Getting to know your heater

HOW CAN YOU FIX SOMETHING IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT'S BROKEN? KENNEDY AC DESCRIBES A FEW COMMON TYPES OF HEATERS AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM.

Just as it’s important to know what type of allergies you have when you head to the doctor, it’s equally important knowing the type of heater you have in your home. Sure, it may sound like a stretch to compare the human body to man-made equipment, but what is your home but your castle – a metaphoric body that you must take care of?

Truth be told, there are more heater types than you’ve most likely imagined before, but knowing what system you have is a great way to keep it running smoothly. Check out this list and see if you can identify the heater in your home:

A FURNACE heats air with the help of a blower motor and air ducts, then distributes warm air throughout a home. Furnaces are forced air systems.

BOILERS, on the other hand, operate with water. After the liquid is heated it is distributed through a series of pipes to provide warmth throughout a house. Boilers can work with a steam radiant to distribute heat – via radiators throughout a space. People are often familiar with radiators as the oldest type of heating system.

Boilers can also operate through radiant heating which is installed on a floor, ceiling or wall panel. Hot water baseboards also function with boilers. This type of installation transfers heat directly from a hot surface to whatever is in the room – people, furniture, and the like. Boilers can also operate through the baseboard, in a series of well-mounted units.

HEAT PUMPS operate by pulling the heat from the surrounding air to warm a space. This type of system can also be used for cooling. Heat pumps are often installed as a forced air system or through radiant heating in the floor, ceiling or walls.

Were you able to pick out the system you have at home? Don’t worry if you have any questions about your system in particular, you can always contact the professionals at Kennedy Air Conditioning located in North Little Rock. We’ll be happy to walk you through determining what type of system you have, with a smile.