Types of Furnaces and Their Differences

Furnaces are heroes during winter in Canada. After all, they do all the work to maintain the ideal room temperature for comfortable living. Therefore, an HVAC unit is essential to have in your home so you can stay warm and safe from the freezing weather. That’s why you should get one before the cold season arrives.

Familiarize yourself with the different types of furnaces in this article, and learn which type is the most efficient addition to your home.

What Is a Furnace?

A furnace is part of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It requires fuel, such as natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity, to produce heat and distribute warm air throughout the house.

All furnaces come with multiple components that work together to deliver warm air inside your house. These may include:

• Thermostats
• Burners
• Heat exchangers
• Blower motor
• Ductwork 
• Ventilation  

Additionally, furnaces require heating solutions such as repairs to maintain their quality and performance. 

The 4 Main Types of Furnace Types

Did you know there are different types of furnaces that you can choose from? Get to know each of them in the list below:

1. Natural Gas Furnace

What is the most common furnace type? The answer is a natural gas-powered furnace because of its affordability and low-energy consumption. This is because it uses a mixture of carbon and hydrogen gases to heat the burners in its system. The downside is that this appliance produces carbon monoxide, which can cause leaks leading to significant health problems. Having regular inspections and installing properly functioning CO detectors in your home prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you’re considering this furnace type, know there’re three types of gas furnaces: 

a. Single-Stage Furnaces

Single-stage furnaces only operate in “on” and “off” modes. When the thermostat drops, it will blast warm air at full power and shut itself off as soon as the desired temperature is reached. It’s also affordable and accessible.

While it can give you warmth, a single-stage furnace is not energy efficient. Its two-setting functionality causes uneven heat since it has no methods of maintaining warm air. 

b. Two-Stage Furnaces

A two-stage furnace offers two heating modes: full and low power. This furnace type alternates between these two settings depending on the thermostat. It evenly distributes heat and leaves no cold spots in your home.

Two-stage furnaces are better than the single-stage model because it offers many benefits. Although this type of furnace is more expensive, it’s able to work efficiently and silent—perfect for light sleepers.

c. Modulating Furnaces

One of the best types of furnaces is the modulating kind. This type adjusts the amount of fuel used to reach your target temperature. Even when the thermostat changes slightly, a modulating furnace will recognize the difference and automatically change its settings to match the climate. 

Despite its higher price point, there are multiple reasons to invest in a modulating furnace, especially if you live in Canada as it can easily withstand the unpredictable cold weather.

2. Oil Furnace

As the name suggests, oil furnaces burn oil as fuel to heat their systems. They’re often preferred over gas furnaces because of their lower cost.

However, an oil-powered furnace requires more frequent maintenance to prevent grease leakage. Its fuel tank must be always be full, or it won’t function. Oil prices are highly volatile these days due to shortages, thus will require you to sometimes pay outstanding costs. There’s also the added danger of carbon monoxide leaks from this appliance when the furnace isn’t vented properly, its burning fuel inefficiently, or when the burner is clogged.

3. Electric Furnace

If you don’t want to deal with carbon monoxide leaks or high oil prices, an electric furnace is a good alternative. It’s even more cost and energy efficient if you decide to go the solar power route—since solar power is a renewable energy source, you don’t need to rely as heavily on electricity.

4. Propane Furnace

Propane furnaces gather power from the connected liquified petroleum gas (LPG) tanks to the heating system. This furnace converts the liquid propane into gas form to heat the burners. 

It’s also the more budget-friendly and accessible option. One tank can last for months because fuel is only used when the furnace is on. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Furnace

With the different types of furnaces, it might be hard for you to choose which one you want. So, here are some things you should consider:

Replace or Repair Your Furnace

Replace your furnace with a new one to solve your heating problems. Let’s say you’re having a hard time fuelling your oil furnace. Upgrading to a gas type is a good idea since its resource is more affordable. 

Before you make the switch, however, have your old furnace inspected to identify its problems. This can help you form a checklist you’ll use while looking for a new HVAC system. 

Consider the Lifespan of a Furnace Type

You should also learn how long your furnace type lasts. Buying a new furnace means spending money, so invest in something with a long lifespan. 

Install Your New Furnace With LG Home Comfort

LG Home Comfort provides the best affordable rates for furnace installations, maintenance, and repair. 

Each of our licensed technicians are skilled at maintaining and repairing HVAC systems, and are familiar with local building codes and regulations in the GTA and surrounding area. If you need us, we’re only one call away! 

Contact us now to get a quote. Our customer service is also available 24/7 to attend to your needs.