Modulating (occasionally called variable-speed) furnaces have multiple heating stages, from 100% capacity to as low as around 40%. They modulate between these stages to provide optimal comfort to a home. The exact number of heating stages will vary depending on brand and model.
Is a gas furnace better than an electric furnace?
When you consider the cost saving benefits, gas furnaces are a much better option for homeowners. Electric furnaces are typically only better in dry climates with hot or mixed temperatures. There is, however, a third option when it comes to electric vs. gas heating: an electric heat pump.
What is the most reliable gas furnace?
What Brand of Furnace is Most Reliable?
- Trane / Amercian Standard. Trane and American Standard are both owned by Ingersoll Rand and are considered premium furnace brands.
- Carrier. Carrier is widely regarded as the cream of the crop for HVAC systems. ...
- Rheem. Rheem leads many of the popular brands when it comes to reliability. ...
- Lennox. ...
Is the gas valve on my furnace bad?
Troubleshooting a Furnace Gas Valve. If 24 volts is coming from the board to the gas valve terminals and you don’t hear that little clicking noise the internal valve makes, you could have a bad gas valve. To double-check, take the leads off to the gas valve and check there. Got 24 volts? Then something downstream of that 24 volts is not working.
What is a modulating furnace?
A modulating furnace is a gas-powered central heating system that changes its heat output. It’s essentially a type of energy-efficient gas furnace. All gas furnaces consume gas to generate heat. They feature burners that produce a flame, which is responsible for heating the air before it enters the ductwork.
What are the benefits of a modulating furnace?
Incorporating advanced technology, the modulating furnace is able to keep homes toasty on the most frigid of winter days, filter the air, eliminate cold spots, make the home quieter, provide incredible temperature consistency and lower utility bills.
Is a variable speed furnace the same as a modulating furnace?
Instead of running at just one fan speed, the variable-speed blower adjusts to help your home reach a precise, even temperature without spending excess energy. A modulating furnace is the most energy-efficient type you can buy. In other words, they are the most cost-effective when it comes to long-term energy savings.
Are modulating furnaces worth the money?
Although a modulating furnace is more expensive up front, it's definitely worth the cost if you're looking for greater control over your temperature settings and increased energy efficiency. You can make up some of the cost of installation when you consider the savings on your utility bills over time.
Is a modulating furnace better than a two stage?
Modulating furnaces are more efficient than single- or double-stage furnaces and they aim to keep the temperature at one or two degrees of the target temperature. Modulating furnaces can be perceived as noisier, but that is because they run more frequently.
Is a variable speed furnace worth the extra money?
The best news … a variable speed furnace motor is 80–85% more efficient than a standard furnace motor. So, if you are going to upgrade from a 90% to a 96% efficient furnace make sure it has a variable speed furnace motor, and you could enjoy energy savings of up to $400 a year. Otherwise it's not worth the investment.
Does a modulating furnace need a special thermostat?
To achieve good comfort, you want long heat cycles. To achieve that, the modulated furnace needs a “special” thermostat. The main thing it is looking for is the required temperature rise (current temp vs target). It can also check outside temps, humidity levels etc.
Are modulating furnaces quieter?
Modulating furnaces run extremely quietly due to their lower operating levels. A modulating furnace operates with more finesse than a standard furnace to reduce temperature fluctuations.
Are modulating furnaces more expensive to repair?
There's nothing special about modulating furnaces that leads to more frequent breakdowns or repair costs.
Are modulating gas furnaces reliable?
Most modulating furnaces carry AFUE ratings between 90 and 95 percent, with some furnaces capable of achieving a 98-percent AFUE rating. Not only do you use less energy to operate a modulating furnace but you will also reduce your annual heating costs by a significant amount.
Does a modulating furnace run all the time?
Modulating furnaces run in very precise increments. Some models can run at 40% capacity and increase by . 5% if the thermostat calls for it. Because they can manage temperature so precisely in your house, they usually run continuously at a very low setting.
What is the quietest furnace on the market?
Lennox SLP98V With an efficiency rating of up to 98.7 percent AFUE, the SLP98V is considered as the quietest, most efficient furnace available on the market today.
Is a 2 stage furnace worth the extra cost?
Should I Buy a Two-Stage Furnace? You are most likely to benefit from owning a two-stage furnace if you own a two or multi-story home in which you intend to spend the next several years or more. Otherwise, you won't get to reap the long-term benefits of lower energy bills.
What are the three types of furnaces?
What Is A Furnace?Furnaces are a type of central heating unit that have been around for decades. ... There are three main types of furnaces you could purchase for your space: natural gas, oil, and electric.More items...
What is a modulating system?
While a fixed speed HVAC system can only run at full speed, a modulating system can have two or more speeds. In terms of temperature control, this means a modulating system will provide consistent air conditioning that is commensurate with the need in the home, as opposed to fixed speed's all-or-nothing method.
Are modulating furnaces quieter?
Modulating furnaces run extremely quietly due to their lower operating levels. A modulating furnace operates with more finesse than a standard furnace to reduce temperature fluctuations.
