Your Guide to House Heating
As the leaves change colour and temperatures drop, it’s safe to say that house heating season is back.
To keep you and your family comfy and cozy this fall/winter season, you will likely depend on your central house heating system. So let’s learn a little bit more about that glorious piece of equipment that’s going to keep your family warm all winter long.
Gas Furnace Efficiency Rating
All gas furnaces are rated for their efficiency with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating is expressed as a percentage – the higher the percentage, the more efficient the furnace.
For example, if a gas furnace has an AFUE rating of 82%, that means 82% of the energy of the fossil fuel is being converted into heat. A gas furnace with a 96% AFUE rating indicates that only 4% of the energy it uses isn’t converted to heating capacity.
The AFUE rating of your gas furnace largely determines how much it’s going to cost to heat your home. A furnace with a high efficiency level might cost more to purchase, but will cost you less in the long run due to its efficient operation.
How it Works
While a gas furnace may seem like a complex piece of equipment, which it is, the heating process can be explained in four steps:
- Natural gas generates heat in the furnace’s burners.
- The heat then passes through the heat exchanger, which is the component of the furnace that actually heats the air.
- Air from the home’s duct system passes through the heat exchanger, warming the air..
- The blower then redirects the air into the duct system and it is circulated throughout the entire house.
The “Stage” of a Gas Furnace
Many gas furnaces come with features that are there to make your home feel more comfortable during those cold months. One such feature is the “stage” of the gas furnace. The “stage” deals with the burner and gas valve of a furnace.
A single-stage gas furnace operates either as ON or OFF. This type of furnace doesn’t give you the option to adjust the gas flow.
A two-stage gas furnace operates either at high, low, or off. This allows you to have control over the gas flow according to the heating needs of your home on a particular day. The high setting can be used on particularly cold days, while the low setting is adequate for mild fall temperature.
A multi-stage or modulating gas furnace operates much like the gas stove in your kitchen. The heat can be adjusted at small increments depending on your heating preferences. Once your desired temperature is met, the furnace automatically adjusts its burners to maintain the set temperature. A multi-stage or modulating gas furnace provides an elevated level of home comfort as it provides you with a high level of customization for your home heating.
We hope that after reading this you have a better understanding of your home heating system. If you’re in the market for a new gas furnace, this article should help you know what features to look out for.
If you have any further questions regarding your house heating system or have any other HVAC concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. Our highly trained and experienced technicians are more than prepared to assist you with any of your HVAC problems. We provide efficient and quick furnace replacement done by our team of HVAC professionals. We offer a variety of furnace rental, purchasing, and financing options. Give us a call at 1 (855) 998-2998 or fill out our online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.
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