Gas furnaces are the most popular home-heating systems in the country — and for very good reasons. Furnaces provide comfortable home heating using readily available natural gas, propane, and oil. When outfitted with the latest furnace upgrades and add-ons, your furnace can be surprisingly energy efficient, going as high as 99 AFUE. Here’s what to know about furnace upgrades, condensing furnaces, and furnace add-ons.
Modulating Gas Valves
The gas valve controls the amount of gas that enters the combustion chamber. In older furnaces, the gas was either on 100% or off 100%. Modulating gas valves conserve fuel by ramping up and down, only releasing the amount of natural gas that is actually needed to keep your home heated to the thermostat setting. No more and no less.
Variable-Speed Blower
Variable-speed blower motors work in conjunction with modulating gas valves to provide maximum energy efficiency and comfort. With a variable-speed blower motor, you’ll notice longer heating cycles but at reduced airflow that is quieter and more comfortable.
Dual-Heat Exchangers
High-efficiency condensing furnaces use not one but two heat exchangers to extract the maximum amount of heat energy from the combustion process. Once flue waste gases leave the main heat exchanger, they enter a second heat exchanger that extracts so much heat that condensation forms from the cooled exhaust gases.
Furnace Upgrades and Add-Ons
HVAC and furnace add-on systems further boost furnace efficiency and home comfort. Following are notable furnace add-ons well worth considering:
- Smart Thermostat. Smart thermostats “learn” your heat settings and adjust automatically based on your habits and room occupancy.
- Zoning System. Zoning systems use multiple temperature sensors and motorized duct dampers to provide heated airflow to the zones (one or more rooms) you program 24/7. This removes the chance you forget to program thermostat settings.
- Humidifier. Whole-home humidifiers attach to the ductwork and release just the right amount of moisture into heated airflow. The added moisture makes your home feel warmer at a lower temperature.
For the best installation for your furnace upgrade and add-on systems, please contact the pros at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning today.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area