Would you believe that more than one-half of your home’s energy costs are from your heating and cooling? This is why it’s essential to maintain 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 measures how effective your furnace is at converting natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace wastes about 20% of the fuel it uses while generating heat.

In 2022, the U.S. government recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would substantially lower emissions, save homeowners money and encourage sustainability.

The updated standards are expected to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Reduce 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 yearly.

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.

With these facts in mind, you may be asking yourself "what happens to my existing furnace"? 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 need furnace replacement in 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 capture wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This decreases the quantity of energy wasted, enhances energy efficiency and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also will take less natural gas to produce the same volume of heat when compared to other types of furnaces.

How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces

The main difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is condensing models use 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 will depend on the brand, model and other factors. Usually, a condensing furnace should last between 10-20 years with appropriate maintenance and regular service. If you put off scheduled maintenance, the equipment may struggle to perform as well, ultimately failing earlier than anticipated.

Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More

Generally, condensing furnaces type of system is a lot more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only consumes the minimum amount of energy needed to heat your home, which  subsequently saves money on your utility bills.

Most variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although some 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 operate all the time. Rather, it runs at different speeds depending on the temperature in your Redmond 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 to handle the 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 operates at a reduced capacity to help maintain the preferred temperature for your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead function at peak capacity to meet demands for greater heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can maintain greater energy efficiency and stable temperatures everywhere in your home.

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

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Run All the Time?

A two-stage furnace does not stay on indefinitely. In the low stage of operation, the furnace runs at diminished capacity in order to retain a desired temperature more efficiently within your home. When more energy is needed to sustain the set temperature, the furnace 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 around the clock.

Comparing Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces have two stages of functionality, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace works at reduced capacity to help sustain a desired temperature within your home. When more warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can run at several speeds in order to uphold a more precise temperature at home. Such precise functionality can also help reduce energy costs, as it is not constantly running on full power like many two-stage furnaces do.

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. This translates to higher energy bills because the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired temperature within your home.

Two-stage furnaces, by comparison, have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace runs at lower capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When more warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Arrange Your Furnace Install Appointment with Just Komfort Heating & Cooling Today

Making sense of modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why Just Komfort Heating & Cooling specialists are here to help with a no-obligation, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating needs and your budget before helping you find the ideal solution. Call us at 458-206-0216 to get started today!