Did you know that more than 50 percent of your home’s energy costs are from your heating and cooling? This is the reason why it’s essential 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 turning natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace will waste 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 lower emissions, save customers money and promote sustainability.

This proposal is estimated to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Cut carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons and methane emissions by 5.1 million tons over three decades, the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit yearly.

Starting in 2029, the updated rule would demand 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? As of now, not much, as the proposed rule won't go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and doesn’t affect furnaces that are already in use.

But if your furnace is nearing the end of its life and a replacement is needed in soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are ready and available. Find out how these furnaces can save you money on your utility bills.

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a kind of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to trap wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This limits the amount of energy wasted, increases energy efficiency and lowers carbon-monoxide emissions. It also requires less natural gas to produce the same rate of heat in comparison 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 that the former uses a secondary heat exchanger to collect any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the other does not.

How Long Condensing Furnaces Last

The life span of a condensing furnace is dependent on the brand, model and other factors. In most cases, a condensing furnace should last between 10-20 years with appropriate maintenance and regular service. If you put off scheduled maintenance, the unit may not last as long.

Why Condensing Furnaces Require a Higher Investment

Usually, condensing furnaces are more require a large upfront cost than non-condensing furnaces. This is on account of their increased efficiency and the additional components required to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the additional energy savings can often recoup the cost of purchase. So in the long run, it may be worthwhile investing in a condensing furnace.

Guide to Variable-Speed Furnaces

Variable-Speed Furnaces: What You Need to Know

A variable-speed furnace can vary its fan speed to better meet the heating preferences of your home. It starts at a slower speed until it detects a drop in temperature and then ramps up to generate more heat. This [precise fan is much more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only uses the minimum amount of energy required to heat your home, saving you money in the long run.

The majority of 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 Constantly?

A variable-speed furnace doesn’t need to stay on all the time. Instead, it runs at different speeds according to the temperature in your East Bernard home as well as the amount of energy it uses to maintain that temperature.

When sufficient energy is required to maintain your set temperature level, the furnace will switch 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

As the name suggests, a furnace with two levels of operating (high or low) is called a two-stage furnace. On the low stage, the furnace performs at a reduced capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature in your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead operate at full capacity to meet demands for increased heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can enjoy improved energy efficiency and balanced temperatures throughout your home.

While two-stage furnaces are extremely efficient, not all all types 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 performs at limited capacity in order to maintain a desired temperature more efficiently within your home. When more energy is needed to sustain the set temperature, the heating system switches to its high stage and operates at full capacity. As such, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs without operating continuously.

Comparing Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces have two stages of functionality, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace performs at reduced capacity in order to uphold a desired level of comfort within your home. When additional warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can work at several speeds in order to sustain a comfortable temperature 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. In other words, the furnace is always running 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 additional warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Schedule Your Furnace Installation with E.B. Air Today

Modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why E.B. Air 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 before helping you find the right solution. Get in touch with us at 979-335-4262 to get started today!