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How Does a Heating System Work?
The two most commonly used heating systems in the U.S. are furnaces and heat pumps. These two pieces of equipment operate in very different ways. The NATE-certified technicians who work at Bryant's Heating & Cooling in Fort Payne, AL, are qualified to do repairs, maintenance services, and installations for practically every manufacturer’s make and model of both furnaces and heat pumps at your property.
The Importance of a Reliable Thermostat
Thermostats are devices that allow you to regulate the amount of warmth your heating system puts out. Thermostat options range from traditional thermostat wall dials that are connected to your heating equipment with a wire to programmable thermostats you can control with a smartphone app. When your rooms are too hot, your thermostat will switch off your heat source. When your rooms are too cold, your thermostat will switch your heat source on.
The Furnace Heating Cycle
Gas furnaces and electric furnaces both use forced-air heating systems. When the thermostat signals a gas furnace that the heat needs to be adjusted, that signal causes the pilot light to ignite. With an electric heater, the signal triggers electric heating elements within the furnace itself. Some older homes may have oil- or propane-powered furnaces, which operate in the same way that gas furnaces operate.
Electric furnaces are typically more energy-efficient and less costly to install than gas furnaces. Electric furnaces also have a longer functional lifespan. With proper maintenance, electric furnaces will last between 20 and 30 years while gas furnaces last between 10 and 15 years. Depending upon where you live, however, electric furnaces can be more expensive to operate since the cost of electric power is often higher than the cost of natural gas.
The Heat Pump Heating Cycle
Heat pumps pull external warmth from the outside air or ground using a compressor and a blower motor. Heat pumps can double as cooling systems in warmer months, so they’re particularly practical in more temperate areas like the southern part of the U.S.
At Bryant's Heating & Cooling, we also offer heating and cooling services to residential and commercial customers throughout Fort Payne. We provide duct cleaning, which can help improve indoor air quality, too. We have nearly 40 years of experience, and our great customer service has earned us an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Contact our office today for more information.
