If you haven't had to purchase a furnace in the last decade or two, then you may be a bit out of the loop when it comes to the types of furnaces available today. At LD Plumbing and Heating, we offer single-stage, two-stage, or modulating furnaces in the Cowichian Valley. Specifically, we provide furnaces in Duncan, Ladysmith and surrounding areas.
The heating and cooling contractors in Ladysmith at LD Plumbing & Heating are here to help answer your questions about the important differences between these types of furnaces, and about which may be best for you.
What is a Single Stage Furnace?
A single-stage furnace bears the name it does because it only has a single stage operation. It either provides full power when the thermostat calls for it, or it completely shuts off when the desired temperature has been reached.
Though it does get the job done, a single-stage furnace can end up providing uneven heating throughout a building. With this sort of all-or-nothing method of heating, single-stage furnaces in Ladysmith are also the least energy-efficient of the three.
What is a Two Stage Furnace?
A two-stage furnace can be a good upgrade to a Ladysmith property's heating and cooling system. Instead of turning only on or off, a two-stage furnace can run on two different settings, either at 100% capacity or at about 60% capacity.
A two-stage furnace offers more even heating and better air filtration at the lower setting, which is more commonly utilized during the daytime hours. While more expensive than single-stage furnaces, two-stage furnaces are more energy-efficient.
What is a Modulating Furnace?
A modulating furnace is the most expensive, but also the most energy-efficient option of the three. Modulating furnaces are capable of operating at minute increments of as low as 0.5% between 40% and 100% capacity.
Because they are capable of such precise modulation, these furnaces will usually run continuously at a low setting, allowing for even, consistent, and comfortable heating. Modulating furnaces can greatly reduce the feeling of temperature fluctuations are you go from room to room.
Which Furnace Should You Choose?
It can be difficult to decide which furnace is best for your Ladysmith property's heating and cooling needs. If you're looking simply for affordability, then a single-stage furnace is your best choice. Keep in mind, however, that with a single-stage furnace you will also be paying higher energy bills.
A modulating furnace, though most expensive on the outset, can save you enough to make up the difference in price in just a few years. Alternatively, a two-stage furnace can be a good compromise between the two, offering greater up-front affordability than a modulating furnace, but more energy-efficiency than a single stage furnace.
At LD Plumbing & Heating our contractors are knowledgeable in the installation and operation of single-stage, two-stage, and modulating furnaces in Duncan, Ladysmith & the Cowichan Valley. If you have any more questions about which type of furnace may be right for you, or if you'd like to schedule an installation, don't hesitate to contact Ladysmith Plumbing & Heating serving the Cowichan Valley Region.