When you are replacing a furnace in colder regions of the country, such as the Twin Cities area, it makes sense to consider the extra cost of upgrading to a two-stage furnace. Unlike the older single-stage furnaces that operate on the full heat setting all the time, a two-stage furnace offers a low-heat setting and a high-heat setting. When that’s combined with a variable speed blower to distribute the air, the system can provide several benefits.
Better Comfort
During normal winter days with average temperatures, a two-stage furnace provides heat on the low setting, which is constantly circulated by the blower at a lower speed. Compared to a single-stage furnace that cycles on and off, the heat produced is more consistent, and the cold spots that can form in the house between furnace cycles are nearly non-existent. When temperatures do drop below normal, the furnace can switch to the high setting, and increase the blower speed if necessary, to maintain your comfort.
Improved Efficiency
When the furnace is operating in the low-heat mode, which is up to 80 percent of the time, it uses less fuel than a single-stage furnace, saving you money on your utility bills. The motor that runs the variable speed blower also operates more efficiently than a standard motor. In addition, the temptation to increase the thermostat to fight cold spots is reduced by the constant delivery of warm air, adding to the savings.
Increased Air Filtration
Because the furnace moves air at a slower speed most of the time, the air filter has a better chance to remove contaminants such as dust and pollen from the air, improving your indoor air quality and possibly your health.
Quieter Operation
Compared to a traditional furnace that runs the blower at full-speed all the time, a two-stage furnace is quieter because the variable-speed blower can run slower and its gradual acceleration eliminates the sudden noise of the blower starting up for a heating cycle.
For more information about the differences between a single-stage and a two-stage furnace, please contact our HVAC experts at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc, serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about two-stage furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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