Where you aware that more than half of your home’s energy costs are needed for your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s essential to maintain 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 will waste about 20% of the fuel it uses while producing heat.

In 2022, President Biden recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly lower emissions, save consumers 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 three decades, the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit annually.

Starting in 2029, the updated rule would mandate all new gas furnaces to feature AFUE ratings of 95%. This means furnaces would combust 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 style 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 greenhouse gas emissions. It also will take less natural gas to produce the same amount 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 gather any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the other does not.

Equipment Lifespan

The life span of a condensing furnace will depend on the brand, model and other factors. Generally speaking, a condensing furnace should last between 10-20 years with proper maintenance and regular service. If you don’t schedule routine maintenance, the unit may not last as long.

Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More

Typically, condensing furnaces enhanced precision is much more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only consumes 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 a few 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 Constantly?

A variable-speed furnace doesn’t operate all the time. Alternatively, it runs at different speeds depending on the temperature in your Greater Richmond home as well as the amount of energy it requires to reach that temperature.

When sufficient energy is required to maintain your desired temperature level, the furnace will increase to a higher speed to manage the higher demand. Doing this will ensure more efficient heating 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 — high and low. In the low stage, the furnace runs at a reduced capacity in order to maintain the chosen temperature for your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead run at maximum capacity to meet demands for greater heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can maintain improved energy efficiency and balanced temperatures everywhere in your home.

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

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Function All the Time?

A two-stage furnace should not run constantly. 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 maintain the set temperature, the furnace shifts to its high stage and runs at full capacity. As such, two-stage furnaces are able to help reduce energy costs without operating continuously.

Contrasting 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 a greater demand for 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 multiple speeds in order to maintain 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 of operation and operate either at full capacity or not at all. This translates to higher energy bills because the furnace is always running in order to maintain a desired temperature at home.

Conversely, two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace runs at reduced capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When more warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Make Your Furnace Installation Appointment with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Today

Modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling professionals are here to help with a no-obligation, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating requirements and your budget before helping you find the right solution. Call us at 804-302-6657 to get started today!