Furnaces are the unsung heroes of our households. Despite requiring only seasonal maintenance and staying out of sight, for the most part, they’re essential for our families’ well being and comfort. In fact, the only time most homeowners even think about their furnaces is when they need heating repair in Hamilton, NJ.
Today, we’ll give these amazing devices some much-needed recognition by listing 4 incredible facts about furnaces and their history. Keep reading to learn more.
Why is a furnace called a furnace?
Believe it or not, the word “furnace” actually has Greek origins. It came from the word “Fornax”, which was used to describe an oven or “an enclosed structure that produces warmth.” This is because the old furnaces were bulky stone or clay structures in which burned coal or wood to create intense heat.
Although this ancient furnace design could be used to produce warmth, it was mostly used to create ceramic items or smelt metal and other ores. The same system is still used in industrial metal manufacturing processes today.
Here are 4 more interesting furnace facts:
1. They’re not as popular in other parts of the world.
If you asked a British person to show you a furnace, they’d probably point at one of the aforementioned industrial smelting furnaces. This is because most Europeans don’t have their own in-home central heating systems like Americans do but instead rely on district heating, which distributes heat produced by a cogeneration plant to homes and businesses in the surrounding area.
2. They have a long and storied history.
Did you know that the first furnaces were created by the Romans more than 3200 years ago? They were known as “hypocausts” and worked by distributing heated air through the walls and floors.
After the Roman Empire fell, furnaces weren’t used for home heating for a thousand years. Throughout this time, people had to rely on fire pits and fireplaces to heat their houses during winter and fall.
3. They protect your plumbing system.
It takes less than three days for ice to appear in unused water lines when the temperatures are below freezing. Frozen pipes can crack, leading to major leaks and other serious issues with your plumbing system. The good news is, one of the major perks of having central heating is that it also keeps your water lines from getting too cold.
4. They’re extremely durable.
Modern furnaces should easily last over a decade or more without requiring significant repairs if they are properly installed and receive annual tune-ups.
How hot do furnaces get?
Different kinds of furnaces produce different amounts of heat. For instance, the supply plenum of the average gas furnace sits at 140-170 degrees Fahrenheit. High-efficiency furnaces don’t run as hot, with 110-140 degrees Fahrenheit being the norm. This can further vary depending on your thermostat settings.
The temperatures at a furnaces outlet can differ significantly depending on how cool or hot the incoming air is. The expected temperature rise values can typically be found in the owner’s manual or on its nameplate.
If your furnace lacks a nameplate and you don’t have access to its documentation, you can get in touch with your HVAC service and ask them to supply this information during your next furnace maintenance visit.
Where can I book professional heating repair in Hamilton, NJ & the nearby communities?
Your furnace is one of the most essential parts of your home. After all, it keeps you, your family, and your pets comfortable during icy winter months. As a long-standing HVAC and plumbing company that boasts a verifiably great track record, Allied Experts is superbly equipped to do just that.We offer professional furnace repair, installation, and maintenance services throughout Hamilton Township and many other cities in New Jersey. Contact us today and have your home’s heating, cooling, and plumbing systems serviced by a team of leading industry professionals.
