What Are The Different Types of Furnaces?

Purchasing a furnace can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know exactly what you need. Depending on the type of furnace you choose and the fuel that it needs, you could end up spending more on your monthly energy bills. To figure out what furnace would work best for your home, continue reading this article.

If you want to talk to someone about what kind of furnace you should purchase, give our team at Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC a call at 940-246-2075.

How to Choose a Furnace

Choosing a furnace can be difficult with so many options. Here is a list of some of the things you should consider when choosing a furnace:

• Efficiency: you should look for the most efficient furnace that fits within your budget. The more efficient the furnace is, the less your monthly energy bills will be.
• Brand: be sure to look for reliable brands such as Trane, Carrier, Goodman, American Standard and Rheem.
• Cost: of course it is important that you take the upfront cost of the furnace into account. However, it is important to note that when a furnace is more expensive upfront, that typically means it is more efficient and will reduce your monthly energy bills.
• Life span: while gas furnaces are excellent, they do not last as long as electric and oil. This is important to consider because eventually you will have to replace the furnace again.

Furnace Fuel Types

One of the main ways that homeowners discern the kind of furnace that they need is by looking at fuel types. Furnaces, like many home appliances and systems, can run on a variety of fuel types. Take a look at the four main fuel types for furnaces:

Natural Gas Furnace

This is one of the most efficient types of furnace that you can purchase. Even if you do not already have a gas line in your home, one can be installed so that you can connect your furnace to it. The gas works to fuel the furnace by igniting the burner. This quickly heats the heat exchanger, therefore quickly heating your home. 

Because natural gas is so efficient, it is also one of the most eco-friendly fuel choices. If you want to save money on your monthly energy bills, then natural gas is the way to go. Call a residential HVAC service for more information on a natural gas heater installation. 

Electric Furnace

While gas furnaces are a higher one-time investment with lower monthly costs, electric furnaces are the other way around. Many homeowners choose electric furnaces because they are cheaper to purchase. However, they will increase monthly energy bills. Similar to an electric stove, they heat the furnace using electric parts. 

Many homeowners choose electric furnaces if they do not have a gas line installed in their home. Electric furnaces last a very long time, but are not as efficient as gas furnaces. They are a great option for those looking for a long-term furnace with a cheaper purchase price.

Oil Furnace

These furnaces are popular in rural areas and in the Northeast. This is because gas lines are not available in some areas. They are less efficient than gas furnaces, but more efficient than electric furnaces. They also cost less to purchase. To use this kind of furnace, the homeowner will have to purchase tanks of oil and replace them as needed. 

With an oil furnace there is more maintenance involved because soot and ash build up over time. If you do not get maintenance on your oil furnace then it will not efficiently work. However, although they require heater maintenance, they do last much longer than gas furnaces.

Furnace Operation Types

Some homeowners also like to consider operation type before they purchase the furnace. The operation type of a furnace is determined by how much control the homeowner has over the heating function. Take a look at the three types of furnace operations:

Single Stage Furnace

This kind of furnace operates in one way: on or off. When the furnace is on, it will not change speed. This can cause hot and cold spots in the home. You also may experience fluctuating temperature changes. Because the furnace can only operate on one function, you may end up with a higher energy bill as you turn it on and off throughout the day. 

Although all of this may deter you from purchasing this kind of furnace, it is the least expensive type and therefore a popular choice with many homeowners. If you are interested in learning more about single stage furnaces, call an HVAC installation service near you.

Two-Stage Furnace

This type of furnace offers two options for control: full-speed and half-speed. These furnaces are much more efficient and will evenly heat your home at a regular temperature. If you are looking for a quieter furnace, then a two-stage one is a much better option. This is because it is quieter when set at a half-speed. 

While a two-stage furnace is more expensive to purchase, it will reduce your monthly energy bills. Two-stage furnaces are the best option for those who want more control over their furnace as well as a more efficient system that can provide better comfort.

Variable Speed Furnace

This kind of furnace heats your home automatically by reading the outside temperature and using the temperature that you have set. With a variable speed furnace, you don’t have to worry about fluctuating indoor temperatures. These are highly efficient furnaces because they work when they need to. This means that they will automatically turn on and off as needed to regulate the temperature. 

The downside to choosing this kind of furnace is that they are the most expensive to purchase. However, using a variable speed furnace means that you will have lower monthly energy bills. To learn more about installing a variable speed furnace, call a residential HVAC service.

HVAC Installation Service in Highland Village, TX

If you are looking for reliable, residential HVAC service in Highland Village, TX, look no further than Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC. Our team of technicians has the knowledge and expertise to handle any job, including furnace installation. We know how important it is that your furnace is sized and installed correctly. This is why we only hire the best technicians.

Our team provides installations, replacements, maintenance and repair for a variety of HVAC systems. When you hire Strittmatter Plumbing, Heating and AC you can expect excellent workmanship and quality customer service. It is our highest priority that you are satisfied with the work that we do. 

To schedule an appointment with our team, give us a call at 940-246-2075 or contact us online.