Did you ever notice when your furnace reaches its set temperature and shuts off, there are pockets in the room that are still cold? Pretty soon, you’re pulling the covers over you again until the heat snaps back on. A modulating furnace can counter that and stabilize the heat you feel so it’s always comfortable.

The National Association of Homebuilders likens a standard furnace to stop-and-go traffic, with its inefficient use of energy for your car and frustration for you. In comparison, a modulating furnace performance is more like highway driving, where you are cruising along, making slight operating adjustments while achieving maximum efficiency.

 

Pros of a modulating furnace

The modulating furnace operates with finesse to reduce temperature fluctuations, providing consistent indoor temperature, quiet operation, and an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE rating) up to 98%. That means fuel is used more efficiently, reducing your utility bills. Plus, the home can be more easily kept in the perfect temperature comfort zone.

Here’s why these high-efficiency furnaces are considered the best on the market:

Better temperature control

Modulating gas furnaces are the ultimate home comfort heating systems because they provide consistent temperatures and completely eliminate temperature swings and cold spots.

Typically this type of gas furnace, such as Bryant’s Evolution series, combines a modulating gas valve with a variable-speed blower. The furnace then adjusts automatically between 35% and 100% of total capacity, in small increments, continuously regulating the amount of fuel burned according to the thermostat setting.

This maintains the temperature to within a half degree of your thermostat’s set point. For comparison, you might experience a 6 to 10 degree swing in temperature between the cycles of a standard furnace.

Better energy savings and efficiency

Whatever your desired temperature, a modulating furnace is designed to provide only the heat needed at that exact time, nothing more or less. Because of this high sensitivity to temperature levels in your home, modulating furnaces use much less energy than their predecessors—the single and two stage furnaces.

The heating mode starts with the gas at 100% and the fan at 0%, the valve reducing and the blower increasing until maximum efficiency is reached. The fan then runs continuously, ramping up or down depending upon air delivery requirements.

Since the fan and burner almost never run at full capacity and energy-robbing on/off cycling is eliminated, the unit is also highly fuel-efficient. This makes modulating furnaces an eco-friendly and green heating system. This translates to lower energy bills, less maintenance and a longer lifespan.

Better sleep

Since a modulating furnace runs at lower levels on a more consistent basis, it doesn’t have the harsh and occasionally sleep-disturbing whooshing sounds of the standard furnaces. And with this type of furnace, you won’t have to worry about constantly waking up to cover yourself with the comforter when a cold draft hits your feet.

Nor will you wake up overheated dancing around to throw the comforter back off when it gets too toasty. This heating system will work through the night to keep everything feeling just right.

Better indoor air quality

While operating on a lower setting, the slower air generally helps your furnace filter air more efficiently which results in improved air quality.

Better return on investment

Though it has a higher upfront cost, high efficiency modulating furnaces might qualify for federal energy tax credits. Combine this with the savings on your utility bills and the return on investment will be worth the steeper price point.

 

Cons of a modulating furnace

A modulating furnace is the most advanced furnace. It may just be the Tesla of furnaces, but don’t quote us on that. Still, it does have a disadvantage.

The price.

The initial investment can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. As we mentioned earlier, the return on investment may prove worth it to you if you are looking for better efficiency, energy savings, and lower utility bills down the line. If you want ultimate control over the comfort of your home, it’s well worth the upfront costs!

What is the difference between a modulating furnace and a single stage?

A single stage is the most commonly known and used furnace type. With only two modes: on and off going from 0 to 100 percent, it’s the most basic heating system. There is no in between and its primary goal is to get to the temperature set by the thermostat, as quickly as possible. Once it reaches the thermostat setting, it will not turn on again until there is a significant drop in temperature.

In comparison, a modulating furnace can have dozens of modes running between 35 and 100 percent capacity. It constantly adjusts the temperature based on the home’s temperature and humidity to get the most accurate results. The difference between these two heating systems comes down to comfort levels, price and technology. With modulating furnaces taking the cake in all—except price, as single stage furnaces have a lower price point.

Single stage furnaces are great for homeowners who don’t plan to be home very often, possibly considering renting, and are looking for a reasonably priced filter.

What is the difference between a modulating furnace and a two stage?

If a one stage or single stage is the basic furnace, the two stage is one step above. It has three modes: on at 100 percent off at 0 percent or low at around 60 percent. It performs slightly better than a single stage with longer run times, more even heat distribution and less energy use.

Like the single stage, the modulating stage has far more advanced temperature regulation, better efficiency, and overall better home comfort. Also like the single stage, the two stage is less costly upfront. Although the cost may even out eventually as both of these HVAC systems use more energy.

Two stage furnaces are great for homeowners who want a balance between cost and comfort. If you’re looking for something a little more efficient than a single stage that is still reasonably priced, two stage might be a good fit for you.

Does a modulating furnace save money?

While the higher upfront cost is a big investment, the long-term advantages will more than make up for it. Many homeowners who have a modulating furnace have saved hundreds of dollars on utility bills over the years because of its built-in energy-efficiency. Turns out, it uses much less energy than both the standard one stage and two stage furnaces.

 

Is a modulating furnace right for your Washington home?

Typically, if your home is newer, somewhere between 30 to 40 years old, a modulating furnace is the right choice. However, with so many factors including your specific location, price, current HVAC system and more, it’s best to speak to a specialist!

Schedule a free estimate today if you’re tired of wasting energy and being uncomfortable in your own home.

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