Would you believe that more than 50% of your home’s energy costs are needed for your heating and cooling? This is the reason why it’s essential 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 calculates how effective your furnace is at turning natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace will waste about 20% of the fuel it uses while creating heat.

In 2022, the U.S. government revealed new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly decrease emissions, save consumers money and stimulate sustainability.

This proposal is 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 each year.

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

With these facts in mind, you may be asking yourself "what happens to my existing furnace"? As of now, not much, as the proposed rule won't go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and does not affect furnaces that are already in use.

But if you need furnace replacement in soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are now available. Learn how these furnaces can help you save on energy bills now.

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a type of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This reduces the quantity of energy wasted, improves energy efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. It also will take less natural gas to create the same amount of heat when comparing one to other types of furnaces.

How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces

The main 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 will depend on the brand, model and other factors. In most cases, a condensing furnace should last between 10-20 years with appropriate maintenance and regular service. If you don’t schedule routine maintenance, the unit may struggle to perform as well, ultimately failing earlier than anticipated.

Why Condensing Furnaces Are More Expensive

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

Guide to Variable-Speed Furnaces

Variable-Speed Furnaces: What You Need to Know

A variable-speed furnace can more precisely alter its fan speed to minimize the energy necessary to satisfy the heating preferences of your home. It starts at a slower speed until it notices a drop in temperature and then speeds up to supply more heat. This [precise fan is significantly more efficient than traditional furnaces, as it only consumes the minimum amount of energy required to heat your home, resulting in more savings on your utility bill.

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 run all the time. Rather, it runs at different speeds depending on the temperature in your Hudsonville home as well as the amount of energy it requires to sustain that temperature.

When sufficient energy is demanded to maintain your set temperature level, the furnace will shift to a higher speed to manage the higher demand. Precise fan speeds offer 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 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 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 maintain improved energy efficiency and comfortable temperatures all across your home.

While two-stage furnaces are extremely efficient, not all all types 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 performs at reduced capacity in order to sustain a desired temperature more efficiently within your home. When more energy is needed to maintain the set temperature, the unit shifts to its high stage and operates at full capacity. As such, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs without operating constantly.

Differences Between Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace performs at reduced capacity in order to maintain a desired temperature within your home. When more warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can run at multiple speeds in order to sustain a more precise temperature 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. As a result, the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired temperature at home.

Two-stage furnaces, on the other hand, 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 necessary, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Make Your Furnace Installation Appointment with West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services Today

Making sense of modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services experts are here to help with a no-obligation, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating needs and your budget before helping you find the ideal solution. Call us at (616) 319-1436 to get started today!