In cold seasons, it is critical that the home is heated up, but this has ended up sucking the life out of the electricity.
However, this has become a minor issue due to the diversification of the home heating system. One of them is the gas furnace, which is an economical yet efficient means of driving the chills out the door.
Not just that, there are different types of gas furnaces, each being affordable, easy to maintain at a low cost.
Now, these gas furnaces come in three major types; single-stage, two-stage, and modulating furnaces.
Before purchasing, things to be considered include environmental conservation, the fuel efficiency, and price of the gas furnaces.
But most importantly, the recurring weather conditions of an area should be taken into account. In extremely cold conditions, a dependable furnace that won’t break down easily is needed.
This is why a decent knowledge of these clean, innovative furnaces should be in place before venturing out to purchase.
Below are the different types of gas furnaces.
1. Single-stage furnaces
The name was given to it because of its single-stage heat output. This type of gas furnace is suitable for extreme cold weather due to its ability to run at full throttle.
It might not be of high efficiency compared with other furnaces, but it releases maximum heat that can keep the house warm.
The single-stage furnace has just the on and off speed with no heat modulator for low and medium heat or anything in-between.
This is the major reason that makes it ideal for temperatures below freezing point.
2. Two-stage furnaces
This is more efficient than the former. This furnace is equipped with two phases. The first stage runs between 65% and 70% throttle.
This stage is the temperature when it is switched on. If the weather is cold at that time, this first stage won’t give out much heat.
It is, however, suitable for temperatures above freezing point. When it is modulated to the second stage, higher heat is released.
The ability of this type of furnace to provide the home with the appropriate degree of heat is its beauty. Unlike the single-stage gas furnace, the two-stage gas furnace does not emit 100% heat.
It is quieter and releases less carbon dioxide into the air.
3. Modulating furnaces
This is more like expanding the two-stage gas furnace to accommodate more degrees of heat output. With the modulating setting, heat can be adjusted based on the weather conditions.
When switched on, the furnace operates at 35% and can be adjusted up to 100% capacity. Fuel consumption can be controlled with using a thermostat.
Besides, since the fan and gas burner hardly run at full throttle at once, the on and off cycling present in the standard furnace can be gotten rid of.
This has made the modulating furnaces one of the best fuel-efficient furnaces in today’s world.
4. Natural gas furnaces
Furnaces running under natural gas accrue several benefits to the home. These natural gas furnaces are a bot on the costly side but easy to maintain and can hardly break down.
Although, when they do break down, the repair is relatively inexpensive. However, when they do, repairing them is not inexpensive.
You won’t need to replace them or pay too much throughout for needed repairs.
Natural gas furnaces are the most inexpensive of all fossil fuels. Therefore, there is a reasonable slash in utility bills for furnaces running on natural gases.
More so, natural gas is pure and clean, making it eco-friendly. One is sure to have a good night’s rest without the fear of pollution or carbon poisoning.
Asides from that, natural gases are not just inexpensive; they are also very reliable and efficient. With a limited amount of gas, a house can be heated.
5. The 80% gas furnaces
This type of gas furnace is mostly seen in ancient homes with chimney vents. Here, 20% of the produced heat is exhausted through the furnace vent.
This type of furnace has an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 80%, making it more efficient than many recommended gas furnaces.
This entails that 80% of the fuel paid for is gotten back since it is converted to heat energy for home use.
6. The 90% – 97% gas furnaces
This saves about 90%- 97% energy. This type of furnace utilizes a subordinate heat exchanger. It works by diverting combusted gases into a condensing phase.
As the gases are condensed into water, there is an emission of heat. It results in an increased percentage of AFUE while lowering costs of operation in the long run.
Conclusion
There are lots of options to choose from and it can be overwhelming. But before swiping that credit card, deeply consider the energy efficiency, cost, and environmental impact of these different types of gas furnaces.
