil when the supply runs low. Therefore, you should make space in your home for storing the oil.

Additionally, you need to identify an oil delivery company that will refill your oil tanks before they run out of oil. An oil furnace can outlast a gas furnace if it is properly maintained. If these furnaces are neglected, they accumulate soot and ash, which makes them inefficient.

Electric Furnace

Electric furnaces are costlier than oil and gas furnaces. These furnaces have high energy efficiency ratings. However, an electric furnace takes longer to heat your home than a gas furnace.

An electric furnace's operating mechanism is based on heating coils. An electric current runs through the coils to warm your house. These furnaces are common in the food industry, laboratories, and engineering industry. Electric furnaces are also common in many residential buildings.

Waste Oil Furnaces

Waste oil furnaces use oil that is no longer suited for its original purpose. For example, there are furnaces that use vegetable or automotive oil. These furnaces are environmentally friendly because they recycle oil.

The downside of waste oil is that it may contain detergents, lubricants, and pollutants such as PCBs. Some of these pollutants can become airborne during heating. This is why EPA has regulations on the fuels that should be burned. In some jurisdictions, people with waste oil furnaces should have a permit and are required to monitor their chimney emissions.

In Closing

When shopping for a furnace, you should identify your specific needs and work with your budget. Other considerations you need to make when choosing a furnace are the size and the stages of operation. For example, a single-stage furnace has one stage of operation, whereas a two-stage furnace gives you more flexibility. Consult a furnace expert to determine the appropriate choice for your home. For more information, contact a company like Environmental Air Systems Inc.