Here’s what you need to know about 1-Stage & 2-Stage Furnaces
It can be difficult in this age of high-efficiency awareness to find a heating system to replace your old unit. Heating contractors in Macoupin County, IL can help you navigate the jargon of modern technology, whether you decide to go with a heat pump, an old-fashioned style boiler, or a geothermal heating system. When looking for a new system, you will have to decide between purchasing a one- or two-stage furnace.
Single-Stage Heating System
A single-stage furnace works at one power level. When it comes on to heat your house, it comes on at full power. It runs at full heat until the room reaches the temperature that is set on the thermostat. Then it kicks off. Many people enjoy the warmth that comes from these heaters, but it has a tendency to produce uneven heat across a large area. Depending on where the thermostat sensor is located, it might be hot in one room and cold in another.
Two-Stage Heating System
A two-stage heating unit has a burner that runs at two levels. These vary but often include a percentage just over 50% and a full power mode of 100%. By working at two different capacities, the furnace uses less energy and provides a more consistent level of heating. For example, if the thermostat is set to 70 and it is in the 40’s outside, the heat will come on at its lower setting, heat the house up to 70 and then kick off. The only time the heater will run at full capacity is when it is extremely cold outside. In Macoupin County, IL you’ll use your maximum power setting at least a few times each winter.
Choosing your New Furnace
There are advantages to using each type of furnace. A single-stage furnace is cost-effective and provides a rush of warm air that many people find comfortable. On the other hand, a two-stage heater runs more quietly and usually provides heat evenly throughout the house over a longer period of time. It is more expensive to purchase, but between the increased efficiency of the heating unit and its ability to filter the air of contaminants, the two-stage furnace is well worth the extra cost. Whatever your final choice, make sure that it is installed by professional HVAC technicians like those at Agers Heating Cooling and Electrical.