Did you know that more than 50 percent of your home’s energy costs are from your heating and cooling? That’s why it’s essential to secure an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Furnace efficiency standards were last modified to an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% in 2015. This rating system illustrates how effective your furnace is at turning natural gas into heat. An AFUE rating of 80% means your furnace wastes about 20% of the fuel it uses while producing heat.

In 2022, President Biden recommended new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would greatly decrease emissions, save money and promote sustainability.

These revised standards are projected to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Lower carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons and methane emissions by 5.1 million tons over 30 years, the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit yearly.

Starting in 2029, the proposed rule would require all new gas furnaces to feature AFUE ratings of 95%. This means furnaces would turn nearly 100% of the gas into usable heat.

So what does all of this mean for your existing furnace in 2023? Currently, next to nothing, as the proposed rule will not go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and does not affect furnaces that are already in use.

But if your furnace is nearing the end of its life and a replacement is needed in soon, highly energy-efficient furnaces are ready and available. Learn how these furnaces can lower your monthly energy bills.

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a kind of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to trap wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This reduces the extent of energy wasted, increases energy efficiency and lowers carbon-monoxide emissions. It also involves less natural gas to create the same rate of heat when compared to other types of furnaces.

How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces

The biggest difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is that the former uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the latter does not.

Equipment Lifespan

The life span of a condensing furnace depends on the brand, model and other factors. Usually, a condensing furnace will last between 10-20 years with sufficient maintenance and regular service. If you put off scheduled maintenance, the equipment may not last as long.

Why Condensing Furnaces Are More Expensive

For the most part, condensing furnaces are more cost most to install than non-condensing furnaces. This is partially for their increased efficiency and the extra components necessary to capture any wasted heat from its exhaust gases. However, the added energy savings can help cover the cost of purchase. So over time, it may be more cost efficient to consider investing in a condensing furnace.

Guide to Variable-Speed Furnaces

Variable-Speed Furnaces: What They Are and How They Work

A variable-speed furnace can fine-tune its fan speed to better meet the heating requirements of your home. It operates at a slower speed until it senses a drop in temperature and then ramps up to generate more heat. This [precise fan is a lot more efficient than conventional furnaces, as it only uses the minimum amount of energy necessary to heat your home, resulting in more savings on your utility bill.

The majority of variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although a few are available in non-condensing models with lower AFUE ratings. In order for a furnace to be classified as a condensing furnace, it must offer an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.

Do Variable-Speed Furnaces Run All the Time?

A variable-speed furnace doesn’t operate all the time. Instead, it runs at different speeds based on the temperature in your home as well as the amount of energy it requires to maintain that temperature.

When sufficient energy is needed to maintain your set temperature level, the furnace will switch to a higher speed in order to keep up with demand. Precise fan speeds offer more efficient heating in your home while also providing quieter operation.

Guide to Two-Stage Furnaces

Two-Stage Furnaces: What They Are and How They Work

A two-stage furnace is a type of heating system that utilizes two different stages of operation — high and low. In the low stage, the furnace operates at a reduced capacity to help maintain the chosen temperature for your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead function at peak capacity to meet demands for greater heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can enjoy enhanced energy efficiency and stable temperatures throughout your home.

While two-stage furnaces are highly efficient, not all all models are condensing furnaces.

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Run All the Time?

A two-stage furnace won’t run all the time. In the low stage of operation, the furnace performs at limited capacity in order to sustain a planned temperature more efficiently within your home. When additional energy is needed to sustain the set temperature, the heating system will switch to its high stage and runs at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are able to help reduce energy costs without operating constantly.

Comparing Two-Stage and Variable-Speed Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces have two stages of functionality, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace runs at reduced capacity in order to sustain a desired temperature within your home. When more warmth or cooling is needed, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can run at multiple speeds in order to maintain a comfortable temperature at home. With more options for temperature settings, you also have more flexibility for heating you home and can enjoy greater savings on energy bills.

Differences Between One- and Two-Stage Furnaces

One-stage furnaces have a single stage fan speed and operate either at full power or not at all. This translates to higher energy bills because the furnace runs constantly in order to maintain a desired level of comfort at home.

Conversely, two-stage furnaces have two stages of operation, low and high. During the low stage, the furnace runs at [lower|reduced} capacity in order to maintain the desired temperature more efficiently. When additional warmth or cooling is necessary, the furnace will shift to its high stage and operate at full capacity.

Make Your Furnace Installation Appointment with Halverson Brothers Inc Today

It takes experience and dedication to stay up to date about furnace technology advancements. That’s why Halverson Brothers Inc experts are here to help with a no-obligation, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating requirements and your budget before helping you find the right solution. Get in touch with us at to get started today!