Should You Choose A Modulating Furnace For Your Home?
If you're in need of a new furnace, you might be looking at different models and talking to your HVAC installer about your options. Throughout this process, you might notice that some of the furnaces you come across are advertised as "modulating furnaces." This is a relatively new type of furnace, so you may not know much about it. Here's what you need to know in order to make an informed decision as to whether a modulating furnace is right for your home and family.
What is a modulating furnace?
A typical furnace has two gas settings: on and off. Either the gas is flowing into the furnace to be burned, or it is not. A modulating furnace essentially has an adjustable or variable gas flow. In other words, a little gas can be flowing into the furnace, or a lot of gas can be flowing into the furnace. This allows your furnace to burn at a variety of temperatures. The more gas that flows into the furnace, the hotter it burns.
What are the advantages of a modulating furnace?
The key advantage of a modulating furnace is that it is more energy-efficient. The furnace will only burn as much gas as it needs to in order to heat your home. On warmer days, this is a lot of gas, and on colder days, it is just a little gas. You are likely to notice your energy bills come down significantly if you replace an older furnace with a modulating model.
The other benefit is more accurate temperature control. You won't feel like your home goes from hot, to cold, to hot again. The modulation allows the furnace to keep your home at a more stable temperature throughout the day.
What are the disadvantages of a modulating furnace?
The main disadvantage is that a modulating furnace does cost more than a non-modulating one. You will eventually make up for this additional cost in the form of energy savings, but that can take a while. There are also more parts that could potentially break and need repairs on a modulating furnace.
If you have the money in your budget, a modulating furnace can be an excellent choice. Most homeowners enjoy the increased comfort and lower energy bills. There are a lot of makes and models to choose from, so rely on your HVAC contractor's advice when it comes to choosing one.
Contact a local furnace service to learn more.