Where you aware that more than one-half of your home’s energy costs are linked to heating and cooling? That’s why it’s critical to have an energy-efficient HVAC system.
Furnace efficiency standards were last revised to 80 AFUE in 2015. AFUE, or annualized fuel utilization efficiency, determines how effective your furnace is at converting natural gas into heat. An 80 AFUE rating means your furnace will waste about 20% of the fuel it uses while creating heat.
In 2022, President Biden offered new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would substantially reduce emissions, save consumers money and encourage sustainability.
This proposal is anticipated to:
- Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
- Cut down on 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 each year.
Starting in 2029, the suggested rule would mandate all new gas furnaces to be 95 AFUE. This means furnaces would transform nearly all the gas they use into heat.
Considering these guidelines, you might be asking yourself what does that mean for my existing furnace? As of this writing, very little, 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 you’re going to be needing furnace replacement in Kingsville soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are ready and 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 style of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to collect 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 requires less natural gas to create the same amount 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 the condensing option's use of 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 is dependent on the brand, model and other factors. Usually, a condensing furnace will last between 10-20 years with appropriate maintenance and regular service. If your heating system doesn’t have regular furnace maintenance, the equipment may not last as long.
Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More
Generally, condensing furnaces are more pricey than non-condensing furnaces. This is due to their increased efficiency and the additional parts needed to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. The additional energy savings can often counterbalance the price of purchase, however, so over time, it may be worthwhile investing in a condensing furnace.
Guide to Variable-Speed Furnaces
Variable-Speed Furnaces: The What's and How's
A variable-speed furnace can adjust its fan speed dependent on the heating needs of your [[location]] home. It operates at a slower speed until there's a temperature decrease and then fires up to provide more heat. This type of system is significantly more efficient than traditional furnaces, as it only consumes the amount of energy needed 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. To allow a furnace to be classified as a condensing furnace, it must be 90 AFUE or higher.
Do Variable-Speed Furnaces Run Continuously?
A variable-speed furnace doesn’t operate all the time. Rather, it runs at different speeds based on the temperature in your [[location]] home and the amount of energy it needs to maintain that temperature.
When too much energy is needed to maintain your preferred temperature level, the furnace will shift up to a higher speed to handle the demand. When this happens, you can expect more efficient heating and cooling 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 — low and high. When set to the low stage, the furnace runs at a reduced capacity as a way to maintain a preferred temperature within your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will run at maximum capacity to fulfill demands for greater warmth or cooling. With a two-stage furnace, you can realize improved energy efficiency and uniform temperatures throughout your home.
While two-stage furnaces are exceptionally efficient, not all versions are condensing furnaces.
Does a Two-Stage Furnace Operate All the Time?
A two-stage furnace does not continuously run. In the low stage of operation, the furnace operates at diminished capacity in order to retain a preferred temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional warmth or cooling is needed, the unit will change over to its high stage and run at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs as it is not 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 runs at reduced capacity to help uphold a desired level of comfort within your home. When a greater demand for warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.
Variable-speed furnaces can function at several speeds in order to sustain a desired temperature more accurately within your home. So, if you have more options for temperature-settings, you also have more flexibility for heating you home, which also means more savings on energy 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. Consequently, the furnace will always run in order to maintain a desired comfort level within your home.
Two-stage furnace, in comparison, have two stages of operation, low and high. Within the the low stage, the furnace runs at reduced capacity in order to maintain a desired temperature more efficiently within your home. When a greater demand for warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at full capacity.
Arrange Your Furnace Install Appointment with Four Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating LLC Today
Making sense of all the modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why our Four Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating LLC specialists are here to help with a complimentary, no-pressure estimate for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating requirements and your budget, and then we’ll help you find the ideal solution. Contact us at 361-214-1203 to get started today!