Furnaces

Understanding Your Home Furnace Options: Making Informed Choices

As a homeowner, navigating the world of heating systems can be daunting. From variable speed heating to AFUE ratings, the options seem endless. Let us simplify the process for you by shedding light on these furnace systems and terms, empowering you to make informed decisions about your home's heating needs.

Furnace Efficiency Rating - AFUE

Understanding the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is key to assessing furnace efficiency. This metric measures how effectively a furnace converts fuel into heat over a year. For example, a furnace with a 99 AFUE rating delivers 99 cents worth of heat for every dollar spent on fuel, with minimal loss. Keep in mind that AFUE ratings do not include heat loss through ducts.

Heat Loss Through Ducts

While the AFUE rating provides insight into furnace efficiency, addressing heat loss through airflow ducts is vital. Leaky or poorly insulated air ducts can lead to significant energy waste, undermining furnace efficiency. Proper sealing and insulation are essential to minimize heat loss and maximize furnace effectiveness. Consider evaluating your heating system with our expert guidance to optimize efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Variable Capacity Furnaces: Dynamic Efficiency and Comfort

Variable capacity furnaces adjust their output from 35% to 100% based on heating demand, achieving up to 99% AFUE ratings. These highly efficient furnaces ensure long-term comfort and savings, representing the most modern and efficient options available.

Smart Heating with Two-Stage Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces adapt to changing weather, offering balanced heating with two output levels. They conserve energy and reduce noise during mild weather by operating at a lower speed. When temperatures drop, they ramp up to full capacity for maximum warmth. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term savings on heating bills make two-stage furnaces a wise investment.

Adaptive Airflow: Variable Speed Furnaces

Harnessing an innovative blower motor, variable-speed furnaces adjust airflow dynamically. This adaptive system responds to changing heating demands, providing consistent temperatures, improved indoor air quality, and reduced cycling. Compared to traditional fixed-speed furnaces, they offer superior energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Understanding Single-Stage Gas Furnaces: Efficiency Comparison

Single-stage gas furnaces offer a budget-friendly option for simplicity and affordability. However, unlike more energy-efficient systems like two-stage or variable-speed gas furnaces, they lack energy-saving features. Operating at a constant heat output, single-stage gas furnaces may result in higher monthly gas bills compared to the more efficient systems.

Affordable Customized Heating Solutions

At Steve and Ted's Services, we specialize in personalized heating solutions tailored to your home's unique characteristics. By considering factors like size, design, climate, insulation, and occupants' behavior, we identify the most cost-effective and energy-efficient option for you.

The amended Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which began in 2023, makes certain products tax credit eligible. Qualified air conditioners, gas furnaces, or boilers may receive tax credits of up to $600, while qualified heat pumps could be eligible for tax credits of up to $2000.

Our Most Popular Lennox Furnaces

Lennox SLP99V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace

Lennox EL297V High-Efficiency, Two-Stage Gas Furnace

Lennox ML296V Variable Speed Two-Stage Gas Furnace