Gas furnaces heat homes faster than electric furnaces because gas units can achieve a higher temperature in cold temperatures than electric coils. When the heating demand is high, gas furnaces can quickly bring the home to the pre-set thermostat settings. However, this also means that when the heating demand is low, single-speed furnaces can consume a lot of energy and increase overall heating costs.

If you are in the market for a new gas furnace, opt for a variable-speed unit. Variable-speed furnaces run at different speeds to control the flow of heated air throughout the home. Below are three benefits of installing a variable-speed furnace in your home.

Reduced Energy Consumption

Most traditional furnaces have one stage of heat output. When you set your thermostat at 68 degrees, the furnace fires up, heats the home to the pre-set temperatures, and shuts off. If the room temperatures drop by a few degrees, the furnaces will come on and work at maximum to raise the temperature back to 68 degrees. This cycle will continue for as long as the heat is on, leading to high consumption of energy.

Variable-speed furnaces have various stages of heat output. They can run at different output levels, for example, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. When you set your thermostat at 68 degrees, a variable-speed furnace will work at optimal levels to bring the home to this temperature. When there is a slight drop in temperatures, the unit lowers the heat output. This allows it to meet the thermostat setting without consuming a lot of energy. 

Better Airflow Throughout the Home

When a furnace is running at maximum speed, it is normal to experience bursts of air from your ductwork. In mildly cool weather, these blasts of hot air can make indoor spaces uncomfortable. Unfortunately, since the unit doesn't have variable outputs, you cannot control the airflow.

Variable-speed furnaces can significantly improve airflow and boost indoor comfort. When the heating load is low, the unit lowers its output to ensure smooth, even airflow throughout the room. Conversely, when the demand is high, it increases the heat output to meet the pre-set thermostat settings. 

Improved Comfort and Air Quality

A variable-speed furnace can improve indoor air quality by regulating humidity. At low speed and heat output, the unit removes more humidity from the air. Furthermore, as the furnace continuously circulates air throughout the home at a low speed, the filters capture more contaminants. This leads to better filtration, which improves the quality of indoor air. A variable-speed unit is a brilliant investment for homes whose occupants suffer from seasonal allergies.

A variable-speed gas furnace may cost more than the traditional single-speed units, but it is a worthwhile investment. Contact an HVAC contractor for residential furnace installation services.

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