Shopping for a new furnace can be an overwhelming experience. However, with a little basic furnace knowledge under your belt, the process of choosing a new furnace becomes a lot easier. There are two main types of furnaces: single-stage and dual-stage. Below we’ll explain the main differences between the two so you have a better idea of which type you would like for your home.
Single-Stage Furnace
Single stage furnaces are simple in that they have two settings: on or off. This means the furnace is either running at full power or not running at all. This simplicity comes with a few drawbacks. Single-stage furnaces are not as energy-efficient as dual-stage. The furnace may warm the area around the thermostat faster than it warms the rest of the house causing the thermostat to think the entire house is at the target temperature, thus it will shut off before your home has warmed up evenly. Single-stage furnaces cost less to purchase than dual-stage. Single-stage furnaces work best in single level, smaller homes.
Dual-Stage Furnace
Dual-stage furnaces (or two-stage) have three settings: low, high or off. Typically the furnace runs on low unless the weather gets especially cold. Having two on settings allows the unit to heat your home more evenly and efficiently than a single-stage furnace. This is especially helpful in homes that have two or more levels. Dual-stage furnaces cost more up front, however; they can save you money in the long run due to their efficiency.
Having an efficient furnace in your home is a must for the Wisconsin winters. When you’re in the market for a new furnace, be sure to do a little research and make sure you are making a solid purchase for your home.