How Do Heaters Work?

Your central HVAC system is capable of cooling and heating your home. While you may have your air conditioning turned up all summer long, there may be some chilly days during the winter when you decide to turn on the heat. To keep your HVAC system in peak operating condition, it is helpful to understand the science behind how your heater operates. Let’s take a closer look at how heaters work.

Electricity produces heat.

The power of electricity is behind the basic function of a standard heater. When electricity passes through a resistor, the unit will naturally grow hotter. While your home’s electrical components, such as its wires and circuits, must be protected from heat, your heating system actually harnesses electricity’s natural heating capabilities to heat up your home.

Heating elements channel electricity.

Your home’s heating system is equipped with a device called a heating element. When electrical current passes through the heating element, its coils will start to heat up. Heating elements are able to get hot enough to produce heat for an entire home or commercial space. While central HVAC systems have large heating elements, smaller heating elements can be found in common household appliances, such as toasters and hair dryers.

Ductwork channels heat around the home.

In order to heat up your indoor spaces, your heater needs to be connected to a series of ducts. As heat is produced by the heating element, fans blow the hot air into the ducts. Depending on the temperature setting of your thermostat, your heating system will deliver more or less hot air to the indoor spaces around your home.

For answers to your questions about how your heater or air conditioner works, contact the team at B&J Refrigeration. Our company repairs air conditioners in Tucson, and we can make sure that your HVAC system is functioning properly throughout every season of the year. To set up air conditioning or refrigeration services for your property, give us a call at (520) 308-6722.