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SINGLE-STAGE FURNACES (80%/95%)
Of the two types of furnaces we’ll be discussing here, a single-stage model is the most basic. As implied by its name, a single-stage furnace has only one “on” setting. Essentially, this furnace type is either not running (turned off) or is running at full power.
Efficiencies
Let’s talk about efficiency. The two main differences between the 80% and the 95% efficiency is the way it vents. The 80% vents through your chimney. While the furnace may have a cheaper rental price you are essentially wasting heat and fuel up your chimney. The 95% vents through the wall, or through the side of your home, wasting far less fuel and heat. This also is the safer venting option as chimneys are rarely maintained and most of the time not lined.
Single-Stage Furnace Advantages
The greatest advantage of purchasing a single-stage furnace is its rental price.
Single-Stage Furnace Drawbacks
Even though you can save a lot of money upfront by purchasing a single-stage furnace, as opposed to the other two types mentioned here, you might face some long-term disadvantages. In climates where it can get frigid during the winter, a single-stage furnace may struggle to warm up your home both evenly and efficiently, particularly if your home is two or more stories.
Because these furnaces can only run at full-power, they tend to heat up certain areas of your home quickly and then shut off before the rest of your home can achieve the same temperature. This creates hot and cold spots throughout your home. Then, to get rid of the cold spots, many homeowners will turn their thermostat up higher so that their furnace will run longer. This results in a higher energy bill.
Should I Get a Single-Stage Furnace?
If you own a smaller, one-story home, a single-stage furnace might be perfectly suitable to meet your heating needs. The furnace won’t have to compensate for temperature differences between upper and lower floors and therefore has a better chance of heating your home evenly.
It might also be wisest to rent this simple furnace type if you absolutely must replace your current furnace now but know that you’ll be moving soon. There isn’t much sense in investing in an energy-saving model when you won’t be there to reap the benefits.
MODULATING FURNACES
If you want the most energy savings and the most on-the-dot temperature control a furnace has to offer, consider a modulating furnace. Beyond a single-stage setting, a modulating furnace can have dozens. It accomplishes this by adjusting its flame in slight increments (as little as one percent) to change the amount of heat it puts out.
Frequently you’ll see this furnace type accompanied by a variable-speed blower. Instead of running at just one fan speed, the variable-speed blower adjusts to help your home reach a precise, even temperature without spending excess energy.
Modulating Furnace Advantages
A modulating furnace is the most energy-efficient type you can buy. In other words, they are the most cost-effective when it comes to long-term energy savings. Top-quality modulating furnaces can achieve an incredible AFUE rating of up to 98%: up to 98 cents of one dollar you spend goes toward heating your home. With a rating like that, you’ll notice the difference in your energy bills right away.
Modulating furnaces also offer you more temperature control than single- or two-stage furnaces. Modulating units are designed to keep your home within one to two degrees of your desired temperature. Because of their adjustable heat settings and the variable-speed blower that they usually include, they are also able to reduce hot and cold spots significantly.
Modulating Furnace Drawbacks
If you own a smaller, one-story home, it may not make sense for this furnace type, especially if your current furnace type was able to meet your heating needs during its prime.
Should I Get a Modulating Furnace?
You’re most likely to benefit from purchasing a modulating furnace if you own a home with two or more stories, struggle with hot and cold spots, and spend a lot of money to make your home your desired temperature. Again, this is not a purchase to make if you know you’ll be moving soon. However, the lower gas and electric bills and increased comfort in your home can make an investment in a modulating furnace well worthwhile.