Many homeowners are aware of the need for energy efficiency in their heating system, but often they don’t want to sacrifice comfort to achieve peak efficiency. Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of two stage heating. Here we will explore this type of system further, so you can determine if it is the right choice for your home.
What is a Two Stage Heating System?
Traditional HVAC systems rely on a single stage furnace, but new technology has allowed two stage heating to become a more energy efficient and affordable option. With a single stage furnace, there is only one speed possible, which means that when the unit is operating it delivers heat at only its maximum capacity. Often, this is far more than necessary, which is highly inefficient and can compromise comfort levels inside the home.
Two stage heating systems have the ability to operate at less than the maximum capacity for longer operation. When the system is running it is not necessary to have a blast of heat, which creates more consistent indoor temperatures. This uniformity of temperatures inside the home is not only more comfortable for the occupants, but it is also more energy efficient.
How a Two Stage System Works:
While a traditional furnace has a valve to control the level of fuel entering the furnace burner, this is limited to simply being open or closed. This differs in a two stage system, which allows the valve to be open, closed or partially open. This creates the flexibility for your furnace to be open in two stages, hence the name. Your furnace can operate at full blast or at a lower setting which is typically only 60% of the furnace heating power.
A two stage system has a different programming protocol, which allows the control board to partially open the valve when it is moderately cold to heat the home to the preferred temperature. On a miserably cold day, when the home is cooling far quicker than normal, the control panel would allow the valve to be fully opened for maximum heat.
This level of control is determined on how frequently the thermostat is turning the furnace on or off and the temperature differential between the actual temperature inside your home and your desired comfort level.
The Benefits of Two Stage Systems:
There are three main benefits of installing a two stage heating system. The most obvious is that it saves energy. While the system can maintain your comfort level more effectively compared to a traditional furnace, it uses less fuel. Far less fuel is released into the heat exchanger, so you avoid that blast of heat delivered by a traditional furnace when it is only moderately cold.
A two stage system is also more effective at heating your home evenly, which can eliminate cold spots. Since the heat isn’t blasted out and then turned off, you can enjoy a more consistent temperature throughout your home. The furnace will run for longer periods on a far lower setting, warming up your home with even distribution, so even those difficult to heat areas will feel warmer.
Finally, a two stage furnace can also provide better air filtration. Since the furnace is running more often, it increases the air circulation throughout the ducts. This provides an opportunity for more dust, debris, and other airborne contaminants to be captured in the system filters.