Definition
A gas furnace is a heating appliance that burns natural gas or propane, passes the heat through a metal heat exchanger and blows warmed air through a home's ductwork. Combustion gases are vented outdoors through a flue. Furnace efficiency is rated by AFUE, the percentage of fuel energy delivered to the home as usable heat.
Also called: Natural gas furnace
Why it matters to you.
Gas furnaces are common in Danville and other Central Kentucky towns with natural gas service, while rural homes off the gas main often heat with a propane furnace or a heat pump instead. Many homeowners replacing an aging furnace now weigh another furnace against a dual-fuel system that pairs a heat pump with gas backup for cold snaps.
Practical guidance.
Change the filter on schedule and keep working CO alarms on each level; EPA recommends a trained professional inspect, clean and tune central heating systems every year. Gas valves, burners and venting are never homeowner work, and if you smell gas, leave the house before calling for help.
About this definition
Written by the Feistritzer Heating & Air Conditioning team — family owned and operated in Danville since 1976, Kentucky HVAC license M02584. Definitions inform; a whole-system diagnosis in your home decides.