furnace features

New furnaces are increasingly similar in their efficiency. New regulations are squeezing low-efficient furnaces out of the market, making some specific features increasingly important.

If the furnace qualifies for a tax credit, if it is Energy Star qualified unit or if it has been designated as a Most Efficient Energy Star product (see image on left) it surely has some high-premium features.

The Variable speed blower motor Feature

Prefer a furnace with a variable speed blower motor (high efficient DC motors, instead of the more typical low and high two-stage operation). They provide energy savings, they provide a quieter and more consistent heating and an enhanced humidity comfort. They can vary their heat output from, say, 35% to 100%.

These motors use – on low speed - less electricity than a common light 100 W bulb, and are a great solution for homes with artificial ventilation systems. It’s easy, in such cases, to design the ventilation and the heating system in order to use the furnace blower.

Zone heating features

Prefer furnaces with zoning features, that is, with the capability of delivering different amounts of heat and comfort to different rooms or parts of the house (zones) in order to respond to different needs (homes often have parts with different heating or cooling requirements, because of variations to sun exposition, the number and type of windows, etc.). The best units are able to respond up to four zones…

Heat exchanger

The heat exchanger is a crucial part of any furnace, and your new furnace should have a dual heat exchanger, that is, a primary and also a secondary heat exchanger - usually a robust stainless steel part of the furnace responsible for capturing waste heat, allowing higher efficiency levels.

See also if the heat exchanger has a limited lifetime warranty, or at least a 20 years warranty - a telltale sign of a superior quality.

Air filtration

Some furnaces have air filtration features to help trap particles and to reduce the amount of dust blown through the ducts and the furnace system. That’s particularly useful for people with asthma or other respiratory problems.

Quietness

The best units are extremely quiet - several times quieter than other models, reflecting their variable-speed high-quality motors and well insulated and noise-reducing cabinets.

Thermostat/Panel Control Features

The most advanced new furnaces offer custom settings that can be selected to meet different year-round comfort requirements, or different room needs.

The controls can oversee the operations to ensure reliability and efficiency, and in some cases can make a direct diagnostic of simple troubleshooting.

The settings and the control panel are usually associated to a thermostat system and to information about temperatures.

Duel fuel capability

Some gas furnace units can combine with electric heat pumps. If your heating strategy involves heat pumps and electric heating, consider this feature.