Electric Furnace Operation
Understanding the Basic Functions of a Residential Electric Furnace
At Just Some Brothers Heating and Cooling, we understand how important it is for homeowners to feel confident in their heating systems. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or new to maintaining your home’s heating system, understanding how your electric furnace works is essential. Here's a breakdown of the basic components of a residential electric furnace and their roles in the sequence of operation.
Thermostat: The System's Control Center
The process starts with the thermostat, which is the furnace's brain. Set to the desired temperature by the homeowner, the thermostat monitors the air temperature in your home. When the temperature falls below the set point, it signals the furnace to turn on and start heating.
What it does: Detects temperature changes and sends a signal to start or stop the heating process.
Electrical Contactor: Starting the Furnace
Once the thermostat sends a signal, the electrical contactor (relay switch) is triggered. This component is essentially the "furnace on the switch," connecting power to the rest of the system.
What it does: Provides power to the furnace by completing the electrical circuit when signaled by the thermostat.
Heating Elements: The Heat Source
After the power is supplied, the heating elements (also called electric coils or heat strips) are energized. These components convert electrical energy into heat through resistance. The more elements your system has, the more heat it can produce.
What it does: Heats the air by converting electricity into heat.
Blower Motor and Fan: Circulating Warm Air
Once the heating elements reach a certain temperature, the blower motor activates. This motor powers a fan, which circulates air over the hot heating elements, warming the air before pushing it through your home's ductwork.
What it does: The duct system calculates heated air throughout your home.
Limit Switches: Safety Controls
Limit switches are crucial safety devices in an electric furnace. They monitor the furnace's temperature and ensure it doesn't overheat. If the system gets too hot, the limit switch cuts off power to the heating elements, preventing potential damage or safety risks.
What it does: Protects the furnace from overheating by shutting off power to the heating elements if the temperature exceeds safe limits.
The heat exchanger is a metal chamber designed to absorb the heat from the gas burners. The metal gets hot as the combustion gases flow through the heat exchanger. At the same time, the heat exchanger ensures that dangerous gases like carbon monoxide remain isolated from the air circulating in your home. This heat is what warms the air, but it is the blower motor that moves this warm air into your living space.
Electric Furnace Sequence of Operation
Thermostat calls for heat:
The thermostat senses the need for heat and sends a signal to the furnace.
Contactor energizes the furnace:
The electrical contactor activates the heating elements.
Heating elements warm-up:
Electricity flows through the heating coils, producing heat.
Blower motor activates:
As the elements heat up, the blower motor powers the fan to circulate air over the heating elements.
Warm air is distributed:
Heated air is pushed through the supply ducts into the rooms of your home.
Furnace turns off:
Once the thermostat detects the set temperature is reached, it signals the furnace to stop, and the system powers down.
Conclusion
An electric furnace may seem like a complex system, but when broken down, it's a series of simple steps that work together to keep your home warm. At Just Some Brothers Heating and Cooling, we're here to ensure your furnace operates smoothly and efficiently. Whether you need maintenance, repair, or a new installation, trust our team to handle your heating needs. Reach out today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
Since 2016, Just some brothers heating and cooling has been committed to meeting the unique needs of our customers through expertly crafted HVAC services. We extend our gratitude for supporting our family in delivering top-notch heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions.
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