Where you aware that more than 50 percent of your home’s energy costs are for your heating and cooling? This is why it’s critical to have an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Furnace efficiency standards were last revised 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 producing heat.

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

This proposal is projected 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 each year.

Starting in 2029, the updated rule would mandate all new gas furnaces to feature AFUE ratings of 95%. This means furnaces would turn 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 does not affect furnaces that are already in use.

But if you are considering 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 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, improves energy efficiency and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also involves less natural gas to generate the same volume of heat in comparison 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 condensing models use a secondary heat exchanger to capture 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. Generally speaking, a condensing furnace will last between 10-20 years with appropriate maintenance and regular service. If you don’t schedule routine maintenance, the equipment may struggle to perform as well, ultimately failing earlier than anticipated.

Why Condensing Furnaces Require a Higher Investment

Usually, condensing furnaces are more cost most to install than non-condensing furnaces. This is due to their increased efficiency and the additional features necessary to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the extra energy savings can frequently cover the cost of purchase. So long term, it may be worth 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 fine-tune its fan speed to minimize the energy necessary to satisfy the heating needs of your home. It operates at a slower speed until it notices a drop in temperature and then ramps up to generate more heat. This [precise fan is significantly more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only utilizes the minimum amount of energy necessary to heat your home, saving you money in the long run.

The majority of 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 Nonstop?

A variable-speed furnace doesn’t run all the time. Alternatively, it runs at different speeds depending on the temperature in your Temple/Belton home as well as the amount of energy it needs to maintain that temperature.

When sufficient energy is needed to maintain your set temperature level, the furnace will increase to a higher speed in order to keep up with 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

As the name suggests, a furnace with two levels of operating (high or low) is called a two-stage furnace. In the low stage, the furnace operates at a reduced capacity as a way to maintain the chosen temperature for 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 experience improved energy efficiency and balanced temperatures everywhere in your home.

While two-stage furnaces are highly efficient, not all all models 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 preferred temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional energy is needed to maintain the set temperature, the heating system will switch to its high stage and operates at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are able to help reduce energy costs without operating constantly.

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 to help uphold a desired level of comfort within your home. When a greater demand for warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can run at several 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. This means that the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired level of comfort within your home.

Two-stage furnaces, on the other hand, 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 additional warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Arrange Your Furnace Install Appointment with Bell Air Conditioning Inc Today

Modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why Bell Air Conditioning Inc experts are here to help with a no-cost, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating requirements and your budget before helping you find the ideal solution. Contact us at 254-307-9572 to get started today!