What is a two-stage variable speed furnace?
A two-stage variable speed furnace is the second most efficient type of furnace. Most are 95% efficient. To simply explain how this type of furnace operates, think of your gas pedal in your car. When this type of furnace starts, it is heating at 65% of its capacity on the first stage.
How Do Variable Speed Furnaces Work?
The differing speeds control heating and cooling airflow through the home. Throughout operation, the furnace monitors incoming data from your HVAC system to automatically make blower motor speed adjustments.
What is HVAC.com?
HVAC.com is the world’s leading resource website for all things heating, cooling, and indoor air quality. We proved a plethora of resources to help homeowners better understand their heating, cooling, and IAQ options as well as the equipment in their homes.
Do variable speed furnaces use less energy?
With the ability to operate at lower speeds while still outputting adequate heating and cooling, the furnace requires much less energy to do the same job as a conventional furnace that operates at a single speed.
Does HVAC equipment cost more?
Higher efficiency HVAC equipment typically comes with a higher initial price tag compared to lower efficiency options. The actual cost of furnace installation depends on the model you select plus labor and other considerations necessary for proper installation of your new furnace.
Is a variable speed furnace better than a conventional furnace?
Variable speed furnaces also offer better indoor humidity control versus conventional furnaces. Variable speed furnaces are better at removing humidity from the air. This moisture protection works to prevent high humidity issues indoors, such as mold and mildew growth as well as increased allergen concentrations.
What is the most popular furnace type?
One of the most popular modern furnace types is the modulating variable speed furnace. Even though this is a popular furnace choice, it is a choice that a lot of homeowners don't know a lot about. To help you decide if this is the right furnace type for you, take a look at some of the pros and cons of the modulating variable speed furnace.
Is a furnace harder to operate than a single stage furnace?
Con: The furnace can be more costly than single or two-stage furnaces.
Do variable speed furnaces cost more?
Just like a lot of appliances and systems with more modern features, the modulating variable speed furnace is going to cost a bit more up front to have installed. Single-stage and two-stage furnaces are far less intuitive and don't have the energy-efficiency to boast, but the variable speed furnace does. Even though you may have to pay more for the furnace initially, you can expect to recoup what you pay in your cost savings on home heating throughout the year.
Can a furnace fan run even when there is no heat?
Pro: The furnace's fan can run even when there is no heat being provided. If you have issues with allergies or need better air quality inside of your home, the modulating variable speed furnace is a good choice over other models. This is one of the few furnace models that has a fan that you can continue to run even if you are not using the heat.
Does a furnace adjust itself?
Pro: The furnace adjusts itself according to the temperature outside.
Does a furnace fan help with air quality?
The fan constantly circulates air through the filter and through the house when you set it to do so, which can help with air quality through all seasons of the year. For instance, if you have issues with air quality in the summer and do not have a central cooling system, regular circulations of the furnace's fan system can really combat allergens ...
How Does a Modulating Furnace Work?
As a gas furnace, you can already expect high energy efficiency, but the modulating furnace takes that expectation to a whole new level.
How many heat exchangers does a modulating furnace use?
By effectively utilizing two heat exchangers, the modulating furnace can maximize the heat output for its given energy.
Why do modulating furnaces make noise?
Due to its nature, modulating furnaces run almost continuously and are always making noise.
What furnace only goes at the highest possible output?
Unlike the modulating furnace, a single-stage furnace only goes at the highest possible output.
What is a two stage furnace?
A two-stage furnace is capable of handling multiple heat settings. Although you aren’t given nearly as many choices for your settings as with the modulating furnace, the two-stage furnace has three options: high, medium, and off.
What does a furnace temperature sensor do?
Additionally, the temperature sensor in the furnace senses as your house slowly warms up and automatically decreases the output and how much energy is being used to run it.
What are the downsides of having two heat exchangers?
The downside of having two heat exchangers is that the extra air cools in the second pipe and becomes condensation that needs a place to drain out.
What is modulating furnace?
A modulating furnace is a furnace that slowly ramps up and down in response to changes in the room's temperature. With a modulating furnace, the flame increases or decreases in smaller, finer increments, so that room temperature never varies more than a few degrees from the thermostat's target temperature.
Which is more efficient, a modulating furnace or a single stage furnace?
Modulating furnaces are more efficient than single- or double-stage furnaces and they aim to keep the temperature at one or two degrees of the target temperature. Modulating furnaces can be perceived as noisier, but that is because they run more frequently.
How long does a modulating furnace last?
Modulating furnaces are long-term purchases where you expect to be in the house for ten years or more before you realize any cost savings. Even then, the energy savings only off-set the difference between paying for a modulating furnace and a staged furnace. The savings will not off-set the entire cost of the furnace.
What does it mean when a furnace vent is whooshing?
With many new furnace purchases, you may also be purchasing a higher volume unit. This means that air is most likely coming through your vents at a higher volume. This results in whooshing from the vents.
What is single stage furnace?
