Alice Parker created the first forced-air natural gas furnace in 1919 as a way to heat homes by circulating hot air through ductwork. Since then, home heating has advanced, becoming safer and more efficient thanks to its initial design.
To keep your home warm and cozy all season, here are three fun facts about furnaces to remember:
- The Flame Color Holds Secrets. If you’ve never paid much attention to the pilot light in your furnace, you should. Pilot lights serve as the ignition source for furnaces, and you can catch a glimpse of yours as the furnace kicks on. It should be mostly blue because methane gas burns blue. If it is mostly orange or yellow, it could be a sign that your furnace is dirty, which could also indicate that your furnace is not properly ventilating carbon monoxide. Always monitor CO levels in your home and call a professional technician if your pilot light is yellow.
- Your Furnace May Be Adding Moisture to Your Home. Do you notice that your home has more condensation in the colder months? This could be a sign that your furnace is not regulating the air properly. Poor airflow can cause air to stay stagnant, allowing moisture to build up.
- Furnaces Aren’t Always to Blame For Drafts. Several factors, including but not limited to furnace performance, can result in drafts around your home. A room that is poorly insulated or has a poorly placed HVAC vent may impede the furnace’s ability to generate heat throughout the space. Updating the insulation, weatherstripping any access points to the exterior, and changing out the air filters can help keep every room in your home warm and cozy.