When you heat your home during the chilly winter months, do you know who to thank? One person you can send an imaginary thank you card to is Alice H. Parker.
Often hailed as the mother of modern heaters, Parker broke down barriers in more ways than one. She was an African American woman born in 1895. At a time where women and African American people faced extra hurdles in professions like inventing, she managed to present and patent a new design for a natural gas-powered wall furnace.
Her design utilized duct systems to warm zones of the house to different temperatures and eliminated the need for unsafe fireplaces. The next time you crank up your thermostat against the chill, think of her and the groundwork she laid.
There are many varieties of heater options. One such type is the wall furnace. This helpful guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wall furnaces.
Whether you are considering purchasing wall heater or wanting to know how to maintain your current wall heater, this guide can help! Ready, set, read!
Heater Options
You may be wondering what heating system your home has. Read through this list to find out what your home uses to stay warm.
Forced Air Distributor System
If you have ductwork in your house, you likely have a forced-air gas-powered furnace system. While these can heat the air with electricity, oil, or propane, most in the U.S. are heated with gas.
Radiator Distribution System
This is a centralized heating system that heats water or air and sends it in pipes throughout your home. They are usually more expensive to install and operate.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps can both cool and heat a house. It uses refrigerant and electricity to treat the air and is very efficient. However, they tend to have problems in harsh weather where temperatures dip below freezing.
Radiant Heating
This system sends hot water or electric heat through tubes located in the floor, ceiling, or walls. While this system can last a while, repairs are expensive if a problem arises.
Wall Furnace
Gas wall furnaces are units that attach directly to a wall. They are derived from the radiator and send heat throughout a space without ducts.
How Does a Wall Furnace Work?
A gas wall furnace produces warmth by utilizing fuel. However, they can be electrically powered. Coils in the unit warm the air by electricity or combustion, and then fans blow it into the room.
Gas heaters require a pilot light running. This pilot light can be lit from the lower section of the heater. Electric heaters utilize a system of electric coils that heat the air as the air passes by.
The wall furnace unit has an internal thermostat to regulate temperature. This removes the homeowner’s need to constantly check up on the heater to adjust the temperature setting.
Benefits of a Wall Furnace
There are many reasons you may opt for a gas wall furnace. Here are a few to consider as you pick your next heating system!
Works Quickly
Many wall furnaces heat up within+ 60-120 seconds. This speed provides fast and efficient heat for your room. If your space is open, this can quickly fill your room with warmth.
Provides Flexibility
Perhaps you live in a large home but primarily spend time in only 1 or 2 rooms. A wall furnace works well as a supplemental option. No need to heat your whole home with your main system to enjoy heat in your primary rooms.
Space Saver
Gas wall furnaces are great space savers. As they are mounted directly to the wall, they clear up floor space. This makes them a great option for smaller spaces.
Wall Furnace Costs and Considerations
Another major benefit to wall furnaces is the price. Generally, a wall furnace costs between $1,800 and $2,500. This is about half of what a central air unit would cost.
In addition to the up-front price, the installation is typically cheaper. This is because wall units don’t require ducts or venting work to operate.
However, a major drawback to the wall furnace is the range it can heat. Larger homes with many walls and rooms may find a wall furnace insufficient. Wall furnace systems are ideal for smaller apartments, individual rooms that need more heat, or studio spaces.
Wall Furnace Safety Measures
When properly installed, a wall furnace system is remarkably safe. But like any heat source, there are risks. If you understand the risks, you can actively work to make your wall furnace as safe as possible.
- Always hire a licensed professional to install your electric or gas wall furnace
- Keep furniture and curtains at least 3 feet away from the furnace
- Do not use air fresheners or cleaning products right next to the wall furnace
Wall Furnace Maintenance
Regular furnace maintenance will ensure your furnace works well and is safe. There are things you can do and things you should hire a professional to do.
Here’s how to maintain a wall furnace by yourself. Begin by cleaning the exterior of the furnace with a damp cloth. Be sure to clear the vents of dust and debris.
Then, with the furnace off, gently dust the coils of furnaces. Dust and debris on the coils can cause fires.
In addition to self-maintenance, it’s a great idea to have a furnace repair company come yearly to inspect the furnace. While they are there, they can make any needed repairs to ensure the unit functions efficiently.
Make Your Home Warm and Cozy
With all of the versatile options of heaters, there’s no need to shiver your way through winter. After reading this article, maybe you’ve realized a wall furnace is the right heating option for you.
If you still have questions, the professionals at Heating and Air HVAC Services can help you find the best warming system for your home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Your warm and cozy home awaits you!
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