What type of heating method does a gas furnace utilize?

A gas furnace utilizes forced-air heating, which is a method that involves the heating of air to distribute warm air throughout a building. In a gas furnace system, natural gas is burned in a combustion chamber to produce heat. A blower fan then circulates the heated air through ductwork and vents in different rooms, ensuring that the entire space is adequately warmed. This approach is efficient and allows for quick heating of a home.

Radiant heating, on the other hand, operates by warming surfaces and objects directly, rather than using air as a medium for heat transfer. Hydronic heating uses water to distribute heat, typically through pipes or radiators, instead of relying on air. Geothermal heating leverages the earth's stable underground temperature to provide energy-efficient heating and cooling, which is distinctly different from the air-based method employed by gas furnaces. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why forced-air heating is the correct identification for the heating method used by gas furnaces.