A furnace is one of the most critical parts of a home’s heating and cooling system, and many people don’t know that furnaces need air to run. A common question homeowners have about furnaces is: where does this air come from? The answer may surprise you. It comes from the outdoors, with some carefully-placed vents directing fresh air into your home from the outside.
We will explore how a furnace uses air and what can happen if not enough is provided during use. You’ll also learn some essential tips for ensuring your furnace gets all the necessary air to keep your family comfortable year-round.
Indoor Air
Furnaces typically draw indoor air from vents located in basements, attics, or utility rooms. This air supply is filtered or cleaned to prevent contaminants from entering the combustion chamber. Once the air enters the chamber, it combines with fuel to produce heat distributed throughout the home via ductwork.
One key factor is that furnaces that draw indoor air require a proper ventilation for optimal performance. It means that a tight, sealed house can lead to an insufficient air supply or compromised indoor air quality, making regularly cleaning vents and ducts essential to ensure good airflow.
Drawbacks of Using Indoor Air
While indoor air may be convenient for home furnaces, it has drawbacks. For one, indoor air often contains contaminants, such as dust, pet hair, and other allergens, that can clog filters and cause unnecessary stress on the heating system. Additionally, if your home is not properly ventilated, the furnace may struggle to maintain proper combustion, leading to incomplete burning and lower energy efficiency.
To mitigate these potential issues, it is vital to regularly clean vents and ducts and ensure proper home ventilation. Sometimes, exploring other air sources or upgrading to a more efficient heating system may be worth exploring.
For example, homeowners with ductless mini-split systems may consider these an alternative to traditional furnaces. These systems use an external unit to heat or cool air before sending it directly into the home, avoiding issues with ducts or indoor air sources.
Outdoor Air
Furnaces that use outdoor air typically draw in fresh air from outside the home through two PVC pipes. The air supply is then filtered and enters the furnace’s combustion chamber. The second PVC pipe exhausts combustion gases outside the home.
One of the main draws of using outdoor air is improving air quality. Since outdoor air is typically cleaner and free from indoor contaminants, there will be a stronger connection between furnaces and households’ indoor air quality.
Advantages of Using Outdoor Air
Apart from improved indoor air quality, outdoor air provides many other advantages. For example, outdoor air is usually cooler than indoor air, so outdoor air furnaces tend to operate more efficiently as they do not need as much energy to cool the fresh air as they would with indoor air. It can translate to cost savings for homeowners.
Another benefit to using outdoor air is that since the furnace isn’t drawing air from home, the amount of air that flows through the furnace is not restricted. It means that the furnace can provide consistent heating without struggling to “breathe” when demand is high.
For homeowners living in regions with high pollution, outdoor air may not be suitable, as the dirt and debris in the air can clog filters and damage the furnace’s components. Homeowners must consult a licensed HVAC technician to ensure the heating system is safe and appropriate for their region.
Maintaining Your System’s Air Supply
The following tips can help maintain proper air supply and prevent the buildup of dirt and debris that can reduce efficiency or even damage the heating system:
Regular Filter Replacement:
The air filter in your furnace plays a critical role in maintaining a steady flow of clean air into the system. Replace filters every six months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the air supply unobstructed.
Cleaning Vents and Ducts:
It’s crucial to ensure vents and ducts are kept clean and unobstructed to ensure proper airflow to the furnace. There are many ways to clean ducts and vents, such as using a vacuum or a professional cleaning service. Inspect ductwork and vents regularly for blockages, as well.
Keep Furnace Area Clear of Debris:
To maintain good airflow, keeping the area around your furnace free from clutter or debris that might impede airflow is essential. In addition to preventing damage to the furnace, clearing the site also makes for easier access by HVAC professionals when repairs or maintenance are required.
Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Furnace that Draws Air from Outside
High-efficiency furnaces offer several benefits over traditional units. They can offer improved heating efficiency and lower running costs while utilizing outdoor air to prevent indoor air quality issues. Generally, if your furnace is over 15 years old or incurring high maintenance costs, it might be time to upgrade to a more efficient furnace.
Insulation and draft-proofing are also good ways to ensure that you effectively utilize the advantages of high-efficiency furnaces, thus keeping your air supply clean and unobstructed.
By combining regular maintenance with energy-efficient equipment, homeowners can ensure that their heating system is operating optimally. Prompt attention and preventative care by a licensed HVAC technician can prevent significant issues and promote energy efficiency in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining optimal air supply to your home’s furnace is essential for efficient and properly functioning heating. As we’ve discussed, indoor and outdoor air can be used as sources for furnace air supply, with each option having benefits and drawbacks. Regardless of the source, you should take these measures to ensure the air supply remains clean and unobstructed.
By following the tips we’ve discussed, such as regularly changing air filters, keeping vents and ducts clear, and maintaining proper home ventilation, homeowners can help ensure their furnace stays running well. However, it’s also important to recognize when to upgrade to more modern and energy-efficient equipment.