The single-stage furnace is the kind that many people are already familiar with. This furnace turns either on or off; there is no middle ground. "On" is the highest flame setting and thus blows at its hottest level. To understand a single-stage furnace's operation, imagine traveling to a destination in a car whose accelerator regulates ...
Does a furnace add value to a home?
Theoretically, a better furnace should add value to your home upon sale. In practice, you could mention your high-efficiency furnace in your sales literature, but you may not see a much higher actual sales price because of it.
Is a modulating furnace quieter than a single stage furnace?
Naturally, many modulating furnace manufacturers advertise their units as being whisper-quiet. But modulation does not inherently make for a quieter machine.
What is a Variable Speed Furnace?
The term variable speed furnace is used to describe furnaces that have a variable speed blower motor. These blower motors are the motors that move air through the ductwork in your home.
How much does a variable speed furnace save?
On average, homeowners save about $40 a year in electricity with a variable speed furnace. Far below what manufacturers claim.
What is the difference between a variable speed motor and a variable speed motor?
The difference on a variable speed motor is that it will self-adjust its speed. It will make speed adjustments based on sensor readings within the furnace. Variable speed furnaces claim to have three major benefits. Let’s look at each of these claims one at a time.
What is the most important aspect of heating and air conditioning?
Any properly sized furnace installed with proper duct design by a good contractor. The most important aspect of heating and air conditioning is the airflow. It’s ALL about airflow. No matter what style motor, the required amount of air needed for the furnace to operate properly will be the same.
Why are there no decibels in furnaces?
There are no decibel ratings of furnaces like there are for air conditioners. Not even for comparison. That’s because the noise that people most often complain about is not caused by the motor. It’s from improper airflow, poor duct design and oversized equipment.
Can variable speed furnaces be used without disadvantages?
You can enjoy these benefits without the disadvantages of variable speed furnaces. Just make sure you have a good contractor install your furnace and duct system.
Does a variable speed furnace use the same amount of fuel?
The claim of saving money is based solely on electrical usage. A high efficient variable speed furnace and a high efficient standard motor furnace will use the same amount of fuel. (Natural Gas, Oil, Propane)
What is modulating furnace?
They modulate between these stages to provide optimal comfort to a home. The exact number of heating stages will vary depending on brand and model.
How many heating stages are there in a variable speed furnace?
Variable-speed furnaces have multiple heating stages, from 100% capacity to as low as around 40%. They modulate between these stages to provide optimal comfort to a home. The exact number of heating stages will vary depending on brand and model.
What is high efficiency furnace?
You might hear the term “high-efficiency furnace,” and this relates to the percentage of fuel or energy that’s going directly toward heating your home. For example, a standard new furnace unit will be 80% efficient, meaning that 80% of heat generated will be pumped into your home.
How many settings does a furnace have?
The classic furnace unit has two settings: ON or OFF. This is a single-stage furnace, because it has only one heat setting. Two-stage furnaces will have a secondary setting that’s usually 60 or 70% of the maximum heating output (measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units ).
Why do furnaces need to be replaced?
The first is that it can reduce the number of times your furnace has to start and stop. This creates wear and tear on various parts. Over many years, this can add up, and can result in needing repairs or having a noisier furnace.
How efficient is a furnace?
The rest will be vented, usually through a chimney flue or PVC pipe. The most efficient home furnaces can be up to 98% efficient. This means that very little heat is vented, while most is going to your home. So those are two separate ideas, but both are related to efficiency. In practice, you can get an 80% efficiency furnace that is single-stage, ...
What is the adjustment of the blower fan in a furnace?
Adjusting the amount of fuel or energy that’s being used (natural gas, electric, propane, etc.) Adjusting the blower fan inside the furnace, which is what actually moves the air through your ductwork and into your home. This is part of what makes a furnace efficient, but not the entirety of it.
How many modulation stages does the York have?
The York has 100 increments of modulation versus 3 stages of heat from the Carrier .
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Is carrier a modulating furnace?
But not as a modulating unit. Carrier is a fine product, it just has nothing comparable to the JCI brands of modulating furnaces.
Do you notice air temps on a furnace?
Granted, a proper furnace won't have a massive blast of heat coming out of the registers, but you will and do notice the temps while sitting on the couch or in our case, sitting at the computer where it's right at our feet. Just because people may not be in our trade, they do notice air temps and it's a common question that I hear at almost every household. You notice the blower with a two and three stage furnace. You don't notice anything with the JCI mods. Nothing. No temp swings, no cool blast from the register because it's almost always on. The people that notice these things are the wifes. Me. I could care less if it's 65 in the house all year round, but the ladies notice these things every day. If momma ain't happy, ain't no one happy.
Variable speed vs modulating
My furnace is probably about twenty years old, and has a few problems, which I could get fixed for around $,or invest in a new furnace before the tax credit ends. Getting 30% back on thousands of dollars is pretty significant. The fear is that I will pass up the rebate and then need a new furnace within the year.
Rheem RGRM
I thought I had made up my mind on a full unit replacement but am re-evaluating because of costs.
