Did you know that more than 50% of your home’s energy costs are needed for your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s critical to secure an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Furnace efficiency standards were last modified 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 creating heat.

In 2022, the Biden Administration recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would greatly decrease emissions, save consumers money and encourage sustainability.

These revised standards are anticipated 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 yearly.

Starting in 2029, the proposed rule would require all new gas furnaces to feature AFUE ratings of 95%. This means furnaces would combust nearly 100% of the gas into usable heat.

With these facts in mind, you may be asking yourself "what happens to my existing furnace"? For the time being, 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. 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 kind of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to trap wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This reduces the quantity of energy wasted, increases energy efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. It also requires less natural gas to create the same rate of heat when comparing one 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 condensing models use a secondary heat exchanger to collect any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the other does not.

How Long Condensing Furnaces Last

The life span of a condensing furnace depends on the brand, model and other factors. Generally speaking, a condensing furnace will last between 10-20 years with proper maintenance and regular service. If you don’t schedule routine maintenance, it may have a significantly shorter life span.

Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More

Generally, condensing furnaces are more expensive than non-condensing furnaces. This is partially for their increased efficiency and the additional components required to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the extra energy savings can frequently recoup the price of purchase. So over time, it may be more cost efficient to consider investing in a condensing furnace.

Guide to Variable-Speed Furnaces

Variable-Speed Furnaces: What Are They and How Do They Work?

A variable-speed furnace can fine-tune its fan speed to better meet the heating needs of your home. It starts at a slower speed until it detects a drop in temperature and then speeds up to supply more heat. This [precise fan is significantly more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only uses the minimum amount of energy necessary to heat your home, which  subsequently saves money on your utility bills.

Most variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although a handful are available in non-condensing models with lower AFUE ratings. If a manufacturer wants a furnace to be classified as a condensing furnace, it must offer an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.

Do Variable-Speed Furnaces Run Constantly?

A variable-speed furnace doesn’t operate all the time. Rather, it runs at different speeds according to the temperature in your Booneville home as well as the amount of energy it needs to maintain that temperature.

When sufficient energy is needed to maintain your preferred temperature level, the furnace will switch to a higher speed to handle the demand. This allows for 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 heating system with two settings of operating - high and low - is called a two-stage furnace. In the low stage, the furnace runs at a reduced capacity to help 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 more heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can enjoy greater energy efficiency and stable temperatures all across your home.

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

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Operate All the Time?

A two-stage furnace should not run constantly. In the low stage of operation, the furnace runs at limited capacity in order to sustain a planned temperature more efficiently within your home. When more energy is needed to reach the set temperature, the furnace switches to its high stage and runs at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are powerful enough to help reduce energy costs without operating continuously.

Differences Between 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 in order to sustain a desired level of comfort within your home. When additional warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can function at a variety of speeds in order to keep a comfortable temperature at home. With more options for temperature settings, you also have more flexibility for heating you home and can enjoy greater 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. As a result, the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired level of comfort 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 additional warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Arrange Your Furnace Install Appointment with Booneville Heating & Cooling Today

It takes experience and dedication to stay up to date about furnace technology advancements. That’s why Booneville Heating & Cooling specialists are here to help with a no-obligation, no-pressure estimate for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating requirements and your budget before helping you find the best solution. Call us at 662-269-8716 to get started today!