Would you believe that more than 50 percent of your home’s energy costs are for your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s essential 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 illustrates 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 U.S. government proposed new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly reduce emissions, save consumers money and promote sustainability.

These revised standards are estimated to:

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

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 won't go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and will not 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 now 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 style of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to trap wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This reduces the amount of energy wasted, improves energy efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. It also requires less natural gas to create the same volume of heat when comparing one to other types of furnaces.

How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces

The primary difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is that the former uses a secondary heat exchanger to gather any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the latter does not.

Expected Longevity of a Condensing Furnace

The life span of a condensing furnace depends on the brand, model and other factors. Generally speaking, a condensing furnace should last between 10-20 years with sufficient maintenance and regular service. If your heating system doesn’t have regular furnace maintenance, it may have a significantly shorter life span.

Why Condensing Furnaces Require a Higher Investment

Usually, condensing furnaces enhanced precision is a lot more efficient than conventional furnaces, as it only utilizes the minimum amount of energy required to heat your home, which  subsequently saves money on your utility bills.

The majority of 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 offer an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.

Do Variable-Speed Furnaces Run Nonstop?

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

When sufficient energy is required to maintain your desired temperature level, the furnace will increase to a higher speed in order to keep up with demand. Precise fan speeds offer 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. On the low stage, the furnace operates at a reduced capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature at your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead operate at full capacity to meet demands for greater heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can experience greater energy efficiency and steady temperatures all across your home.

While two-stage furnaces are exceptionally efficient, not all all types are condensing furnaces.

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Function All the Time?

A two-stage furnace won’t run all the time. In the low stage of operation, the furnace operates at reduced capacity in order to sustain a planned temperature more efficiently within your home. When more energy is needed to reach the set temperature, the heating system will switch to its high stage and operates at full capacity. As such, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs without operating constantly.

Comparing Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, 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 necessary, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can operate at several speeds in order to maintain a desired temperature more consistently 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 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 reduced capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When a greater demand for warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Make Your Furnace Installation Appointment with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Today

It takes experience and dedication to stay up to date about furnace technology advancements. That’s why West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. professionals are here to help with a free, no-pressure estimate for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating needs and your budget before helping you find the ideal solution. Call us at 614-879-9091 to get started today!