You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

You are in Phoenix. We also have a Tucson site.

How Furnaces Work


How a Furnace Works

Have you ever wondered, “How does my furnace work??” Well, whether you have or haven’t, Parker & Sons will explain it today!

A furnace is a mechanical device that uses heat to circulate warm air throughout your home in the winter. To understand how a furnace works, it is important first to understand the basic parts of a furnace. The three main parts of a furnace are the burners, the heat exchanger, and the blower.

The burners

The burners are in the combustion chamber of the furnace. The combustion chamber is where the fuel is burned to create heat. The most common fuel in furnaces is natural gas, but propane and oil can also be used.

The heat exchanger

The heat exchanger is located above the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger’s job is to transfer the heat from the burning fuel to the circulating air.

The blower

The blower is located at the bottom of the furnace. The blower’s job is to circulate the air through the furnace and into your home.

Now that we understand the basic parts of a furnace, let’s look at how they work together to keep you warm all winter!

The process

When you set your thermostat to “heat,” it sends a signal to your furnace, telling it to start circulating warm air. The first thing that happens is that the burners turn on and begin heating the combustion chamber. Once the combustion chamber reaches the correct temperature, the heat exchanger is where the cool air is warmed up with gas!

The now-warm air is then sent up through the furnace, with the help of the blower, and into your home via your ductwork.

The blower continues to circulate air through the furnace until your thermostat reaches its desired temperature, at which point it will turn off until it is needed again.

The takeaway

Understanding how these parts work together gives you greater peace of mind knowing that your family will be cozy all winter! And don’t forget, it’s very important to have your furnace examined for things like cracks in the heat exchanger to prevent any serious safety hazards.


If you have questions about your furnace or want to schedule a maintenance check, please give Parker & Sons a call today! We’re always happy to help keep our customers’ homes in Phoenix and Tucson comfortable and safe. 

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