Those of us living in warmer climates seldom stop to think about our heating systems. We know we count on our air conditioners. But the heat we don’t need very often. When we do want to warm the house, we expect to turn the system on and have the warm air start circulating. Generally that is what happens. But in case it doesn’t, or if you are planning a new system or new home, it is good to know a bit about the basics of home furnaces.
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Some modern homes, especially in mild climate zones, do not really have furnaces. They have heat pumps instead. Heat pumps cool the home in the summer by removing heat from the inside to the outside. In winter they move heat to the inside of the home. They work well in gentle climates. In older homes or homes in a more demanding climate you may need or already have a sure-enough furnace. Whether you have a traditional furnace or a more modern system, you can call on your local heating contractor for maintenance and advice.