Furnace Fun Facts: Heating Up Your Knowledge

Tom Markley • September 18, 2024


Today, we're diving into the world of furnaces, those unsung heroes that keep your home cozy during the frosty months. Furnaces may seem like humble appliances, but they've got a few tricks up their sleeves that you might not know about.


The Efficiency Game Changer

Did you know that today's furnaces are way more efficient than their predecessors? Older models had an efficiency rating of around 56%, which means more than 40% of your energy dollars were going up in smoke. Modern high-efficiency furnaces, on the other hand, can reach efficiency ratings of up to 98.5%. That's a big win for your wallet and the environment.


Two Main Types

Furnaces come in two main flavors: gas and electric. Gas furnaces use natural gas to generate heat, while electric furnaces rely on electrical resistance heating elements. Each type has its pros and cons, but both will keep you warm when Old Man Winter comes knocking.


The Manager-Thermostat

Your thermostat is like the conductor of a furnace orchestra. It tells the furnace when to start and stop heating your home. Programmable thermostats take this to the next level, allowing you to set temperature schedules, so you're always comfortable without wasting energy.


Noisy Business

Furnaces can be a bit noisy, but it's not because they're having a dance party inside. The sounds you hear are typically the blower motor, burners, or air ducts doing their job. If you ever hear something out of the ordinary, it might be time to call in the HVAC pros for a tune-up.


Furnace Lifespan

Furnaces are like the superheroes of home appliances. They have a long lifespan, typically lasting around 15-20 years. However, regular maintenance can extend their careers even longer.


Regular Check-Ups

Speaking of maintenance, furnaces benefit from an annual check-up. Professional inspections can catch small issues before they become big problems, ensuring your furnace keeps running smoothly.


Filter Heroics

Furnaces are also champions of air quality. Their filters trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, helping to keep the air in your home clean and healthy.


Zoned Heating

Want to customize the warmth in different parts of your home? Zoned heating allows you to do just that, so you can have a toasty living room while keeping the guest bedroom a bit cooler.


There you have it – a quick dive into the world of furnaces. They might not have capes, but they're certainly home comfort superheroes. If you ever need more furnace facts or some TLC for your trusty heating friend, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Alpine. Stay warm and informed! 🔥❄️😊



Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an AC repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Facebook for more tips and insights.

September 10, 2025
Keeping your furnace in top shape isn’t just about comfort—it’s a money saver. A quick, professional tune-up improves efficiency, prevents expensive breakdowns, and extends the life of your system, so you spend less on energy and repairs all winter long. Why Maintenance Pays for Itself Lower energy bills: A clean, properly adjusted burner and blower move heat with less effort, using less energy. Fewer repairs: Techs catch small issues—like a weak ignitor or dirty flame sensor—before they cause a no-heat call. Longer equipment life: Reduced strain on components helps your furnace last years longer. Safety & peace of mind: Combustion checks and heat-exchanger inspections reduce risk from carbon monoxide and fuel leaks. What’s Included in a Professional Furnace Tune-Up A reputable HVAC tech typically: Inspects heat exchanger, burners, ignition, and flame sensor Measures gas pressure, temperature rise, and static pressure Checks electrical connections, blower motor, and capacitor Cleans burner compartment; verifies venting and drainage Replaces or checks filters Quick Homeowner Tasks Between Visits Change filters every 1–3 months (more often with pets or construction). Keep supply/return vents open to maintain airflow. Clear the area around the furnace for proper ventilation. Set a sensible schedule on your thermostat to avoid short cycling. Signs You Should Schedule Service Now Uneven heating, new noises, frequent cycling, or utility bills climbing faster than usual are all signals your system needs attention. The Bottom Line Annual maintenance is a small, planned cost that helps you avoid the big, unplanned ones—while keeping monthly energy costs in check. Book a tune-up before peak cold hits to lock in preferred scheduling and maximum savings all season. FAQs : How often should I service my furnace? Once per year, ideally in early fall before heavy use. Is maintenance required to keep my warranty? Many manufacturers require documented professional maintenance; check your warranty terms. What’s the best time to schedule? Serving Wooster, Ashland & Mt. Eaton, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems. If you need service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs. Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114
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As the long summer days begin to shorten and cooler evenings start to settle in, it's a clear sign that fall is just around the corner. While most people are still focused on back-to-school shopping or squeezing in one last vacation, savvy homeowners know now is the perfect time to get ahead of the season—especially when it comes to your furnace. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we’ve seen it too many times: the first cold snap hits, and suddenly the phones are ringing off the hook with emergency furnace repairs. Don’t wait until you’re left in the cold. Here’s why getting a jump on fall by scheduling a furnace tune-up now is a smart move. 🔧 Why Early Furnace Maintenance Matters 1. Avoid the Fall Rush Once the temperatures drop, we get flooded with calls. By booking your maintenance now, you avoid the waitlist and ensure your system is ready when you need it most. 2. Improve Efficiency A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, using less energy to heat your home. That means lower energy bills and less wear and tear on your system. 3. Catch Problems Early Routine inspections can uncover small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. Whether it’s a dirty burner, a loose wire, or a worn-out ignitor, it’s better to find it in August than on a freezing November night. 4. Extend Your System’s Lifespan Your furnace is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your home. Annual maintenance helps ensure it lasts as long as possible, delaying the need for a costly replacement. 5. Keep Your Family Safe Furnaces that aren’t properly maintained can develop carbon monoxide leaks or combustion issues. Our certified technicians check all safety mechanisms to protect your home and your family. 🍂 What’s Included in a Fall Furnace Tune-Up? When you schedule a fall furnace inspection with Alpine, our trained professionals will: *System Check & Cleaning *Voltage Check *Gas Pressure Check *Airflow Check *Replacement of 1" Filters (If Applicable) This comprehensive service helps guarantee your furnace is running safely and at peak performance before the heating season starts. ✅ Don’t Wait—Book Your Furnace Tune-Up Today Fall is coming whether we’re ready or not. Getting your furnace serviced now means one less thing to worry about when the leaves fall and the temperatures drop. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the seasons.  If your near Wooster, Ashland or Mt. Eaton give us a call or shoot us a message today to book your fall furnace tune-up. Your comfort—and your peace of mind—are worth it.
August 13, 2025
Late summer in Ohio can be unpredictable—some days bring crisp, fall-like mornings, while others feel just as hot and humid as July. This back-and-forth weather can put extra strain on your HVAC system, making late summer a critical time to ensure everything is running efficiently. 1. Watch for Signs of Wear By August, your air conditioner has likely been running for months. Listen for unusual noises, check for weak airflow, and monitor your utility bills for sudden spikes. These can be early indicators that your system needs attention before fall. 2. Maintain Proper Airflow Late summer pollen and dust can clog your air filter faster than expected. A fresh filter not only improves indoor air quality but also keeps your AC from overworking. 3. Manage Humidity High humidity in late summer can make your home feel warmer than it is. Consider a whole-home dehumidifier or have your current system checked to ensure it’s properly removing moisture from the air. A little end-of-summer care goes a long way in extending the life of your HVAC system and keeping your home comfortable year-round.  Serving Wooster, Ashland & Mt. Eaton, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems. If you are in need of service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs. Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114
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