Let’s play a little game of “Three Truths & A Lie” about your furnace. Can you spot which one is the fib?
- The first furnace was invented in 1805 by William Strutt, an English inventor. Strutt’s design, called the Warm-Air Stove, used a series of ducts to distribute heat throughout a building. This innovation laid the groundwork for modern central heating systems. The stove was first installed in the Derbyshire General Infirmary, revolutionizing indoor heating for large buildings. Strutt’s invention was so effective that it continued to heat the hospital for over 130 years until it was finally replaced in 1938.
- Furnaces can be powered by various fuel sources, including natural gas, oil, electricity, and even corn. While most people are familiar with gas and electric furnaces, some homeowners in rural areas use corn-burning furnaces as an eco-friendly and cost-effective heating option. Corn furnaces work by burning dried corn kernels, which are renewable and often cheaper than traditional fuels. These furnaces can also burn other biomass fuels like wood pellets or cherry pits. The use of corn as a heating fuel dates back to the energy crisis of the 1970s but has seen a resurgence in recent years due to environmental concerns and fluctuating energy prices.
- The average lifespan of a well-maintained furnace is between 15 to 30 years. Regular maintenance, including annual inspections and filter changes, can significantly extend the life of your furnace and improve its efficiency. The exact lifespan depends on various factors such as the type of furnace, frequency of use, and environmental conditions. Gas furnaces typically last 15-20 years, while electric furnaces can often reach 20-30 years. However, even if a furnace is still functioning after this time, it may be worth replacing for improved energy efficiency, as newer models can be up to 98% efficient compared to 80% for older units.
- Furnaces produce a small amount of carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion, which is why CO detectors are essential in homes. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it particularly dangerous. Modern furnaces are designed with safety features to minimize CO production, but detectors are still crucial for home safety. The primary source of CO in a furnace is incomplete combustion of fuel. This can occur if the furnace is malfunctioning or if there’s insufficient oxygen in the combustion chamber. Most modern furnaces have built-in safety switches that shut off the unit if CO levels become dangerous, but a separate CO detector provides an additional layer of protection for your home and family.
The Big Reveal
So, which one do you think is the lie? Take a moment to consider each statement before scrolling down for the reveal!
If you guessed that statement #1 is the lie, congratulations! You’ve got a keen eye for furnace facts.
While William Strutt did indeed invent an early form of central heating in 1805, the first true furnace as we know it today was actually invented much later. The modern furnace was developed in 1885 by Dave Lennox, founder of the Lennox furnace company. Strutt’s Warm-Air Stove was an important predecessor, but it wasn’t quite the furnace we’re familiar with in modern homes.
Lennox’s invention, which he called the “Furnace,” was a riveted steel coal furnace that provided a more efficient way to heat entire homes. This marked the beginning of the modern HVAC industry and set the stage for the comfortable, evenly-heated homes we enjoy today.
Our experts are well-versed in the latest furnace technology and can help you maintain the comfort and efficiency that Lennox envisioned over a century ago. Stay warm, keep learning, and let Mechanical Man help you write the next chapter in your home’s heating history.
Contact us online or give us a call at (574) 301-5748!