Would you believe that more than 50% of your home’s energy costs are from your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s so important to have an energy-efficient HVAC system.
Furnace efficiency standards were last modified to an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% in 2015. This rating system calculates how effective your furnace is at combusting natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace loses about 20% of the fuel it uses while generating heat.
In 2022, President Biden revealed new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly reduce emissions, save money and stimulate sustainability.
This proposal is expected to:
- Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
- Cut carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons and methane emissions by 5.1 million tons over 30 years, the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit yearly.
Starting in 2029, the proposed rule would require all new gas furnaces to feature AFUE ratings of 95%. This means furnaces would combust nearly 100% of the gas into usable heat.
So what does all of this mean for your existing furnace in 2023? Currently, next to nothing, as the proposed rule won't go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and does not affect furnaces that are already in use.
But if you are considering furnace replacement in soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are now available. Find out how these furnaces can help you save on energy bills now.
Guide to Condensing Furnaces
How Condensing Furnaces Work
A condensing furnace is a kind of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to collect wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This reduces the amount of energy wasted, improves energy efficiency and lowers carbon-monoxide emissions. It also involves less natural gas to produce the same rate of heat when compared to other types of furnaces.
How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces
The primary difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is condensing models use a secondary heat exchanger to collect any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the other does not.
Expected Longevity of a Condensing Furnace
The life span of a condensing furnace will depend on the brand, model and other factors. In most cases, a condensing furnace is likely to last between 10-20 years with proper maintenance and regular service. If you put off scheduled maintenance, the unit may struggle to perform as well, ultimately failing earlier than anticipated.
Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More
Generally, condensing furnaces are more require a large upfront cost than non-condensing furnaces. This is due to their increased efficiency and the added hardware required to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the added energy savings can often offset the cost of purchase. So ultimately, it may be worthwhile investing in a condensing furnace.
Guide to Variable-Speed Furnaces
Variable-Speed Furnaces: What Are They and How Do They Work?
A variable-speed furnace can fine-tune its fan speed to minimize the energy necessary to satisfy the heating preferences of your home. It starts at a slower speed until it notices a drop in temperature and then ramps up to produce more heat. This [precise fan is a lot more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only utilizes the minimum amount of energy needed to heat your home, which subsequently saves money on your utility bills.
Many variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although some are available in non-condensing models with lower AFUE ratings. If a manufacturer wants a furnace to be classified as a condensing furnace, it must offer an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.
Do Variable-Speed Furnaces Run All the Time?
A variable-speed furnace doesn’t operate all the time. Rather, it runs at different speeds according to the temperature in your home as well as the amount of energy it requires to maintain that temperature.
When sufficient energy is needed to maintain your set temperature level, the furnace will shift to a higher speed to handle the demand. Doing this will ensure more efficient heating in your home while also providing quieter operation.
Guide to Two-Stage Furnaces
Two-Stage Furnaces: What They Are and How They Work
A two-stage furnace is a type of heating system that utilizes two different stages of operation — high and low. When set to the low stage, the furnace runs at a reduced capacity to help maintain the preferred temperature for your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead function at peak capacity to meet demands for more heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can enjoy greater energy efficiency and stable temperatures all across your home.
While two-stage furnaces are highly efficient, not all all types are condensing furnaces.
Does a Two-Stage Furnace Run All the Time?
A two-stage furnace does not stay on indefinitely. In the low stage of operation, the furnace performs at reduced capacity in order to sustain a desired temperature more efficiently within your home. When a greater demand for energy is needed to maintain the set temperature, the heating system will switch to its high stage and runs at full capacity. For this reason, two-stage furnaces are able to help reduce energy costs without operating continuously.
Differences Between Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces
Two-stage furnaces have two stages of functionality, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace works at reduced capacity to help uphold a desired temperature within your home. When a greater demand for warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at full capacity.
Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can run at several speeds in order to uphold a comfortable temperature at home. As such, variable-speed furnaces offer greater savings on your utility bills .
Differences Between One- and Two-Stage Furnaces
One-stage furnaces have a single stage of operation and operate either at full power or not at all. This translates to higher energy bills because the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired comfort level within your home.
Two-stage furnaces, on the other hand, have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace runs at [lower|reduced} capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When more warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.
Schedule Your Furnace Installation with Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning Today
It takes experience and dedication to stay up to date about furnace technology advancements. That’s why Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning specialists are here to help with a no-cost, no-pressure estimate for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating needs and your budget before helping you find the ideal solution. Contact us at to get started today!