Home is where the heart is. And for optimal functionality, comfort, and aesthetics, we install numerous home additions. For every homeowner, a must-have appliance is a furnace.
The furnace is the powerhouse behind your home’s heating and cooling system. They’re a popular heating option due to their low operating noise, high efficiency, compatibility, and long lifespan.
But, did you know there are different types of furnaces? If you are looking to install or replace your home furnace, there is no one-fits-all type of furnace. All have unique features and present different benefits and drawbacks.
Buying a residential furnace is a huge investment, and you want to get it right. However, without knowing what to look for or how to go about it, the purchase can be a catch 22. In determining the type of furnace to meet your heating needs, it’s imperative to know the options available.
Here’s a guide about the different furnace options for your home to get you started.
Types of Furnaces of By Operation
Single-Stage Furnace
As the name suggests, the single-stage furnace has a single stage of operation. They feature a single gas valve that opens and closes to allow gas inflow. Single-stage furnaces are designed to operate at a constant speed.
Since they can only be turned on or off, you’re likely to have a great variance in temperature in your home. For instance, you might be experiencing about four-to-six-degree temperature change when using them. Single-stage furnace functions at eighty percent fuel use efficiency and can use more energy.
However, the single-stage furnace is the most basic type of furnace you can get. It’s less expensive to purchase and also cheap and easier to install. Also, this type of furnace is durable and only requires minimal repair in its lifespan.
Two-Stage Furnaces
Unlike a single-stage furnace, two-stage furnaces offer homeowners more options for operation. You get more control to regulate the amount of gas flowing into the furnace. With a single-stage furnace, you can choose between full/half or low power, depending on the temperature condition of your home.
These furnaces will communicate with the thermostat to regulate power according to heat demands. Also, they are more efficient at heat delivery, keeping your home at a consistent temperature. Two-stage furnace functions at ninety percent fuel use efficiency.
The furnace will operate at half power to keep your home heated on mildly cold days. If temperatures decrease further, the thermostat sends a signal. This automatically opens up the valve and turns the furnace to max power.
Modulating Furnaces
A modulating furnace allows users to enjoy optimal heat at all times. The furnace can adjust the amount of gas-burning to attain the target temperature on the thermostat. Also, it achieves this more accurately with a margin error of only half Fahrenheit.
Modulating furnaces are efficient, providing even temperature at all rooms in your home. If your home is located where winter lasts long, then modulating furnaces can be an ideal option.
They are energy efficient as they don’t waste energy by turning on and off continually. Instead, they run at lower energy levels saving you monthly bills.
While modulating furnaces can be more expensive to purchase, they offer multiple benefits.
Types Of Furnaces by Fuel Type
Gas Furnace
The natural gas furnace is the most popular type of furnace among homeowners. It uses natural gas distributed to residential homes by municipal gas pipelines.
The gas supply to your home jets along the furnace burner and ignites. The generated heat is then transferred through a heat exchanger to warm your home. Gas furnaces are effective at creating even heating and are thus preferred.
Gas furnaces are less expensive to run due to the competitive prices of natural gas compared to other forms of fuel. Also, natural gas provides a reliable and energy-efficient heating source for homeowners.
Oil Furnace
Oil furnaces are popular in rural areas where natural gas lines are not available. To operate an oil furnace, you need a storage tank for the oil. You’ll need to restock it when the supply gets diminished. This implies you need adequate space in your home to store the oil.
Also, it’s crucial to find an oil delivery company that will refill your tanks when levels are low. Remember, your oil furnace won’t run if you run out of oil.
When properly maintained, an oil furnace will last almost twice the lifespan of gar furnaces. Also, maintaining them is easy, and they emit a lot of heat.
While oil furnaces are less expensive than natural gas, they are less efficient. Also, oil prices fluctuate a lot, and thus difficult to predict or budget for your oil expenses. If not cleaned regularly, ash and soot can accumulate, making the furnace inefficient and very expensive to operate.
Propane Furnace
Today, propane furnaces are becoming more popular. They are the ideal option when oil and gas are not readily available in your area. Like in an oil furnace, propane furnaces require regular refilling to keep your home warm.
Propane furnaces are versatile. In case of a propane shortage or high price, they can be adjusted to use natural gas as an alternative. Also, propane furnaces heat homes quickly since the gas generates more heat than other fuels.
Electric Furnace
If you don’t have access to gas lines or find it expensive to install gas pipes in your home, an electric furnace can be the best option. These furnaces use electric heating elements to heat up your home.
Electric-powered furnaces are affordable to purchase upfront and fit in smaller spaces. If you are on a tight budget, then an electric furnace can be your best option.
Apart from being less expensive to buy, the electric furnace is more efficient with a readily available power source. Also, since they don’t use oil or gases, you don’t have to worry about dangerous leaks in your home or even toxic fumes.
You Now Know Different Types of Furnaces for Homes
When shopping for a new furnace, keep in mind this will be a significant investment. It’s vital to understand your home heating needs and pick a furnace to offer you superior performance and savings. The above are different types of furnaces to choose from.
Are you looking for a furnace? At Furnace Financing CA, we got you covered. We are a full-service HVAC company offering Canadians heating & cooling systems.
Contact us today for a free quote.
