Knowing the kind of unit you have is the first step to making sure it operates safely and efficiently all year long, but how do you know what system is in your home? Let’s start with the most common, Furnaces! There are three types of furnaces. Gas, electric, and oil. Gas and oil furnaces use combustion to heat elements, also known as heat exchangers, to create heat for the home. Electric furnaces use electricity to conduct heat through elements, also known as heat strips, to create heat for the home. The common denominator between all three is that they all use forced air. So what is forced air? Forced air systems use a fan or blower wheel to push air through ductwork throughout the home. The fan or blower wheel pushes air past the heated elements in the furnace to distribute warm air to each individual room. If you have a forced air system, you will often notice heating registers in the floors or ceilings. Furnaces are often located in a garage, utility closet, attic, or sometimes crawlspaces. Furnaces should be maintained at least once a year to ensure that the equipment is operating safely and up to manufacturing specifications. Call us at Beaver Heating & Air for your next service!