When it comes to home heating, furnaces remain the most popular choice among Americans. Some of the reasons why homeowners prefer furnaces over other heating systems include:
- higher efficiency ratings
- lower operational noise
- flexibility
- longer lifespan
There are several types of heating systems available on the market today and we want to help you have a better understanding of two of the most common types.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable heating company in Bloomington MN that offers a variety of furnaces. We sure have a furnace that fits your home and budget. If you are looking for a new heating system for your home, be sure to consult one of our HVAC professionals. There are several items you need to take into consideration before deciding on which furnace to install in your home, including furnace type.
Here are two of the most common furnace types:
Gas Furnaces
Natural gas furnaces are the most popular type of furnace because they are highly economical. These heating systems convert gas into heat by using burners, heat exchangers, and blowers.
Many years ago, gas furnaces were only about 65 percent efficient on average. This means that they convert 65 percent of the fuel to heat while the remaining 35 percent goes up the chimney or elsewhere. Today, you can find furnaces with annual fuel efficiency (AFUE) rating of up to 98 percent.
Natural gas remains the most popular way that Americans heat their homes. In fact, almost 50 percent of U.S. homes currently use gas furnaces.
Types of Gas Furnaces
Single-stage furnaces only have one stage of heating, which is high. They have a fixed gas valve and a single-speed blower motor. When the furnace is on, it is running at full speed at all times. Whether it’s early fall or it’s the middle of winter, the furnace is operating at the same speed.
One the other hand, two-stage furnaces have a two-stage gas valve and a two-speed blower motor. This setup allows the system to perform depending on the environment they are in and produce the results you expect more efficiently. During early fall, the furnace may operate only at less than 60 percent of its full capacity, which saves you money. During the peak of winter, when you need it to perform at full capacity, it can give you exactly what you need.
Modulating furnaces adjust the heating output more precisely. Certain units regulate output by as little as one percent, allowing the furnace to accurately adjust to how much gas is needed for a home in a specific situation. These furnaces are great for colder climates.
Oil Furnaces
For homes that do not have access to natural gas, they can opt to go with oil furnaces. These systems are commonly used in cold environments, particularly in the northeastern part of the country.
An oil furnace works similarly to a gas furnace, but with the addition of vaporizing the oil into a fine mist mixed with air. The mixture is then used to ignite the burners inside a combustion chamber. The created heat then enters a heat exchanger, moving heat to the air and increasing the temperature of a home to the level programmed by the thermostat.
Compared to gas furnaces, oil furnaces are generally safer because they do not leak carbon monoxide into the home. Also, they do not run the risk of an explosion because the oil used is not explosive. Oil furnaces also tend to last longer compared to gas furnaces. On average, oil furnaces last 5-10 years longer than their gas counterparts.
One thing to consider though is that oil furnaces cost more to operate than gas furnaces since oil is much more expensive than gas. Additionally, the oil filter in an oil furnace needs to get changed regularly. You will need to exert more effort in maintaining an oil furnace compared to a gas-fired unit.
Need Help Choosing the Right Furnace? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
To guide you in choosing the right furnace for your home, give us a call. We will answer any questions you may have and provide you with relevant information. We are your dependable Richfield furnace installation company.