Where you aware that more than 50% of your home’s energy costs are needed for your heating and cooling? This is the reason why it’s so important to maintain 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 illustrates how effective your furnace is at combusting natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace wastes about 20% of the fuel it uses while producing heat.

In 2022, the U.S. government proposed new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly reduce emissions, save consumers money and promote sustainability.

The updated standards are 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 the next 25 - 30 years, the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit each year.

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

So what does all of this mean for your existing furnace in 2023? As of now, next to nothing, as the proposed rule will not go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and will not affect furnaces that are already in use.

But if you are considering furnace replacement in soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are already available. Learn how these furnaces can lower your monthly energy bills.

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 decreases the extent of energy wasted, improves energy efficiency and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also demands less natural gas to produce the same volume 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 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 depends on the brand, model and other factors. Usually, a condensing furnace will 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 Are More Expensive

Usually, condensing furnaces are more require a large upfront cost than non-condensing furnaces. This is because of their increased efficiency and the added components needed to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the bonus energy savings can help recoup the cost of purchase. So in the long run, it may be worth 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 more precisely alter its fan speed to better meet the heating preferences of your home. It operates at a slower speed until it senses a drop in temperature and then ramps up to generate more heat. This [precise fan is significantly more efficient than traditional furnaces, as it only utilizes the minimum amount of energy needed to heat your home, resulting in more savings on your utility bill.

Many variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although a handful are available in non-condensing models with lower AFUE ratings. In order for 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 operate all the time. Instead, it runs at different speeds according to the temperature in your Columbia home as well as the amount of energy it needs to sustain that temperature.

When sufficient energy is necessary to maintain your preferred temperature level, the furnace will increase to a higher speed to manage the higher demand. Doing this will ensure more efficient heating in your home while also offering 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. In 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 satisfy demands for more heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can maintain enhanced 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 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 retain a planned temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional energy is needed to reach the set temperature, the heating system will switch to its high stage and runs at full capacity. Because of this, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs without 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 performs at reduced capacity to help maintain a desired temperature within your home. When additional warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can function at multiple speeds in order to maintain 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. In other words, the furnace is always running in order to maintain a desired comfort level at 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 reduced capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When more warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Make Your Furnace Installation Appointment with Watts Electric & AC Today

It takes experience and dedication to stay up to date about furnace technology advancements. That’s why Watts Electric & AC professionals 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. Get in touch with us at 601-736-7362 to get started today!