Single Stage Furnace Vs Two Stage

Two stage furnace features.

Single stage furnace vs two stage.

A single stage furnace the most basic design available has a fixed gas valve and a single speed blower fan motor. How single stage vs two stage vs variable capacity furnaces differ. Two stage or dual stage furnaces have three settings. Furnaces cost less are less likely to break repair costs are low efficiency is low to average.

In other words a 95 efficient furnace is 95 efficient whether its running in low or high fire. Run at 70 capacity most of the time but can run at 100 too. A single stage furnace costs less to install than a two stage furnace and will certainly keep your home warm however it does so at the expense of higher heating bills and wider temperature swings. The cost factor in single stage 2 stage and modulating furnaces.

Single stage furnace features. Two stage furnaces cost more 10 to 20 more depending on the brand and series. In furnace terminology stages refers to the levels of heat output a furnace can provide. Also one reputable contractor recommended a single stage furnace stating that his experience is a two stage furnace in a two story house with our layout pretty typical doesn t work effectively.

But so is any new furnace compared to the old clunkers we ve had in our homes for the past 30 years. Two stage furnace two stage furnaces also known as two speed furnaces operate much more efficiently than a single stage furnace. Runs at 100 capacity all the time. The first stage of this type of furnace operates the majority of the time in most climates and runs at about 65 of the furnace s full capacity.

Generally two stage furnaces cost about 500 more than comparable single stage models. If it s only 40 or 50 degrees out then a two stage furnace will run in the partially open position and only use about 60 of the energy of it s single stage counterparts. Mid efficiency two stage furnaces costs about 2 500 to 4 000 including installation the furnace itself usually costs 1 500 to 2 000 while labor adds an additional 1 000 to 2 000 high efficiency models cost about 4 000 to 5 000 to buy and install. This furnace has only two settings.

Is a two stage furnace quieter. Modulating furnaces cost 20 to 30 more than 2 stage furnaces though that gap will probably close as the technology is used more often. The flexibility of a two stage furnace is a great match for the unpredictable weather we have during winter in the st. A single stage furnace is also a wise option if you don t plan to stay in your home long term.

Single stage and two stage furnaces of the same efficiency style use the exact same heat exchanger. Most of the time the furnace will run on the lower setting. Off on low mode and on high mode. Low cost equipment for basic home heating.