Gravity furnaces are heating equipment that employ the use of gravity to conduct warm air to various parts of the structure. At one time, this type of furnace was a common means of providing heat in homes and apartment buildings. While this type of furnace has been replaced in many case by devices such as the heat pump, there are still many homes that continue to make use of a gravity furnace.
The function of a gravity furnace is relatively simple. Typically, the furnace proper is usually housed in the basement area of the home or building. Different types of heating fuels may be used, such as electricity, coal, oil or gas. When active, the furnace distributes the produced heat into the upper levels of the dwelling by the means of ductwork that is ran throughout the walls and floors of the building. Vents that are strategically attached to the ductwork allow the hot air to escape into the rooms of the home. This design is sometimes referred to as an octopus furnace.
It is the basic gravity principle that hot air rises and cold air sinks that allows a gravity furnace to function. As hot air is generated, it moves through the ductwork at a slow but steady pace. Upon entering the room, the warm air continues to move upward to the ceiling. Along the way, the warm air emerging from the vents helps to make the overall temperature in the room more pleasant.
While there are other heating options available today, many people choose to continue using a gravity furnace. While not necessarily considered the most efficient of heating equipment, gravity or octopus furnaces do have a few advantages. First, furnaces of this type have few moving parts; this translates into less components that can break down. Second, air pressure is usually lower. This means the flow of warm air into a room is likely to be less obvious and will tend to create fewer hot spots in the area of the vent.