Did you know more than half of your home’s energy costs are associated to heating and cooling? That is the reason why it’s essential to have an energy-efficient HVAC system.
Furnace efficiency standards were last modified to 80 AFUE in 2015. AFUE, or annualized fuel utilization efficiency, calculates how effective your furnace is at transforming natural gas into heat. An 80 AFUE rating means your furnace will lose about 20% of the fuel it uses while creating heat.
In 2022, the Biden Administration recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly decrease emissions, save consumers money and promote sustainability.
This proposal is expected to:
- Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
- Lower 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 each year.
Starting in 2029, the recommended rule would demand all new gas furnaces to be 95 AFUE. This means furnaces would change nearly all the gas they use into heat.
Considering these guidelines, you might be asking yourself what does that mean for my existing furnace? For the time being, nothing, as the proposed rule will not go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and doesn’t affect furnaces that are already in use.
But if you’re going to be needing furnace replacement in Jefferson City soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are ready and available. Discover how these furnaces can help you save on energy bills now.
Guide to Condensing Furnaces
How Condensing Furnaces Work
A condensing furnace is a style of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to trap wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This curbs the extent of energy wasted, improves energy efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. It also demands less natural gas to produce the same volume of heat when compared to other types of furnaces.
How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces
The main difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is that the former uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the latter does not.
How Long Condensing Furnaces Last
The life span of a condensing furnace will depend on the brand, model and other factors. Usually, a condensing furnace should last between 10-20 years with appropriate maintenance and regular service. If your heating system doesn’t have regular furnace maintenance, it may struggle with performance and ultimately fail earlier than anticipated.
Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More
Usually, condensing furnaces are more expensive than non-condensing furnaces. This is on account of their increased efficiency and the extra parts needed to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. The added energy savings can often counterbalance the cost of purchase, however, so long term, it may be worthwhile investing in a condensing furnace.
Guide to Variable-Speed Furnaces
Variable-Speed Furnaces: What They Are and How They Work
A variable-speed furnace can change its fan speed dependent on the heating conditions of your [[location]] home. It runs at a slower speed until it detects a temperature decrease and then fires up to supply more heat. This type of system is much more efficient than conventional furnaces, as it only uses the amount of energy necessary to heat your home, saving you money in the long run.
Many of the variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although a few are available in non-condensing models with lower AFUE ratings. In order for a furnace to be classified as a condensing furnace, it must be 90 AFUE or higher.
Do Variable-Speed Furnaces Run All the Time?
A variable-speed furnace doesn’t run all the time. Rather, it runs at different speeds according to the temperature in your [[location]] home and the amount of energy it requires to sustain that temperature.
When too much energy is necessary to maintain your preferred temperature level, the furnace will increase to a higher speed to manage that demand. When this happens, you can expect more efficient heating and cooling in your home while also providing quieter operation.
Guide to Two-Stage Furnaces
Two-Stage Furnaces: What They Are and How They Work
As the name suggests, a furnace with two levels of operating (low or high) is called a two-stage furnace. During the low stage, the furnace operates at a reduced capacity in order to maintain a desired temperature within your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will operate at full capacity to satisfy demands for additional warmth or cooling. With a two-stage furnace, you can realize improved energy efficiency and consistent temperatures throughout your home.
While two-stage furnaces are exceptionally efficient, not all versions are condensing furnaces.
Does a Two-Stage Furnace Operate All the Time?
A two-stage furnace won’t run all the time. In the low stage of operation, the furnace operates at diminished capacity in order to maintain a planned temperature more efficiently within your home. When a greater demand for warmth or cooling is needed, the unit will flip to its high stage and run at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are able to help reduce energy costs as it is not operating constantly.
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 runs at reduced capacity as a way to maintain a desired level of comfort within your home. When additional warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.
Variable-speed furnaces can function at a variety of speeds in order to sustain a precise temperature within your home. As such, variable-speed furnaces offer greater savings on your utility bills, because it has more options in terms of functionality.
Differences Between One- and Two-Stage Furnaces
One-stage furnaces have a single stage of performance and operate either at full capacity or not at all. This means that the furnace will always run in order to maintain a desired temperature within your home.
Conversely, two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, low and high. While in the low stage, the furnace runs at reduced capacity in order to maintain a desired temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.
Arrange Your Furnace Install Appointment with Stieferman Heating Company Inc Today
It takes experience and constant education to stay knowledgeable about furnace technology advancements. That’s why our Stieferman Heating Company Inc specialists are here to help with a free, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating needs and your budget, and then we’ll help you find the ideal solution. Connect with us at 573-635-3547 to get started today!