A furnace is an appliance, which is utilized for heating purpose. The furnace technology was invented by Indus Valley Civilization and this technology is currently used for the development of ceramic items.
Types of Furnaces
Currently, the various types of furnaces available in the market are:
• Central warm-air furnace,
• Steam or Hot-water system furnace,
• Heat Pump (Reverse-Cycle System), and
• Floor, Wall, or Pipeless Furnace.
Details of these types of furnaces are given below.
Central Warm-Air Furnace
This furnace has a space-heating package in which, a resistance or central combustor unit usually uses electricity, fuel oil, or gas—offers hot air, which circulates via ducts leading to different rooms. In this division, heat pumps are not incorporated. A forced-air furnace is a furnace in which, a fan is deployed to pressurize the air via the ducts.
Steam or Hot-Water System
They’re used in two kinds of a central space-heating system, which supply hot water or steam to traditional pipes, convectors, radiators, heating pipes incorporated in the ceilings or walls, or equipment or heating coils that are part of a joined ventilating/heating or air conditioning/heating system. The other type provides radiant heat via pipes that holds hot water and are laid in a cement slab floor.
Heat Pump (Reverse-Cycle System)
It is a year-round air conditioning and heating system in which, refrigeration package provides both cooling and heating through ducts that lead to separate rooms. Generally, a heat pump comprises of a compressor, thermostat, and both outdoor as well as indoor coils.
Floor, Wall, or Pipe less Furnace
Space-heating package comprises of a resistance or ductless combustor unit, has enclosed chamber wherein electrical heat is developed or fuel is burned to heat individual rooms of a building. The location of floor furnace is usually just underneath the floor and it provides warm air in room on both sides of wall. A pipeless furnace is fixed in a basement and it provides warm air via a large resistor that is placed inside the floor of room.
Working Principle of Furnace
Furnace works by firing materials like wood, gas or coal to warm the air and then provides the heated air in the room through one of the air handling systems.
For example, a gas furnace works by providing a limited quantity of propane or natural gas to number of burners. Because of the gas and fire, blue flame will come of the burner to heat the air present inside of room. Usually, ceramic furnaces are used for this purpose. This is so because the ceramic substances absorb heat very quickly and efficiently.