Heating Info From Warmair.net

Wood Furnaces

A wood or coal fired furnace burns wood or coal in a sealed firebox to heat an exchanger. With the help of a blower air is forced over the exchanger and ducted into the space. Its basic components include the cabinet or jacket, firebox, blower, access doors for stoking and cleaning, and a small blower to fan the fire when more heat is needed.

Accessories can include: an air filter, electronic air cleaner, high performance media filter, humidifier, evaporator coil for central air, and a coil to make domestic hot water. Sometimes a condensate pump will be used to dispose of the water produced by the dehumidifying action of the air conditioning.

Due to high temperatures in the supply plenum, extra precautions must be taken with regards to air conditioning, evaporator coils, as well as ductwork clearance from combustibles. Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

Combination furnaces will include an oil or gas burner or electric elements as a backup.

Zone controls and motor actuated dampers will be mounted on the cabinet or in the ductwork if the system is zoned.

Aside from ash removal, routine maintenance include air filter replacement or washing the electronic air cleaner grids, cleaning the humidifier, and an annual tune up of the oil burner if so equipped. Special instruments are needed to set the correct air to fuel mixture on an oil burner, so it is best to let a professional do it.

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