Did you know that more than half of your home’s energy costs are from your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s essential to secure an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Furnace efficiency standards were last revised to an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% in 2015. This rating system calculates how effective your furnace is at converting natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace wastes about 20% of the fuel it uses while creating heat.

In 2022, the U.S. government recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would significantly decrease emissions, save customers money and stimulate sustainability.

The updated standards are projected to:

• Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
• Cut carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons and methane emissions by 5.1 million tons over three decades, the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit each year.

Starting in 2029, the updated rule would demand all new gas furnaces to feature AFUE ratings of 95%. This means furnaces would convert nearly 100% of the gas into usable heat.

Considering these guidelines, you might be asking yourself what does that mean for my existing furnace? As of now, next to nothing, as the proposed rule won't go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and does not affect furnaces that are already in use.

But if you need furnace replacement in soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are ready and available. Find out how these furnaces can lower your monthly energy bills.

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a type of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This limits the extent of energy wasted, improves energy efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions. It also involves less natural gas to create the same amount of heat when comparing one to other types of furnaces.

How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces

The biggest difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is condensing models use a secondary heat exchanger to gather any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the latter does not.

How Long Condensing Furnaces Last

The life span of a condensing furnace will depend on the brand, model and other factors. In most cases, a condensing furnace is likely to last between 10-20 years with sufficient maintenance and regular service. If you don’t schedule routine maintenance, it may struggle to perform as well, ultimately failing earlier than anticipated.

Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More

Usually, condensing furnaces enhanced precision is significantly more efficient than conventional furnaces, as it only uses the minimum amount of energy necessary to heat your home, which  subsequently saves money on your utility bills.

Many variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although some are available in non-condensing models with lower AFUE ratings. In order for a furnace to be classified as a condensing furnace, it must offer an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.

Do Variable-Speed Furnaces Run Nonstop?

A variable-speed furnace doesn’t run all the time. Alternatively, it runs at different speeds depending on the temperature in your home as well as the amount of energy it uses to reach that temperature.

When sufficient energy is required to maintain your set temperature level, the furnace will switch to a higher speed in order to keep up with demand. This allows for more efficient heating in your home while also offering quieter operation.

Guide to Two-Stage Furnaces

Two-Stage Furnaces: What They Are and How They Work

As the name suggests, a furnace with two levels of operating (high or low) is called a two-stage furnace. In the low stage, the furnace runs at a reduced capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature for your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead function at peak capacity to meet demands for greater heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can experience enhanced energy efficiency and stable temperatures everywhere in your home.

While two-stage furnaces are very efficient, not all all types are condensing furnaces.

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Operate All the Time?

A two-stage furnace should not run constantly. In the low stage of operation, the furnace operates at diminished capacity in order to retain a desired temperature more efficiently within your home. When a greater demand for energy is needed to reach the set temperature, the unit shifts to its high stage and operates at full capacity. As such, two-stage furnaces are proven to help reduce energy costs without operating constantly.

Comparing Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace runs at reduced capacity as a way to uphold a desired temperature within your home. When more warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at peak capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can function at several speeds in order to uphold a desired temperature more consistently at home. As such, variable-speed furnaces offer greater savings on your utility bills .

Differences Between One- and Two-Stage Furnaces

One-stage furnaces have a single stage motor and operate either at full capacity or not at all. This means that the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired level of comfort at home.

Two-stage furnaces, on the other hand, have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace runs at [lower|reduced} capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When more warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Make Your Furnace Installation Appointment with Childress Heating & AC Today

Modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why Childress Heating & AC experts are here to help with a no-cost, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating requirements and your budget before helping you find the right solution. Contact us at to get started today!