To have a highly efficient HVAC system you need to start with a high-efficiency furnace. Technology has come a long way in the past 20 years, and the relatively new condensing gas furnaces offer a level of efficiency and comfort in combustion appliances that has not been seen before.
How a Condensing Gas Furnace Works
There are a few key differences between a condensing furnace and a standard gas furnace. One major difference is that the condensing model has a secondary heat exchanger that draws heat out of exhaust gas coming from the combustion chamber. Using sealed combustion, the chamber is closed off from the home and rest of the system, and instead intakes air from outside.
Two useful components that condensing furnaces also offer are variable-speed blowers, which allow the furnace to adjust heating to conditions in your home, and multi- or two-stage burners, which allow for different levels of heating output.
Benefits
The obvious advantage of a condensing gas furnace is the high efficiency. These units can achieve AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) levels of up to 98 percent due to the secondary heat exchanger and their ability to precisely regulate heat production and airflow.
The sealed combustion chamber is a safety upgrade to the conventional furnace. Because no air can be drawn back into the chamber, it’s a much more controlled environment.
Finally, the burners and blowers work together to achieve peak control of your system to provide maximum comfort at an optimal efficiency. When you set your thermostat to a temperature and the furnace comes on, a condensing gas furnace will only provide the amount of heat required.
Be aware that when you’re upgrading from a standard furnace to a condensing model, some modifications to the venting and exhaust system may be required to accommodate the new technology.
If you’re interested in installing a new condensing gas furnace in your Dayton area home, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We have served the Dayton-Springfield area for more than 35 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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