If you’re currently
using a single-stage furnace and considering upgrading it, you should consider a
modulating furnace. But are the features of a modulation furnace really worth
the purchase?
Is
Modulating Furnace Worth the Upgrade?
Mechanism
of the Modulating Furnace
Before jumping into
the mechanism of the modulating furnace, you’ll have to understand how the
single-stage and two-stage furnace works.
A single-stage
furnace allows only turn on and off feature. When you turn on the single-stage
furnace, it operates at full capacity, and when the furnace reaches your
desired setting, it shuts off completely. On the contrary, a two-stage furnace
can run at a half-capacity, making the two-stage furnace more cost-effective.
The modulating
furnace can be said the next version of the two-stage furnace. As the name
suggests, this type of furnace modulates, which means it adjusts the heating
capacity according to the requirement. For example, when the temperature drops
very low, the modulating furnace operates at full capacity. But when the
temperature increase, it starts operating at a lower capacity. Usually, a
modulating furnace can operate at a capacity ranging from 40% to 100%.
4 Benefits of Upgrading to a Modulating Furnace
1.
Minimum
Operation Cost
Let’s be honest.
Modulating furnace is expensive. But it pays off the cost within a short time.
As I mentioned earlier, compared to other furnaces, modulating furnaces are
more efficient. As a result, you’ll have to pay less for your house heating.
The best way to
understand the heating efficiency is by looking at the AFUE rating or
percentage. Generally, a single-stage furnace has an AFUE rating of around 80%.
But a modulating furnace has an AFUE rating of 95%, and it can go up to around
98%. It means that a modulating furnace uses around 98% of the total energy for
heating whereas, a single-stage furnace uses only 80% of the energy to heat
your space.
2.
Quieter
Heating
Modulating furnaces
are not only cost-effective but also offer quieter heating. As I mentioned earlier,
single-stage furnace functions at a full capacity. And as a result, when you
turn on the furnace. It makes a loud noise. But the modulating furnace uses the
Variable Speed Motor technology, which allows it to adjust the speed according
to the heating demand and make the heating process quieter. So, if you want to
have a sound sleep every night, you should upgrade your existing heating unit
to a modulating furnace.
3.
Improved
Comfort
The modulating
furnace has it all to make every homeowner's life easier and more comfortable.
As the modulating furnaces use the Variable Speed Motor, it can keep your space
temperature constant throughout its operation. Besides, if you’re struggling
with cold spots in your house, a modulating furnace will help you remove the
cold spots in your space.
Again, if you’re
worried about the air quality of your space, a modulating furnace can help you
with that. As the modulating furnace runs longer, it can capture more airborne
particles and keep the indoor air clean.
4.
Newer
Features
As the modulating
furnace is the latest furnace type, it offers newer features. For example, it
has a secondary heat exchanger, which helps the furnace reduce energy wastage
and convert more energy into heat.
Again, the
modulating furnace comes with the modulating gas valve, which adjusts the gas
supply and flame intensity. Because of this gas valve, the modulating furnace
can keep the temperature consistent throughout the day. That’s why this
modulating gas valve is called the heart of this furnace.
Verdict
If you’re planning
to live in one place for years, the ROI of purchasing a modulating furnace is enough to justify
the cost of purchase and install. However, as the cost of the modulating
furnace is way higher than the other furnaces, it’s not advised to buy a
modulating furnace if you’re planning to live in a house for a short period.
Again, if you live
in a house that is older than 40 years, a modulating furnace may not function
properly. In this case, you should purchase a single-stage or two-stage
furnace. But if the house is new, you’re good to go with the modulating
furnace.
And finally, if you
have the budget and gas supply, you should upgrade to a modulating furnace.
See the summary here
– 4
Reasons to Buy a Modulating Furnace [Infographic]