Where you aware that more than 50% of your home’s energy costs are needed for your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s critical to have an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Furnace efficiency standards were last updated to an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% in 2015. This rating system calculates how effective your furnace is at turning natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace loses about 20% of the fuel it uses while producing heat.

In 2022, President Biden proposed new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly reduce emissions, save homeowners money and encourage sustainability.

The updated standards are anticipated to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Reduce 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 annually.

Starting in 2029, the updated rule would demand all new gas furnaces to feature AFUE ratings of 95%. This means furnaces would turn nearly 100% of the gas into usable heat.

Considering these guidelines, you might be asking yourself what does that mean for my existing furnace? Currently, not much, as the proposed rule will not 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. Learn how these furnaces can save you money on your utility bills.

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a type of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This reduces the amount of energy wasted, increases energy efficiency and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also demands less natural gas to create the same rate of heat when comparing one to other types of furnaces.

How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces

The biggest difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is condensing models use a secondary heat exchanger to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the other does not.

How Long Condensing Furnaces Last

The life span of a condensing furnace depends on the brand, model and other factors. Generally speaking, a condensing furnace will last between 10-20 years with appropriate maintenance and regular service. If you don’t schedule routine maintenance, the unit may not last as long.

Why Condensing Furnaces Require a Higher Investment

Usually, condensing furnaces are more cost most to install than non-condensing furnaces. This is due to their increased efficiency and the added components needed to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the bonus energy savings can frequently cover the cost of purchase. So long term, it may be more cost efficient to consider 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 more precisely alter its fan speed to minimize the energy necessary to satisfy the heating needs of your home. It runs at a slower speed until it detects a drop in temperature and then ramps up to produce more heat. This [precise fan is significantly more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only utilizes the minimum amount of energy necessary to heat your home, resulting in more savings on your utility bill.

Many variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although a few 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 need to stay on all the time. Alternatively, it runs at different speeds depending on the temperature in your Cache Valley 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 increase to a higher speed in order to keep up with 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 performs at a reduced capacity as a way to maintain the chosen temperature in your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead operate at full capacity to satisfy demands for increased heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can enjoy enhanced energy efficiency and balanced temperatures everywhere in your home.

While two-stage furnaces are highly efficient, not all all models are condensing furnaces.

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Operate All the Time?

A two-stage furnace should not run constantly. In the low stage of operation, the furnace operates at reduced capacity in order to maintain a preferred temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional energy is needed to sustain the set temperature, the furnace switches to its high stage and runs at full capacity. For this reason, two-stage furnaces are able to help reduce energy costs without operating around the clock.

Contrasting 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 in order to uphold 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 maximum capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can function at multiple speeds in order to keep a desired temperature more consistently at home. With more options for temperature settings, you also have more flexibility for heating you home and can enjoy greater savings on energy bills.

Differences Between One- and Two-Stage Furnaces

One-stage furnaces have a single stage fan speed 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 temperature within your home.

Two-stage furnaces, on the other hand, have two stages of operation, low and high. While in the low stage, the furnace runs at lower capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When more warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Schedule Your Furnace Installation with Western Mechanical, Inc. Today

Making sense of modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why Western Mechanical, Inc. experts are here to help with a free, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating needs and your budget before helping you find the best solution. Get in touch with us at 435-753-5515 to get started today!