Wait! I know what your saying. Why are your blogging about furnaces in the dead heat of summer?? Well, @comfortguyjerry has blogged a great deal of information to help you get through the summer months, and trust me, fall will be here before you know it. I am only wanting you to start thinking about that old furnace that has been working it's heart out for decades, and is probably on its last leg. I am sure there are millions of central furnace systems out there that are 15, or more years old, and not only are they wearing out, but they are no longer efficient. That means, that every time you turn it on in the winter its starts pumping $$$ out the flu, instead of pumping warmth into your home.
I want to take this opportunity to tell you about
'modulating' high efficiency furnaces. The new technology is so awesome and money saving that it seems like a 'no-brainer' to invest in one of these super high efficient units. First, most modulating furnaces, if not all, are 95 to 96 percent efficient. Meaning, that for every dollar you spend to heat your home only about four or five cents goes up the chimney. If your furnace is 15 or 20 years old, you are probably letting 20 to 30 cents of every dollar go up the chimney.
Not all 95% furnaces are modulating however. Many are what are called 'two stage' furnaces. That type of furnace may operate at 40% of capacity to reach the desired temperature for the room or to maintain the desired temperature. Then, if the thermostat calls for more heat then the second stage kicks in and gives your 100% of heating capacity. These are great furnaces and perform very well.
Now, a modulating furnace is also called a
multi-stage furnace. Instead of just having two stages of efficiency, it will have many stages that will vary depending on the demand and comfort desired in the home. Its is like having 'cruise control' on your furnace. Why run it at 100% capacity, when only 50 or 60% is required to maintain the comfort of your home. Most modulating furnaces and some two-stage models also have a 'variable speed' fan, which will also enhance the high efficiency of the unit. Variable speed fans, do not use as much electricity as a single speed fan, which is either on, or off. Variable speed fans ramp up slower and then when your house reaches the desired temperature the blower fan will ramp back down. This provides more even heating of your home, quieter operation, and substantial savings on your utilities. Modulating refers to the gas valve and how much gas is consumed, whereas variable speed fans refer to the amount of electricity used to deliver the warm air.
It is true that this technology costs more up front, but with the month to month savings, and the wonderful comfort achieved, it is well worth the investment. Besides the fact that your equipment will last longer because it is not working so hard to produce your desired comfort level. Check our website at
www.greensheating.com.
