The Different Types of Gas Furnaces
When it comes to providing heat to your home, gas furnaces are among the most common ways to get heat. However, there are several different types of furnaces to choose from. Here is an easy comparison of the main types of furnaces to help you decide which is best for your home.
Low Efficiency
Gas furnaces for heating your home is separated into different efficiencies. The first type of furnace is a low efficiency furnace. While they are sometimes found, it is known as obsolete technology since improved furnaces are now on the market. However, there may be some circumstances where they are the right choice for you. A low efficiency furnace is usually not electric and runs with a pilot ignition. They are single-stage furnaces with one speed blower. They also have a natural draft exhaust and cast iron heat exchanger.
Medium Efficiency
The next stage of gas furnaces are considered medium efficiency furnaces. These are still widely available on the market and used in many homes. They might not be the best you can get as far as the efficiency goes, but they are definitely improved from the previous low efficiency furnaces. The medium efficiency furnace often has an electronic ignition, so no pilot light is needed. They may come in a single-stage or two-stage model, which provides different speed blowers. The heat exchanger is often made of steel as opposed to cast iron like previous furnaces used. They will also create a natural draft in your home with a flow of combustion gases.
High Efficiency
The best type of gas furnace you can get for your home is a high efficiency furnace. These are often approved as eco-friendly furnaces since you will use the littlest amount of energy possible to heat your home. High efficiency gas furnaces are known as condensing furnaces and will always have an electronic ignition. It can either be a single-stage, two-stage, or modulating furnace. These are also variable speed blower furnaces and also have a steel tube heat exchanger. The combustion chamber on a high efficiency furnace is sealed, which further helps to reduce emitted gases.
If you want to get the most heat possible in your home with the littlest amount of energy used, you should choose a high efficiency furnace. However, if you want good efficiency but are on a budget, choose the mid-range furnace. Low efficiency furnaces tend to be the least popular and have a lot of drawbacks. For more information, talk to a professional like Bristol Heating & Air Conditioning.