What are the different types of furnaces?
-
Gas Furnaces: Gas furnaces are one of the most popular types. They use natural gas or propane as fuel for combustion. Gas furnaces are known for their efficiency, reliability, and ability to provide consistent heat. They are commonly found in residential and commercial buildings.
-
Oil Furnaces: Oil furnaces use heating oil as fuel to generate heat. They are less common than gas furnaces but still found in some older homes or regions where natural gas availability is limited. Oil furnaces require an on-site oil storage tank and regular fuel deliveries.
-
Electric Furnaces: Electric furnaces use electricity as their power source. They convert electrical energy into heat through electric heating elements. Electric furnaces are generally more expensive to operate compared to gas or oil furnaces due to the higher cost of electricity. They are often used in areas where gas or oil is not readily available.
-
Propane Furnaces: Propane furnaces operate similarly to gas furnaces but use propane gas as the fuel source. They are commonly used in areas where natural gas infrastructure is limited. Propane is stored in tanks near the property and delivered by propane suppliers.
-
Dual Fuel Furnaces: Dual fuel furnaces, also known as hybrid furnaces, combine a heat pump with a gas or oil furnace. They offer the advantage of using the most cost-effective fuel source depending on external temperatures. In milder climates, the heat pump provides efficient heating, while the furnace is utilized in colder weather when the heat pump's efficiency decreases.
-
High-Efficiency Condensing Furnaces: These furnaces utilize advanced technology to achieve high efficiency. They extract additional heat from the combustion gases before they are vented, allowing for increased energy savings. High-efficiency condensing furnaces are often either gas or oil furnaces.