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Gas Heat
A gas furnace's heat is supplied by the burning of natural gas or propane. A mixture of gas and air flows into the burner and is ignited by the pilot. Combustion occurs, and warm air from the burner flame rises to fill a chamber known as a heat exchanger.
The heat exchanger becomes hot. Air from your home passes around the heat exchanger absorbing that warmth, then continues into the air ducts and the heat is distributed through your home.
The by-products of combustion pass upward through a venting system and escape through a vent in the roof.
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Electric Heat
In an electric furnace or air handler, heat is generated by an electric heating element. Electric current traveling through the element creates heat. By the heat transfer processes called conduction and convection, heat is transferred into the air stream and flows through the air ducts into the rooms of your home.
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Heat Pump
Using electricity as its energy source, heat pumps are used for either the heating or cooling of your home by transferring heat between two reservoirs.
In the warmer months, the heat pump acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from the air inside your home and transferring it outside.
During colder months, heat from outdoor air is extracted and transferred to the interior of your home. Believe it or not, even a 32ยบ Fahrenheit day produces enough heat to warm a home via a heat pump.
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