Course 443: Heating System Equipment

Covers the hardware associated with heating systems, including gas and oil furnaces, electric systems, solid-fuel and hydronic systems, and finally some alternative systems–solar heating, heat pumps, and fuel cells. Includes a discussion of furnace performance criteria, return air systems, and the importance of filters.

Lesson 1 - Gas Heating Equipment

Topics:

Gas heating basics; Gaseous fuels; Combustion air; Furnace categories; Furnace components for heat production, ignition, venting; Conditioned air system; Heating system controls; Service procedures

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the main parts of the furnace system, both those that produce the heat and those that distribute the heated air, and describe the four basic furnace configurations.
• Discuss the differences between natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the hazards associated with each fuel, and the heating rates of each fuel.
• Discuss the purposes of the primary and secondary air supplies to the combustion chamber and compare the characteristics of category I, III, and IV gas furnaces.
• Describe how the gas is introduced, mixed with the air, and burned in the heat-producing components of the furnace.
• Describe several burner ignition methods and safety shutdown measures in case of flame failure.
• Discuss the basic sequence of furnace operation and the controls required.
• Describe common service procedures for gas heating systems and discuss safety.

Lesson 2 - Oil Heating Equipment

Topics:

Oil heating basics; Fuel oils; Burner components; Pumps; Nozzles; Blowers; Electrodes; Transformer and controls; Fuel supply; Heat exchangers and combustion chamber; Combustion efficiency; Service procedures.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the similarities and differences between oil furnaces and gas furnaces.
• Name two common fuel oils and discuss the relationships between grades of fuel, viscosity, and temperature.
• Compare the requirements and operation of oil burner systems having the storage tank above the furnace to those having the tank below the furnace.
• Explain the reason for atomizing fuel oil and describe nozzle action and spray patterns.
• Describe the function of blower components that provide combustion air.
• Explain the purpose of the electrodes, transformer, and controls in an oil burner system.
• Discuss various ways of testing for combustion efficiency and describe common servicing procedures for oil burner systems.

Lesson 3 - Electric Heating Systems

Topics:

Electric heating basics; Advantages and disadvantages of electric heating; Electric heating applications; Electric baseboard heating; Radiant ceiling heating panels; Electrically heated walls, floors; Forced-air electric furnaces; Forced-air control system; service tips.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the characteristics of the electric wire used for resistance heating elements.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of electric heating systems.
• Explain how electric baseboard heating is applied to smaller facilities.
• Describe basic designs for radiant systems and discuss heating element safety.
• Describe the function of each main component in an electric forced-air furnace.
• Follow a wiring diagram to discuss the operation of an electric furnace including startup, shutdown, and safety features.

Lesson 4 - Solid-Fuel Furnaces and Furnace Performance Criteria

Topics:

Coal furnaces; Stoker classifications; Coal furnace control systems; Wood furnaces; Dual-fuel furnaces; Furnace performance criteria.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain why coal is in decline as a heating fuel and describe the layout of a coal furnace.
• Compare various kinds of mechanical stokers and explain why each kind is used.
• Describe the functions of furnace safety and operating controls.
• Discuss the basic requirements of wood-burning furnaces.
• Discuss the benefits and function of dual-fuel furnaces.
• Explain how to use furnace efficiency formulas, including the AFUE system.

Lesson 5 - Hydronic Systems

Topics:

Hydronic basics; Thermal, hydraulic, distribution systems; Additional system components; Radiant panel systems; Heating/cooling systems; Control methods; Domestic water heating; MTW and HTW systems; Freeze protection; Altitude considerations; Air elimination.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how water can be used in residential and light commercial buildings to provide heating and cooling.
• Discuss the relationships between the five basic components of hydronic systems and describe the functions of the expansion tank and centrifugal pump.
• Compare the layouts and uses of series (one-pipe) and parallel (two-pipe and four-pipe) distribution systems.
• Discuss the use of radiant panels, heating/cooling systems, and domestic water heating.
• Name characteristics that make MTW and HTW systems economical for large commercial and industrial systems and explain why the simpler LTW systems are used for residences and small commercial buildings.
• Explain how to provide freeze protection, how to adjust for high altitude, and how to eliminate air from the system.

Lesson 6 - Other Heating System Equipment

Topics:

Fireplaces; Other in-space heaters; Solar heating; Heat pump systems; Fuel cells; Return air systems; Filters.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe various kinds of fireplaces and the resulting level of efficiency.
• Discuss the three flue-venting arrangements in newer fireplaces.
• Discuss various kinds of in-space heaters and their use in residences and commercial and industrial facilities.
• Discuss the basics of solar heating and describe various kinds of solar heaters used for building cooling and heating.
• Discuss the emerging technology of fuel cells for heating and electric power generation.
• Explain why certain locations are preferred for supply and return vents in forced-air heating systems.
• Discuss today’s filtration systems and IAQ concerns.