If you've looked to purchase a new furnace ahead of the coming winter in Indiana, you may have noticed that there are several options available. Your decision to purchase a single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed furnace will depend on your budget, heating requirements, insulation and the size of your home. By consulting with an HVAC professional, you'll be able to find a furnace that reliably keeps your family comfortable at a reasonable price.
Single-Stage Furnace
First of all, the "stages" in furnace lingo refer to the gas valve. In a single-stage furnace, the valve has only one mode of operation, fully open, full-blast. No matter how cold it is outside, this furnace will only operate full go. This can be a costly solution for homes that don't require full heating power at all times.
Two-Stage Furnace
Two-stage furnaces feature a valve that can operate fully open or partially closed. Most of the time, they operate in the latter heating mode, and then only kick on full blast when it's especially cold outside. This offers greater energy efficiency. The lower operating speed also means that the furnace produces less noise. Running at the lower stage results in less short-cycling and wear on parts, as well as better heat distribution.
Variable-Speed Furnace
A variable-speed furnace generally operates with a two-stage (or even three-stage) valve set-up. The "speed" refers to blower operation. It will adjust its speed to the temperatures demands of your home, usually operating at a slower, more continuous speed. As with the two-stage or multi-stage furnace, a variable-speed blower motor provides more even heating, less wear and tear on parts, and much lower energy usage. Not only does this allow your furnace to keep your home at a consistent temperature throughout winter, but it will improve indoor air quality by constantly pushing air through your filters. While a two-stage or variable-speed furnace might have a higher upfront cost, it offers tremendous long-term energy savings.
Whether you choose a single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed furnace, make sure you hire a reliable HVAC contractor for your installation. If you're looking for more information about your heating system or other issues related to your home's comfort, contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. We've been proud to serve Fort Wayne and the surrounding area since 1963.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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