Understanding the Different Types of Furnaces

Understanding the Different Types of Furnaces

If your home furnace is aging or you're just interested in reducing your energy bills during the cold season, it's important to learn about the different types of forced air furnaces. There are several different types of furnaces, and each one offers specific benefits that you should be aware of.

Key Furnace Differences There are several important differences between furnaces and how they work. The first difference is how furnaces generate their heat. Some do it in one stage to generate as much heat as possible, but others do it in two different stages and have more control over how much heat they generate. The second major difference in furnaces is how their blowers work. The blower is what moves the generated heat throughout your home. Some furnaces run the blowers at full speed all the time. Others operate their blowers at variable speeds, this large operating difference affects comfort and efficiency in use.

Single-stage versus 2-stage furnaces: which are optimal Older furnaces are all single-phase products, meaning they are constantly generating heat at their maximum level. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it makes furnaces more affordable. If you care about efficiency and comfort, a single-phase furnace is not the best choice. Two-stage furnaces are known for being more efficient and often operate with AFUE above the 95% efficiency level. Single-phase units, on the other hand, typically operate with levels in the 80s for AFUE.

Standard Furnaces versus Variable Speed Models Some furnaces work with blowers that run at the same power all the time. These are standard ovens. Others work with a blower that speeds up and slows down depending on how much your home's temperature needs to be raised. If the house only needs a small burst of heat, the fan runs slower, using less electricity and creating a more comfortable environment. Not only that, but this style of blower has also been shown to have a longer operating life and should keep your home at a comfortable level for many years longer than your basic single speed blower ever could. A variable speed blower can deliver the right amount of heat with precision and is often paired with a two-stage furnace for maximum efficiency.

Two-stage furnaces are more efficient than single-stage models, and furnaces with variable speed blowers take things a step further. New furnace monroe county Michigan provide more modern and efficient furnaces are slightly more expensive, but should make up for their additional cost with improved efficiency and a more comfortable environment throughout their operating life, making them an investment worth considering.