The Five Furnace Types
Much like everything else, few people know anything about a particular piece of equipment until it breaks or needs replacing. For example, if you had all wood windows in your home, you would probably have little knowledge of what you wanted to replace them with until you started your research. I find that because most furnace decisions are made when a furnace dies, they are usually in a rush to get heat, etc. and do not have the proper info to upgrade or are afraid if they decide on a nicer furnace; they may be getting "sold" on something (see Mission Statement).
The purpose of this article is to give you a quick breakdown of the five furnace types that are now available and with them a listing of features. If anything, this will give you basic consumer knowledge and the ability to ask for what you feel fits your needs.
Single-Stage Furnace (more info)
- Available in both 80% and 92% efficiency
- Starts up at 100% btu capacity
- Has one fan speed
- Basically, your standard on/off furnace
- Available in both 80% and 92+% efficiency
- Starts at 60% btu capacity and moves to 100% capacity if needed
- Has two fan speeds
- Not more efficient, but provides higher comfort
- A little bit quieter than single stage furnace
- Available in both 80% and 95+% efficiency
- Starts at 60% btu capacity and moves to 100% capacity if needed
- Has variable fan speed motor
- Blower motor is 10x more efficient than single and two-stage furnaces
- Much quieter than single and two-stage furnaces
- Recommended for matching with air cleaners for maximum indoor air quality
- Recommended for matching with heat pump
- Recommended for 2+ story homes
- Required with 2-Stage Heat Pump
- Available in 95% efficiency
- Starts at 40% btu capacity and moves to 60% 0r 100% capacity if needed
- 3rd stage means increased comfort beyond 2-stage furnaces
- Has variable fan speed motor
- Blower motor is 10x more efficient than single and two-stage furnaces
- Even quieter than two-stage variable speed furnace
- Recommended for matching with air cleaners for maximum indoor air quality
- Recommended for matching with heat pump
- Recommended for 2+ story homes
- Required with 2-Stage Heat Pump
- Available in 95% efficiency (80% coming soon)
- Gas valve can stage anywhere from 35% btu capacity to 100% (65 stages)
- Multiple stages means increased comfort beyond 2 and 3 stage furnaces
- Closest we can get, with a furnace, to matching the heat loss of your home
- Has variable fan speed motor
- Blower motor is 10x more efficient than single and two-stage furnaces
- Similar sound volume of 3 stage
- Recommended for matching with air cleaners for maximum indoor air quality
- Recommended for matching with heat pump
- Recommended for 2+ story homes
- Required with 2-Stage Heat Pump
