When buying a furnace, we all know that energy efficiency is one of the most important features that we should consider. Energy efficiency of a furnace is usually determined by several factors, one of them being how combustion air mixes with fuel to produce heat energy. There have been a lot of technological advancements in this area aimed at improving energy efficiencies in this area and that is how we are able to come across furnaces that boast of over 98.5% energy efficiency. However, with superior energy efficiencies, furnace installation must also be done by an expert.
Two-stage furnace gas valves and motors
Energy efficiency in a furnace is achieved through different modifications and features within the product. In a two-stage furnace, the gas valve is usually designed to heat up the furnace very quickly before dropping to a more economical flow. Thus, the way that gas valves work in a furnace is very important.
Another source of energy savings lies in blower motor. Some manufacturers design their furnaces in a way that they save on the amount of electrical power spent on powering the blower motor. Unfortunately, energy savings that result from this are not factored in AFUE rating.
Electronic pilot and condensing gas furnaces
In the old days, manufacturers of furnaces used standing pilot light, which continued to burn gas even when the furnace as shut down. Even though the fuel consumed by the standing pilot light was not that much when measured for a day, it starts to pile on as time goes by and a year passes. To improve upon this aspect, manufacturers started to use electronic spark ignition. With this kind of lighting mechanism, the user could light the furnace on demand. Thus, the furnace stays in the off position until it is lit.
Condensing gar furnaces are even more advanced in terms of energy efficiency because they pass exhaust fumes through a second heat exchanger to extract heat from it instead of dumping it out.