Where you aware that more than half of your home’s energy costs are from your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s critical 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 combusting natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace loses about 20% of the fuel it uses while creating heat.

In 2022, the Biden Administration devised new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would substantially lower emissions, save money and promote sustainability.

The updated standards are expected to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Lower 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 convert nearly 100% of the gas into usable heat.

Considering these guidelines, you might be asking yourself what does that mean for my existing furnace? For the time being, not much, 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 your furnace is nearing the end of its life and a replacement is needed in soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are ready and available. Learn how these furnaces can lower your monthly energy bills.

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a type of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to collect wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This reduces the quantity of energy wasted, increases energy efficiency and lowers carbon-monoxide emissions. It also will take 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 other does not.

Expected Longevity of a Condensing Furnace

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 you put off scheduled maintenance, it may not last as long.

Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More

Generally, condensing furnaces are more expensive than non-condensing furnaces. This is because of their increased efficiency and the added features necessary to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the extra energy savings can help offset the cost 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 They Are and How They Work

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

Many variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although some 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 All the Time?

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

When sufficient energy is demanded to maintain your preferred temperature level, the furnace will shift 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 heating system with two settings of operating - high and low - is called a two-stage furnace. On the low stage, the furnace performs at a reduced capacity in order to maintain the chosen temperature in your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead operate at full capacity to meet demands for increased heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can enjoy enhanced energy efficiency and consistent temperatures throughout 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 maintain a planned temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional energy is needed to sustain the set temperature, the furnace shifts to its high stage and runs at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs without operating constantly.

Contrasting Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace works at reduced capacity as a way to sustain a desired level of comfort within your home. When more warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can run at several speeds in order to keep 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 fan speed and operate either at full power or not at all. Consequently, the furnace is always running in order to maintain a desired comfort level at home.

Conversely, two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, low and high. While in 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 shift to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Arrange Your Furnace Install Appointment with Retro HVAC Service & Installation Today

Modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why Retro HVAC Service & Installation 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 right solution. Contact us at 267-277-3851 to get started today!