subject: Experience Of Owning A Furnace [print this page] Recently, I was browsing through a business magazine, and I came across this very interesting article. It was quite an unusual topic actually. The article had personal accounts of people who owned furnaces and then their accounts on the sale of that furnace. The article had ample sales & technical information on modulating furnaces. But my major interest areas were basically:
What was it like to own a furnace?
Did these furnaces really save energy and money?
Before we understand , what leads to the sale of furnace, let us understand the types of furnaces, its functioning and really how economical it is. There are broadly 3 types of furnace.
Single Stage Furnace: This turns On and Off. On is the highest flame setting.
Double Stage Furnace: Turns on to either high or low flame setting. It also turns off.
Modulating Furnace: The flame increases or decreases incrementally so that room temperature never varies more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat's target temperature.
General Operation & Comfort
A modulating furnace is initially begins at the highest flame and blower level possible. Thus, it sounds and feels very much like single-stage gas furnaces. Once enough heat has built up in the house, there is no more need for a huge influx of heat from the furnace, at least for awhile. After that, the modulating furnace turn on and off frequently--far more frequently than with single-stage furnaces--but at lower levels. The modulating furnace is basically pushing lesser amounts of heat into the house, but on a more frequent basis. It is a unique experience to feel heat coming in, without the usual accompanying swoosh of a blower at full capacity. Because the furnace does not wait for room temperature to drop dramatically before kicking on, the room temperature is more consistent.
Cost
Modulating furnaces have an AFUE energy efficiency rating of 80%-98%. The price ranges between $4,000 to $5,000 for a 98% AFUE furnace, installed. The cost won't be recouped in the first winter, not even close. Or the second or third. Modulating furnaces are a long-term purchases where you expect to be in the house for ten years or more.
Resale Value
High efficiency, modulating gas furnaces are eco-friendly, green purchases. Theoretically sale of a furnace should add value to your home. As a buyer and seller of homes installed with furnace, the furnace age and general condition are the main points. A seller could mention his high-efficiency furnace in his sales literature, but I am not sure you how much higher sales price would a person get because of it.
