Your home comfort depends on how well your furnace performs. That’s why choosing the right furnace is so important, especially if you want to keep heating costs down. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when replacing your furnace is choosing between a single-stage and a two-stage model. Below, we break down the differences so you can confidently decide which option is best for your home.
What Is a Single-Stage Furnace?
A single-stage furnace has only two settings: on and off.
When it turns on, it runs at 100% full power until your home reaches the temperature set on the thermostat.
A single-stage furnace includes:
- A fixed gas valve
- A single-speed blower motor
This means the furnace will use full power even when your home only needs a small amount of heat.
Single-Stage Furnace Pros
- Lower upfront cost: Single-stage furnaces are the most affordable option when replacing a furnace.
- Simple design: Fewer parts mean easier maintenance and often lower repair costs.
Single-Stage Furnace Cons
- Uneven temperatures: Because the furnace shuts off as soon as the thermostat area gets warm, other areas of the home may stay cold. This leads to hot and cold spots.
- Higher energy use: You may end up raising the thermostat to stay comfortable, which increases heating costs.
- Noisier operation: Running at full power makes single-stage systems louder.
What Is a Two-Stage Furnace?
A two-stage furnace offers three modes:
- Low
- High
- Off
It starts on low and only switches to high when more heat is needed.
In low mode, the furnace uses about 60–70% of its full heating power.
Two-stage furnaces use a three-way gas valve to control how much gas enters the system. This allows the furnace to run more efficiently and provide steadier indoor temperatures.
Two-Stage Furnace Pros
- More even heating: Longer run times on low help maintain steady, consistent comfort throughout your home.
- Better indoor air quality: Because air circulates through the filter more often, more dust and allergens are removed.
- Quieter performance: Low mode is much quieter than a single-stage furnace running at full blast.
- Longer equipment life: Running at lower power reduces strain on internal parts.
Two-Stage Furnace Cons
- Higher upfront cost: Two-stage furnaces are more expensive to install.
- More complex repairs: More advanced parts can make repairs and maintenance pricier.
- Long-term benefit depends on home type: You see the most value if you live in a multi-story home or plan to stay in the home for many years.
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Furnace: Which Should You Choose?
The right furnace depends on your:
- Budget
- Comfort needs
- Energy-saving goals
- Future plans for the home
Choose a single-stage furnace if:
- You want the lowest upfront cost
- You don’t mind minor temperature fluctuations
- You plan to move soon or have a smaller home
Choose a two-stage furnace if:
- You want more stable indoor comfort
- You want quieter operation
- You want lower long-term energy bills
- You plan to stay in your home long-term
Contact LA Heating and Air
Taking into consideration that a gas furnace is a 15-20 year investment, understanding the characteristics of each type for furnace will give you the knowledge to purchase the heating equipment most ideal for you and your home. At LA Heating and Air we specialize in furnace installation and can help you choose which furnace better fit your needs. We work with all brands and types. Contact us online today or give us a call for furnace replacement. We also offer indoor air quality solutions, furnace repair and furnace maintenance. We are here to help you stay warm and cozy this winter season.
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