Did you know that more than 50% of your home’s energy costs are for 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 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 Biden Administration recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would greatly lower emissions, save customers money and encourage sustainability.

This proposal is estimated to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Reduce 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 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? Currently, next to nothing, as the proposed rule wouldn’t go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and doesn’t affect furnaces that are already in use.

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

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a kind of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to trap wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This limits the amount of energy wasted, enhances energy efficiency and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also involves 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 main difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is that the former uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the other does not.

Equipment Lifespan

The life span of a condensing furnace depends on the brand, model and other factors. In most cases, a condensing furnace will last between 10-20 years with sufficient 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 Cost More

Typically, condensing furnaces enhanced precision is significantly more efficient than conventional furnaces, as it only consumes the minimum amount of energy required to heat your home, saving you money in the long run.

Many 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 Nonstop?

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

When sufficient energy is demanded to maintain your preferred 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 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. During the low stage, the furnace performs at a reduced capacity to help maintain the desired temperature at your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead run at maximum capacity to satisfy demands for more heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can maintain greater energy efficiency and steady 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 won’t run all the time. In the low stage of operation, the furnace operates at limited capacity in order to sustain a preferred temperature more efficiently within your home. When more energy is needed to sustain the set temperature, the furnace will switch to its high stage and runs at full capacity. For this reason, 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 runs at reduced capacity as a way to maintain a desired level of comfort within your home. When more warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can function at multiple speeds in order to maintain a more precise 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 motor and operate either at full power or not at all. Consequently, the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired level of comfort at home.

Conversely, two-stage furnaces 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 needed, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Make Your Furnace Installation Appointment with J.L. Brady Company LLC Today

It takes experience and dedication to stay up to date about furnace technology advancements. That’s why J.L. Brady Company LLC experts are here to help with a no-cost, no-pressure estimate for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating requirements and your budget before helping you find the ideal solution. Contact us at 309-517-7511 to get started today!