What is a 2 stage furnace? A two-stage furnace has two levels of heat output. The higher stage operates on the colder days of winter, while the lower stage operates on milder days, which meets about 80% of your heating needs.
Two stage units run longer periods of time to provide even more heating. The unit automatically switches between these stages. Temperature regulation can be as precise as 1 degree, based on the settings of your smart thermostat.
Do two stage furnaces save money?
Two stage natural gas furnaces deliver more consistent heat to your home. They are more responsive to weather fluctuations and temperature swings, compared to single stage furnaces. These high efficiency gas furnaces are not switching between on and off during operations, resulting in a less drastic temperature change in heat distribution.
They are more energy efficient and less disruptive, which will show up on your energy bills as savings. High energy efficient models can be eligible for government rebates. The furnace operates in the low stage most of the time, this means that the unit uses less fuel compared to a traditional single stage furnace will run on full capacity and only turn off when the desired temperature is reached.
Problems with 2 stage furnaces?
Two stage furnaces have a slightly higher initial cost than single stage models. But your investment of replacing your furnace will return in energy savings, clean burning, and in a more consistent and comfortable temperature during wintertime.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of a furnace is rated by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). The higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace is.
A 92 percent efficient furnace is considered high efficiency. The Continental C97 Tech Pro Series have 97% AFUE rating. The blower runs at 60% on the first stage for most of the year, reducing electrical consumption by up to 80%.
A 25-year-old furnace can have an AFUE rating as low as 55%. To achieve the same heating capacity, the furnace burns higher amount of fuel.
Convenience and accessibility
The modular design of the Continental furnaces allows easy handling, cleaning, and maintenance. The heat exchanger and blower are in separate compartments, allowing fast and convenient servicing. With an additional conversion kit propane can be used as fuel source.
The built in LED lights within the furnace cabinet turn on when the front panels are removed, providing lighting for better visibility of the components.
