If you’re in the market for a new furnace, you should get started researching the different options you can choose from. If you’re looking for a piece of equipment that gives you the most benefits, you might want to consider getting a condensing furnace.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable heating company in Crystal MN. In partnership with Lennox Industries, we offer an array of energy-efficient condensing furnaces. In this article, we will share some helpful information to help you make a wise decision.

Standard Vs. Condensing Furnaces

A standard furnace comes with one heat exchanger, the part where cold air gets converted into hot air. When the motor turns on, cool air blows through the heat exchanger. This air is then heated by heat from the combustion chamber and released into your home through the ducts. Some of that heat is vented out of your home through the roof or lost to exhaust gases and water vapor.

A standard furnace is less expensive to buy and maintain. However, it comes with a lower energy efficiency rating and uses indoor combustion air, which can be a minor safety risk.

On the other hand, a condensing furnace has two heat exchangers. While the combustion process is basically the same, the second heat exchanger works to draw additional heat from the exhaust gases and water vapor. Because more heat is preserved, less energy is needed to run the furnace. Also, unlike a conventional furnace, a condensing unit creates fewer carbon emissions and uses a sealed combustion system. What this means is that it is much safer than a standard unit.

Benefits of a Condensing Furnace

Also known as a high-efficiency furnace, a condensing unit offers better efficiency levels, choose a condensing furnace, which features a variable-speed motor. The term “variable” means that the furnace’s indoor blower motor operates at different speeds to control the distribution of heated air more precisely. This technology enables your furnace to constantly monitor and adjust its blower settings to consider different factors such as the location of the furnace, dirty filters, and your ductwork layout.

Such a furnace utilizes the latest technology in home comfort and advanced components to reach annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of as high as 99 percent. This means 99 percent of the fuel is converted into usable heat, and only 1 percent of it is released outside your home. If you are still dealing with a low-efficiency (65-70 percent AFUE) furnace, you will surely appreciate the more or less 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency when you upgrade to a condensing furnace.

A condensing furnace uses multi-stage burners, which operate in the same way as variable-capacity blowers. They adjust fuel flow to meet your home’s heating needs at any given moment. Standard burners are slower to heat the furnace while multi-stage burners quickly heat the furnace to the programmed temperature, and then adjust accordingly to save energy.

While a condensing furnace runs longer than a conventional unit, it does so at a lower capacity. As a result, you enjoy more consistent heating throughout your home all day long. With this setup, you can finally get rid of inconsistent heating—some rooms are warmer than others.

Since gas furnaces use non-sustainable natural gas, you’d want to go for a system that gives you the best comfort without using too much fuel. The United States Department of Energy estimates that you can reduce your carbon footprint by 1.5 tons every year by upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace with a minimum of 90 percent AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating.

When it comes to operational safety, a condensing furnace uses sealed combustion, which only uses outside air. This system takes away the risk of a backdraft entering your home. Also, keep in mind that you can avoid the risk of carbon monoxide leak by making sure that the furnace is regularly maintained.

Ask the Heating Professionals

Looking for your next heating system doesn’t have to be that hard. To make sure you’re getting the right unit, talk to Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Our Golden Valley furnace repair and installation experts will guide you every step of the way. We’d love to talk to you today!