Did you know that more than one-half of your home’s energy costs are needed for your heating and cooling? This is why it’s critical to maintain an energy-efficient HVAC system.

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

In 2022, the U.S. government proposed new energy-efficiency standards for residential gas furnaces that would substantially decrease emissions, save consumers money and promote sustainability.

These revised standards are expected to:

  • Save Americans $1.9 billion annually.
  • Reduce carbon emissions by 373 million metric tons and methane emissions by 5.1 million tons over the next 25 - 30 years, the equivalent of what 61 million homes emit each year.

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

So what does all of this mean for your existing furnace in 2023? For the time being, next to nothing, as the proposed rule won't go into effect until 2029 at the earliest and will 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 now available. Learn how these furnaces can save you money on your utility bills.

Guide to Condensing Furnaces

How Condensing Furnaces Work

A condensing furnace is a style of heating system that uses a secondary heat exchanger to capture wasted heat from the furnace's exhaust gases. This limits the extent of energy wasted, enhances energy efficiency and lowers carbon-monoxide emissions. It also will take less natural gas to produce the same volume of heat in comparison to other types of furnaces.

How Condensing Furnaces Differ from Non-Condensing Furnaces

The primary difference between a condensing furnace and a non-condensing furnace is condensing models use a secondary heat exchanger to gather any wasted heat from its exhaust gases, while the latter does not.

How Long Condensing Furnaces Last

The life span of a condensing furnace will depend on the brand, model and other factors. In most cases, a condensing furnace is likely to last between 10-20 years with proper maintenance and regular service. If you put off scheduled maintenance, the equipment may struggle to perform as well, ultimately failing earlier than anticipated.

Why Condensing Furnaces Cost More

For the most part, condensing furnaces type of system is much more efficient than standard, single-speed furnaces, as it only uses the minimum amount of energy needed to heat your home, saving you money in the long run.

Many variable-speed furnaces are condensing furnaces, although some are available in non-condensing models with lower AFUE ratings. If a manufacturer wants 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 need to stay on all the time. Alternatively, it runs at different speeds according to the temperature in your home as well as the amount of energy it needs to sustain that temperature.

When sufficient energy is demanded to maintain your preferred 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 in order to maintain the preferred temperature at your home more efficiently. During the high stage, the furnace will instead function at peak capacity to meet demands for increased heat. With a two-stage furnace, you can enjoy greater energy efficiency and comfortable temperatures all across your home.

While two-stage furnaces are exceptionally efficient, not all all types are condensing furnaces.

Does a Two-Stage Furnace Operate All the Time?

A two-stage furnace does not stay on indefinitely. 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 more energy is needed to maintain the set temperature, the heating system switches to its high stage and operates at full capacity. As a result, two-stage furnaces are able to help reduce energy costs without operating around the clock.

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 to help uphold a desired level of comfort within your home. When a greater demand for warmth or cooling is desired, the furnace will change over to its high stage and operate at maximum capacity.

Variable-speed furnaces, meanwhile, can run at multiple speeds in order to uphold a desired temperature more consistently 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 of operation and operate either at full capacity or not at all. This translates to higher energy bills because the furnace is always running in order to maintain a desired comfort level at home.

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

Arrange Your Furnace Install Appointment with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. Today

Modern furnace technology can be confusing. That’s why Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. experts are here to help with a free, no-pressure quote for furnace installation. We’ll assess your home, your heating needs and your budget before helping you find the ideal solution. Get in touch with us at to get started today!