Definition
A gas furnace is a heating appliance that burns natural gas or propane, passes the heat through a metal heat exchanger and blows warmed air through a home's ductwork. Combustion gases are vented outdoors through a flue. Furnace efficiency is rated by AFUE, the percentage of fuel energy delivered to the home as usable heat.
Also called: Natural gas furnace
Why it matters to you
Gas furnaces are common across Clark County and the Portland metro and work through the long heating season, so age and safety checks matter. Many homeowners replacing an aging furnace now weigh another furnace against a heat pump or a dual-fuel system that keeps the furnace as backup.
Practical guidance
Change the filter on schedule and keep working CO alarms on each level; EPA recommends a trained professional inspect, clean and tune central heating systems every year. Gas valves, burners and venting are never homeowner work, and if you smell gas, leave the house before calling for help.
About this definition
Written by the Home Energy Group team — a family-owned HVAC company celebrating 25 years of comfort & care across SW Washington and the Portland metro, licensed in Washington (WA LIC# HOMEEGI003J7) and Oregon (OR CCB# 184255). Definitions inform; an on-site diagnosis decides.
