What Is a Variable Speed Furnace?
Single-stage furnaces only blow hot air at one speed. They are the most affordable upfront—but the most expensive to operate. Additionally, they have the most temperature variance, sometimes a four to six degrees difference between rooms.
Two-stage furnaces can distribute hot air at a full-speed or half-speed setting. This allows for more comfort and efficiency without breaking the bank.
Variable speed furnaces have fully dynamic and responsive blower speeds. This is the most energy-efficient option by far. Also, your home will be a near-uniform temperature, within a fraction of a difference between all rooms.
How Does a Furnace Work?
Gas furnaces heat using combustion. Once you set your thermostat, your furnace gets to work.
The ignitor lights the gas. Newer models use an electric starter to ignite, while older models use a pilot flame.
The combustion chamber lets in oxygen. This keeps the combustion efficient and clean. It also gets rid of byproducts, sending them through your flue.
The heat exchanger captures the heat rising from the combustion chamber. It has metal tubes that warm up. The heat from the tubes gets distributed through your air ducts with blowers.
