5 Surprising Facts About Furnaces

Did you know that the word “furnace” is derived from the old Greek word “Fornax,” meaning oven? In the United States and Canada, a “furnace” is that particular HVAC component that heats your property. Yet, in the UK, a “furnace” is actually what they call the device for melting ore, while they call HVAC furnaces “heaters.”

In today’s post, we’ll be exploring some interesting facts about furnaces that you may not have known. Will these facts impress your friends? Probably not… but do they reveal some insights about the history of heating, how your furnace works, and tips for taking care of it better so it lasts longer? Absolutely. 

Before we get to the list though, we’d like to thank you for considering Lion Home Service for all your Northern Colorado HVAC needs. We understand that there are lots of great HVAC companies around the region, and are grateful to have the opportunity to show you what 20 years and counting in the business can mean in terms of quality of service, professionalism, and care. If you have a furnace that needs repairs or it’s time for an HVAC system tune-up, our A+ rated (by the BBB) HVAC company is here for our local communities’ HVAC needs, 24/7. Contact us today to schedule a regular service call or to get emergency repairs!

5 Fun Facts About Furnaces (say that 10 times fast…)

As the temperature stays cold most days now that it’s winter here in Colorado, we spend more and more time inside. You probably don’t think about your furnace that often, unless it’s broken — in which case it’s a central problem, as you’re probably rather cold. Here are some things you might not have known about furnaces:

#1: Furnaces Last Longer Than You Think

One reason people don’t think much about their furnaces that much is that they tend to last a long time — up to or more than 40 years, actually, if they are taken care of. However, the average lifespan of a furnace is more like 15-25 years, depending on how well it is maintained and installed

#2: There Are Only Three Active Components in Your Furnace

The furnace is comprised of only three actual “heating” components:

  1. The burner, which produces the heat
  2. The heat exchanger, which separates the combustion process from your breathing air
  3. The blower, which circulates breathable air around your air ducts

#3: Your Furnace Manufacturer Probably Doesn’t Cover Product Failure

To save you from the shock of finding this out later, if you read the fine print of your furnace policy, you are likely to learn that the policy only covers inexpensive components, and not more expensive ones such as the heat exchanger. 

#4: Furnaces Have Been Around for a Very Long Time

While the first modern central heating system was invented only in 1919, some form of heating system has been used since at least the times of the Ancient Romans, who used what they called a “hypocaust,” which pumped heated air through walls and floors. 

#5: Furnace Installation Counts Just as Much as Furnace Quality 

No matter the quality of the parts you get, having a trained professional install your furnace perfectly is just as important, in terms of ensuring that it lasts a long time and requires minimal maintenance. 

Call the Experts at Lion Home Service Today For All Your Furnace Needs

If you are in Northern Colorado and need furnace repair, maintenance, or installation services, trust Lion Home Service to get the job done right. We serve many locations in Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greeley, and Windsor. Our customers’ complete satisfaction is of the utmost importance to us. All of our repairs are guaranteed for as long as you live in your home, and we never consider a job “finished” until you are completely satisfied. Our service experts also wear foot coverings and lay out drop cloths when working inside your home to prevent any damages. Have a question or want to schedule HVAC service? Contact us now!

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