Did you know that more than 50% of your home’s energy costs are from your heating and cooling? This is the reason why it’s so important 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 measures 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 generating heat.

In 2022, President Biden recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would greatly lower emissions, save consumers money and stimulate sustainability.

These revised standards are expected to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Cut 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.

So what does all of this mean for your existing furnace in 2023? As of now, not much, 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 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 trap wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This limits the quantity of energy wasted, improves energy efficiency and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also requires less natural gas to generate the same volume of heat compared 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 latter does not.

Equipment Lifespan

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

Why Condensing Furnaces Are More Expensive

Generally, condensing furnaces are more require a large upfront cost than non-condensing furnaces. This is due to their increased efficiency and the additional features required to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the bonus energy savings can frequently cover the price of purchase. So long term, it may be worthwhile 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 better meet the heating needs of your home. It operates at a slower speed until it notices a drop in temperature and then speeds up to produce more heat. This [precise fan is much more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only consumes the minimum amount of energy necessary to heat your home, resulting in more savings on your utility bill.

Most 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 operate all the time. Rather, it runs at different speeds based on the temperature in your Lexington home as well as the amount of energy it needs to reach that temperature.

When sufficient energy is demanded to maintain your set temperature level, the furnace will switch to a higher speed to manage the higher demand. Precise fan speeds offer 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 two-stage furnace is a type of heating system that utilizes two different stages of operation — high and low. When set to the low stage, the furnace operates at a reduced capacity to help maintain the preferred temperature at 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 experience enhanced energy efficiency and steady temperatures all across 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 won’t run all the time. In the low stage of operation, the furnace performs at diminished capacity in order to sustain a preferred temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional energy is needed to reach the set temperature, the unit will switch to its high stage and operates at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs without operating around the clock.

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 to help uphold a desired temperature within your home. When additional warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will switch to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can work at a variety of speeds in order to sustain 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 capacity or not at all. As a result, the furnace is always running in order to maintain a desired comfort level within your 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 desired, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Schedule Your Furnace Installation with James Heating & A/C, Inc Today

Modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why James Heating & A/C, Inc professionals 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 ideal solution. Get in touch with us at 336-853-6070 to get started today!