Furnace installation is not a typical do-it-yourself job. If you plan on installing a furnace on your own, it is important to understand the basic facts of how a furnace works. The first step in furnace installation is determining what type of furnace you plan to install. There are many types of furnaces, such as electric, natural gas, propane and oil. The type of furnace you choose is normally determined by what fuel source is readily available in your area and the price of that fuel source.
Once the room air is in the ductwork, it travels down to the furnace. Inside the furnace there is a metal box that contains the heating source. With an electric furnace the box contains a heating element, while the other heating sources use a pilot light and burners. The room air enters the box and is heated. It then travels out the other side of the box and through ductwork, back into the room.
Once you understand how a furnace works, it is easy to see there are several things you must do to properly install a furnace. Not only must the furnace unit be properly installed, but, just as importantly, the ductwork must be in place and properly installed. If you are replacing an old furnace, take the time to inspect the existing ductwork. The most high-efficiency furnace available will not properly heat a home if there are problems with the ductwork.
The ductwork should be firmly attached to each register, and all areas where the ductwork splits in different directions should be attached. Put your hand up to each area where there is a connection and make sure that you cannot feel any air escaping. If the home is older, the ductwork may not be properly insulated. Metal ductwork should be insulated the entire length of the duct, to prevent the heated air from cooling off on its return to the room.
If you are installing a furnace in a home that has not previously had a furnace, installing the ductwork and registers will probably be the most labor-intensive portion of the job. Plan the layout of the ductwork carefully, so that air returns and heat registers are not covered by furniture. If you use metal ductwork, insulate it carefully. You can also purchase flexible ductwork that comes insulated. This works well in many situations.
The final component of furnace installation is the exhaust system. The type of exhaust your furnace needs will depend on the type of fuel used, as well as how the home is built and the location of the furnace. A proper exhaust system is extremely important. Improper or incomplete removal of exhaust fumes can result in health problems or even death. Follow the specifications for your particular furnace exactly when installing the exhaust system.
Furnace installation can be straightforward, if you take the time to learn about the heating source you plan to use, and put as much time into the ductwork and exhaust as you do the actual furnace installation.
