Heating System Basics

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Heat Energy

Topics: Heating system requirements; Heat and energy; Temperature; Sensible heat and latent heat; Heat transfer; Energy conversions; Electric motors

Learning Objectives:

• Name the three main requirements of heating systems and various kinds of energy related to heating systems.
• Define terms related to the basic concepts of heating systems.
• Describe differences between standard temperature scales and explain how to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius scales.
• State the two basic laws of heat transfer and describe the three ways heat is transferred from one location to another.
• Explain how to convert between kilowatts (kW) and brake horsepower (bhp).
• Briefly describe various kinds of single-phase motors used in heating systems.

Chapter 2: Personal Comfort and Heat Distribution Systems

Topics: Personal comfort; Humidity; Humidifiers; Heat delivery systems; Forced-air furnaces; Heat pumps; Hot water heating systems; Room heating panels

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the effects of temperature, humidity, and air velocity on personal comfort.
• Describe various kinds of humidifiers used in furnaces.
• Describe the basic operation of a forced-air furnace.
• Discuss the use of heat pumps.
• Explain the main difference between forced-air and hot water (hydronic) heating units.
• Describe the basic operation of floor, wall, and ceiling heating panels.

Chapter 3: Combustion

Topics: Combustion facts; Combustion reactions; Heating value; Compensation for altitude; Fuel classification; Solid, liquid, gaseous fuels; Thermal efficiency; Combustion products as pollutants

Learning Objectives:

• Define combustion and describe what happens to the fuel and oxygen supplied during the process.
• Describe characteristics of stoichiometric combustion and discuss problems associated with incomplete combustion.
• Define the terms ignition temperature, upper and lower flammability or explosive limits, higher and lower heating values, and flash point.
• Discuss the general differences between solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels and describe their characteristics.
• Explain how thermal efficiency applies to heating systems.

Chapter 4: Chimneys and Venting

Topics: Chimney and gas venting terminology; Need for combustion air; Draft control methods; Basic chimney requirements, operation factors; Gas, oil-fired furnace venting; Fireplace chimneys; Vent and chimney accessories

Learning Objectives:

• Define terms related to chimneys and venting.
• Describe several methods of draft control used on chimneys.
• Discuss factors that affect chimney operation.
• Discuss the relationship between chimney height and draft and explain why correction factors may be needed.
• Discuss the basics of gas furnace venting and oil furnace venting.
• Discuss the general principles affecting the operation of fireplaces and their chimneys.

Chapter 5: Forced-Air Duct Systems

Topics: Duct system basics; Forced-air system components; Supply outlets; Duct dampers; Damper motors and actuators; Blowers (fans); Duct system pressure, integrity, design

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how the duct system delivers warm air throughout the building and describe two common ductwork layouts.
• Describe the various components of the duct system and explain why centrifugal blowers are preferred within the system.
• Discuss pressure variations within the duct system and explain how manometers and pitot tubes are used to measure pressure.
• Discuss the importance of duct system integrity as it relates to system efficiency and name factors that contribute to this integrity.
• Describe typical duct system designs and explain how the equal friction method is used.

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