A gas furnace is a significant purchase and a 12–15-year investment at that. Making it crucial to explore all your options. ClimateCare ensures you choose the model best suited for your home’s heating needs, while also ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
In this article, we highlight the key benefits of two-stage furnaces and how these models offer a happy medium to many homeowners.
What is a Two-Stage Furnace?
Unlike a classic furnace, two-stage furnaces have two distinct settings: high for the coldest days and low for more moderate weather. Generally, the lower setting, or stage, offers a heat output of 60% – 70% of the higher setting.
Generally, the low stage can effectively heat the home most of the time since the higher setting is really only reserved for the chilliest winter weather. Because of this, there is less wear and tear on the furnace since it doesn’t need to run at maximum capacity 100% of the time.
Single-Stage Vs Two-Stage Furnace
A single-stage furnace is a furnace that can be turned on or off with no additional settings. This is the simplest and most common design found among traditional furnaces. One advantage to the single-stage furnace is that it is typically the least expensive to purchase.
That said, buying a two-stage furnace may save you more in the long run, thanks to fewer repair costs and lower utility bills.
Modulating Furnace Vs Two-Stage Furnace
Modulating gas furnaces offer the most settings of all. These home heaters provide virtually unlimited stages of heating, ensuring consistent comfort in each room of your house.
It’s no surprise that with additional features and more advanced technology, comes a higher price tag.
For the majority of homeowners, a two-stage furnace is an excellent option—it offers the best balance between cost, value and efficiency.
When to Buy a Two-Stage Furnace
If you’re looking to upgrade your home heating system, then it may be worth considering a two-stage furnace. These furnaces are more efficient than one-stage furnaces and tend to last longer. Although they are priced higher than simpler models, a two-stage furnace is less costly to purchase and maintain than the advanced modulating furnaces on the market.
Essentially, if you’re looking to balance cost and value, a two-stage furnace will get the job done perfectly.
How to Choose the Right Furnace for Your Home
You must consider several factors before choosing the ideal furnace for your home. First, you must assess the current state of your HVAC infrastructure. Second, you’ll need to know your home’s heating needs based on square footage and the local climate. Finally, you should develop a budget that takes into account installation costs, maintenance prices and the ongoing cost of running the furnace.
As with all HVAC upgrades and replacements, it’s best to consult with an expert before making a final decision. Contact your local ClimateCare today to speak with a trusted team that’s eager to help!
