You may not realize it, but there are several different furnaces available to heat your home. Gas and electric furnaces are traditional options that have plenty of advantages. Both works efficiently and quietly, so you can enjoy a comfortable living situation in the winter.
Precision Heating & Air are your heating system and furnace experts. We can help you with all of your repair, installation, and maintenance needs! Check out the various types of furnaces and contact our team to schedule your appointment.
Understanding Various Types of Furnaces
A gas furnace utilizes fossil fuel to transfer heat and is commonly considered the most efficient and economical method of heating. Essentially, the furnace converts gas into heat by using burners, heat exchangers, and blowers. There are three types of gas furnaces:
Single-Stage Furnace
A standard single-stage heating system has a gas valve that opens and closes and gas flows into the unit at only one rate: high. Many single-stage gas furnaces operate at around 80 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency.
Two-Stage Furnace
A two-stage furnace can adjust the valve’s flow of gas to low or high. This system communicates with the thermostat to read the home’s heating load and adjusts it accordingly.
Modulating Furnace
A modulating furnace adjusts the heating output more Precision Heating & Air. Most regulate output by 1 percent increases. This allows the heating system to adjust how much gas is needed for the home on a minute-by-minute basis. This is optimal for colder climates and will work to evenly regulate room temperatures.
Electric & Oil Furnaces
While not as economical as gas furnaces, electric and oil furnaces are still available. Electric furnaces use heat to distribute warm air throughout your home. Inside there are three to seven heated electric resistance coils. The electric furnace moves air over and through a series of heated coils to your home’s ductwork system. Oil furnaces are ideal for individuals that don’t have access to renewable fuels.
Furnace Efficiency Ratings
Furnaces fall into three main categories of AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency:
- Obsolete Low-Efficiency Furnace: 55% to 72% AFUE – this is generally considered out-of-date technology.
- Low-Efficiency Furnace: 78% AFUE – this is the minimum required AFUE allowed for new furnaces
- Standard Efficiency Gas Furnace: 80% AFUE
- High-Efficiency Gas Furnace: 90% to 98% AFUE
Contact the Furnace Experts at Precision Heating & Air Today
Whether you want to repair your existing heating system or are looking to install a completely new heating system, Precision Heating & Air can help. Our HVAC contractors have more than 60 years of experience and have experience working on a variety of different types of furnaces. Contact us at (770) 758-4552 or send us a message online to schedule gas furnace maintenance, repair, or replacement.
