Skip to main content
Heating Your Home 101

In Progress

What Is a Furnace and How Does It Work?

What Is a Furnace and How Does It Work?
11 mins

Class 1 of 5

Incomplete

Single-Stage, Two-Stage and Modulating Furnaces

Single-Stage, Two-Stage and Modulating Furnaces
6 mins

Class 2 of 5

Incomplete

What's an AFUE Rating?

What's an AFUE Rating?
4 mins

Class 3 of 5

Incomplete

Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which System Is Right For You?

Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which System Is Right For You?
10 mins

Class 4 of 5

Incomplete

What to Know Before Replacing Your Furnace

What to Know Before Replacing Your Furnace
9 mins

Class 5 of 5

Single-Stage, Two-Stage and Modulating Furnaces

Regardless if you are replacing just a furnace or a full system, you need to make sure your entire system is compatible with both the outdoor and the indoor unit. In this video, we will compare single-stage, two-stage and variable speed furnaces and show you the benefits that each stage has to offer.

Revised:

January 12th, 2021

Jared: So, let's say you're an individual that's looking to replace your current heating system. And when you're shopping around, you come across something that says single-stage to stage or modulating furnaces. In this video, we'll talk about the differences of these stages and which stage might be right for you.

Hi, I'm Jared from Fire &  Ice. And regardless, if you're replacing the furnace or the full system, you need to make sure that your system is compatible with both the outdoor and the indoor unit. In this video, we'll sit down with Roger Bakies, Residential Sales Professional for Fire & Ice. And in this video, we'll cover, what's the difference between a single-stage to stage and modulating furnaces? What are the benefits of each stage? What's an example of a product in each stage? Who would be the right fit for each type of stage? And finally, what to do next. We hope by the end of this video, you'll know the difference between single-stage, two-stage and modulating furnaces and which stage is right for you.

What is a single-stage furnace?

So, Roger, let's jump right in and go over what's a single-stage furnace?

Roger: A single-stage furnace is the most basic furnace available. It is basically on or off. And of course, you need more BTUs of heat or more heat to heat your home in the coldest weather than you do in mild weather. The single-stage refers to the function of the gas valve, and of course, the function of the blower that that works with it. The benefit of the single-stage furnace is primarily going to be the price point. It's going to be the most reasonable price point. And of course, the fact that it does provide more than adequate comfort for the average homeowner.

The downside to the single-stage furnaces are going to be temperature swings. Obviously, in the mild weather we come on at 100% spike past the furnace set point. It turns off. The temperature falls below the set point. And we can get temperature swings of two even three degrees.

The average cost of a single-stage furnace is going to start out around $3,900. An example of a single-stage furnace is a Trane S9X1. That is their S-series furnace with a stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchanger. Individuals that would be a good fit for this furnace would be someone who possibly doesn't plan to be in their home for a long time. Possibly it's going to be a rental. Or they just want a good, solid, basic system at a more reasonable price.

What’s a two-stage furnace?

Jared: Hey, that's great, Roger. Now let's cover what's a two-stage furnace?

Roger: A two-stage furnace is a machine that's going to operate at two different capacities. So it's really like having two furnaces and one. In mild weather, it's going to function at 60% of its capacity. And then when it gets real cold out, it's going to go to 100% of its capacity.

The benefits of the two-stage furnace are, of course, the operation would be at 60% or 100%. So, it's going to be a longer run time. More even heat distribution. And of course, more comfort to the homeowner. The only downside of a two-stage machine is going to be the additional cost. And of course, if you choose a model without the variable speed blower, you don't get the enhanced dehumidification and the additional electrical savings, as well as a slightly better temperature control.

The cost of a two-stage furnace starts out at around $5,200. And of course that's a starting cost. Your particular installation parameters, size of the machine, location, and these types of things will affect the price as well. An example of a two-stage furnace would be the carrier performance line. 96% efficient with the two-stage operation. A solid piece of machinery.

We find people that are a good fit for the two-stage furnace to be homeowners that may plan on staying in their home longer. And of course, this is going to be a good fit between the very top of the line and the basic. Puts you in the middle. Better comfort at a reasonable price.

What’s a modulating furnace?

Jared: And finally, Roger, let's talk about what's a modulating furnace.

Roger: A modulating gas furnace is a machine that's going to operate from 40% to 100% in possibly 1% increments. This is going to be a fully communicating machine, and it is going to track that temperature and adjust itself up or down in real time to try to maintain the very most accurate temperature control in the house within one degree. And of course, its operation is only ever going to provide enough heat that is needed at that moment, not cycling and wasting gas. This is the ultimate comfort system and the best you can get in forced air heating.

Really, the only downside to a modulating gas furnace is going to be a higher initial investment in the piece of machinery. The average cost of a modulating gas furnace is going to start out around $6,300, and that cost is a starting point. Your particular installation parameters, as well as the size of the machine, are going to affect that cost. An example of the modulating gas furnace would be the Trane XC95m. One of the highest quality machines on the market.

And it's going to provide you with the ultimate comfort we find homeowners to be a good fit for this machine. That plan to be in their home long term. Don't mind a higher initial investment cost for the benefits and features it provides and what the ultimate control of the comfort of their home.

What are the next steps?

