Furnace technology is getting more “intelligent”. Efficiency is constantly evolving and new furnace models heat the home more effectively while also lowering monthly bills.
That’s especially important in Alberta’s climate, where we rely heavily on our furnaces for much of the year.
If you’re wondering what a two-stage furnace is, you’re likely thinking about whether it can optimize heating in your home.
For consistent warmth and energy savings, a two-stage furnace may be the right choice. Let’s see why…
What is a 2-Stage Furnace?
A two-stage furnace has two different heating modes: a low setting when the home needs only moderate heating and a high setting it switches to during extra-cold weather. This contrasts with a traditional, single-stage furnace, which only has one heating setting and operates at full power whenever it is on.
Calgary homeowners will be familiar with the temperature fluctuations in a typical winter, generally making a two-stage furnace an excellent energy-efficient option for most homes.
MAKE THE RIGHT HEATING & COOLING DECISIONS…
For over two decades, Alberta Mountain Air has helped Calgarians solve heating and cooling problems and maintain ideal comfort levels. Get in touch online for a quote.
How Does a Two-Stage Gas Furnace Work?
A traditional gas furnace has one speed. The furnace is either ON or OFF and it heats at full power whenever it’s turned on until the cycle is completed when the thermostat temperature is reached.
While this is fine when the temperature drops to -20 degrees Celsius, what happens when the Chinook blows and the temperatures rise in Calgary winters?
Temperature fluctuations and energy inefficiencies in the home can be a problem with single-stage furnaces. They’ve heated homes in Canada for over a century—but at higher energy usage and monthly costs than necessary.
Reducing the heating power of the furnace so that it conserves energy during milder weather makes sense. A two-stage furnace does that, automatically switching to 60-65 percent capacity at these times, saving homeowners energy and money while also enhancing comfort.
A two-stage gas furnace works by switching to more powerful heating when the demand is high, i.e., colder temperatures in the home.
Such furnaces have two different heating modes because they contain upgraded components compared with a single-stage furnace:
Here’s how a Lennox two-stage furnace looks “under the hood”:
You can find out more about how a single-stage gas furnace works in this video.
Benefits of Two-Stage Furnaces
We’ve touched on some of the benefits of two-stage furnaces already but here’s a more complete rundown:
Any Downsides of Two-Stage Furnaces?
The cost of a furnace in Alberta is a major consideration whatever your needs. Two-stage furnaces cost more upfront than single-stage furnaces (usually $1,000 to $2,000 more) but you may be able to offset this with a competitive financing plan.
Single-stage furnaces are the least expensive option but also the least efficient, meaning you’re your ongoing energy bills will be higher.
What is a Variable-Speed Gas Furnace?
Three types of gas furnaces are available in Alberta:
A modulating or variable-speed gas furnace is another step up in efficiency from two-stage furnaces. They are increasingly used by energy-conscious homeowners in Alberta, running at a low-heating setting of around 40 percent of capacity (compared with 60-65 percent for a two-stage furnace) and allowing a very precise heating set up in the home.
Modulating furnaces provide excellent temperature management and control as well as efficiency and energy savings, automatically adjusting the heating power to the requirements of the home. They can achieve up to 98 percent energy efficiency, meaning that 98 percent of the fuel that goes into the system returns as heat.
However, they are the most expensive choice when you compare furnaces.
Should You Upgrade to a 2-Stage Furnace?
Whether you should upgrade to a two-stage furnace depends on many factors. However, most homeowners with aging or problematic furnaces should consider the benefits of installing a new high-efficiency furnace.
You may be better off upgrading to a two-stage furnace if some of the following apply:
If you do decide to upgrade your furnace, be sure to have it professionally installed so that it operates at optimum efficiency.
FAQs
A More Energy-Efficient Furnace for Your Home…
A high-quality furnace should last 20 years or more in Calgary if well-maintained. So, the decision of which furnace to install is essential to get right for homeowners.
Two-stage furnaces are more efficient, offer more control over the home environment, and can pay back the extra costs (compared with a new single-stage furnace) within a few years. However, they cost more upfront and it’s important to choose the right model for your home size and heating requirements.
All HVAC professionals at Alberta Mountain Air are SAIT-certified and can help you make the right heating and cooling decisions. So, if you’re in Calgary and considering your heating options, contact us online.
