How Does My Heating System Work

Posted on February 22nd, 2023 by Devine Bros

Heating systems are essential to any home or building, providing warmth and comfort during the colder months. But have you ever wondered how they actually work? While these systems may seem complex at first glance, they all work on the same basic principles of generating and distributing heat. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump in your home or building, understanding how your system works can help you make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs. 

Our team is here to take you through a closer look at heating systems and explore their inner workings.

Heating System Basics

At its core, a heating system consists of two main components: a heat source and a distribution system. The heat source is typically a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, which generates heat by burning fuel (such as natural gas or oil) or using electricity. The distribution system then circulates this warmth throughout your home or building via ducts, pipes, radiators, or baseboard heaters.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these components:

Heat Source

• Furnaces: These are North America’s most common type of heating system. They work by blowing hot air through ducts to distribute heat.
• Boilers: These use water to generate steam, which is then circulated through pipes to provide warmth.
• Heat Pumps: These use electricity to transfer heat from outside to inside your home or building.

Distribution System

• Ducts: These are used in forced-air heating systems (like furnaces) to distribute warm air throughout your home.
• Pipes: These are used in hot water-based heating systems (like boilers) to circulate heated water through radiators or baseboard heaters.
• Radiators/Baseboard Heaters: These use convection to distribute warmth evenly throughout a room.

Smart Thermostats

In addition to these core components, many modern heating systems also come equipped with smart thermostats that allow you to control the temperature remotely via an app on your phone. This can help save energy and reduce costs by allowing you to adjust the temperature based on when you’re away from home.

Heating Services in Norwalk, CT

Helping Norwalk homeowners improve their lives at home is something Devine Brothers has been providing to their customers for over 100 years! If you’re interested in learning more about our service or need supplies, make sure to get in contact with us today! For more tips & tricks, make sure to like us on Facebook!