Jared: Hey, thanks, Roger. So now that you know a difference between single-stage, two-stage and modulating furnaces. Visit our product page and see a complete list of comfort and efficiency ratings for each product that we have to offer. Thank you for watching and we're looking forward to making your day better.

What is your name?

Over 3500 Reviews!
4.9 average on Google
Leave a Review

Chris Husmann

Fire and Ice has been wonderful to work with! Our new Furnace and AC are working like a dream. We had a number of places come out for estimates and Fire and Ice was the only one who actually went around and measured our windows and home and determined we should get a smaller furnace than what was installed before, saving us money both up front and on efficiency down the road. We were also impressed at the quality of the installation itself, as our old setup was clearly done without much care or thought. Fire and Ice took the time to move pipes and such that were just hanging from my ceiling before, move the humidifier to the proper side of the furnace, move over the ductwork that was not put in a good location, raise our electrical box outside away from the ground, and all kinds of little things to make sure our system runs right for a long time. It's been a few months and our setup runs perfectly. You get what you pay for, and I'm glad we paid for Fire and Ice!

Emily

When the 30 year old HVAC system in our house went out Fire and Ice was recommended to me. Brad, my sales representative, showed me a comprehensive list of my options, set me up with financing make a brand new system affordable, and professionally communicated throughout the entire process. The installers, Demetrius, Willard, and Tyler, were fantastic! They were very helpful and professional throughout the entire installation process and walked us through the ins and outs of the final product. The AC works like a dream just in time for the hot summer weather and we could not be happier! Fire and Ice is our go-to recommendation for anyone seeking HVAC work.

Mary Avalos-Miller

Our complete HVAC system was replaced a month ago. We experienced a flawless, informative process from sales to installation. Bryan, our sales pro, performed a detailed anaysis of our home's size, construction & features to develop an evaluation of our HVAC needs to offer the optimum sized equipment and has returned several times since the installation to insure it's proper functioning and our understanding of the entire system. The installation was performed within 3 days of our agreement - with the crew (Jon, Daniqua & Colby) getting the old system removed (furnace & A/C) and the new system installed in a matter of hours - they even modified ductwork and rerouted some lines originally installed by our builder to increase efficiency and give the system a cleaner appearance. Another great surprise was their tenacity with the cleanup - all their work areas were left totally spotless!!! Overall the best contractor performance we have experienced in 35 years of home ownership including having 2 homes built by the area's most reputable developers. The system runs great, is quiet and can now be operated through my phone from anywhere - even if just to insure it's running while at my winter haven. Thank You Fire & Ice!

Cathy Mace

Fire & Ice was great. Our sales rep, Bryan, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, professional, and didn’t pressure us to make a purchase. Due to our experience with him, we were already planning on using Fire & Ice to replace our old AC, but during the heat wave and storms, my once limping-along-AC decided 20 years was enough cooling and decided it’s job was done. My husband had initially set the meeting with Bryan, but was out of town, leaving me to pick up the sale. Bryan didn’t miss a beat when I emailed him asking to get a new AC installed ASAP. Within two days, my install techs, Demetrius P. and Willard J. were here to install. The excellent service continued. Both were amazing and incredibly professional, even dealing with my very vocal dog with grace every time they entered my house. They completed the job in a timely manner and everything was top notch. They were mindful of the fact that I work from home, and kept noise to an absolute minimum. By the time they left, I could feel the cool air flowing once again. They even took the time to swap out my furnace filter! Loved working with them and will recommend Fire & Ice to my friends & neighbors.

Jared Petersen

The entire process of having a new furnace and air conditioner installed was awesome. Scheduling the estimate was quick and easy and I didn't have to wait on availability. The estimate was very thorough, and Bryan was extremely helpful in explaining everything. Install was just a few days later based on my schedule (they could have installed sooner) and the install technicians (Bryan, Alontae, Von) were awesome. Very professional and courteous, adhering to local health guidelines the entire time. They also had somebody come out and take photos and videos of the install so they could use it in their training. They took the time to ensure everything was installed properly (my old install wasn't). They were also very helpful to show me everything about the system and new thermostat before they left. Bryan followed up with me a week later and stopped in to check on the install. He's awesome and having a tech come out and tweak a couple things (humidifier and thermostat) to ensure everything runs properly!

Jayson Nayuki

One of my good friend’s had a great experience with Fire and Ice, so I went ahead and tried them out. Amazing customers service. Brad was awesome with walking me through the process of getting a new furnace and answered all of my questions. I will be a returning customer and recommend Fire and Ice to all. Update on furnace installed: I can not praise this company enough. The technicians Floyd and Jacob were very professional and the craftsmanship was amazing. You can tell when someone takes pride in their work. Thank you for your hard work. It’s greatly appreciated.

Bryan Wade

Bryan and Nick were true professionals. They gave me a good heads up when they were going to arrive and did a great job installing the new furnace. They made sure to keep my house clean and walked me through what they did and gave me tips on how to get the best use/life out of my furnace. Will definitely recommend to a friend.

I Daniels

The two technicians arrived exactly when they said they would, immediately began to take care of business. They had more trouble than they anticipated getting the old furnace out but still pretty much finished at the time they told me. The system and heating space were left clean and tidy. they took a few extra minutes to troubleshoot my water tank to get it to ignite which was greatly appreciated. Very nice gentleman throughout the experience and gave me a thorough explanation of the paperwork and how to use the thermostat as well. Was a great experience