What is the Difference Between Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Modulating Furnaces?

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What is the Difference Between Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Modulating Furnaces?

Posted On: January 8, 2020

What is the Difference Between Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Modulating Furnaces?

When you are looking around for a new furnace, you will come across three different types: single-stage, two-stage and modulating. You may probably ask, what are the differences between them, and which one is right for your home?


In this article, we will explain the differences between them and help you decide which furnace works best for you and your family.


Single-Stage Furnaces


Single-stage furnaces only have one setting, which is high heat. On a call for heat, they immediately start running at full capacity, no matter what the temperature is outside until the signal coming from the thermostat is turned off. These types of furnaces are best suited for budget-conscious consumers, so in the long run, the upfront cost savings are not realized.


Two-Stage Furnaces


A two-stage gas furnace has two settings, high fire and low fire, and here is how it works. Most of the time, on a typical heating cycle the furnace will start out running on low fire, consuming less gas and electricity, while at the same time providing heat and gaining inefficiency. After approximately 7- 10 minutes of operation, the furnace begins to operate very efficiently because it is fully warmed up. Then, it will jump up into high fire and finish out the heating cycle at full capacity. Control of the high and low burner timing are made by the installers, as part of a new furnace installation.


You could also control the 2 stage burner by using a 2 stage thermostat, the effect of either is similar. Two-stage furnaces are considered more energy-efficient than single-stage because they are not always running at a full heating capacity of the appliance and are often equipped with an ECM blower motor which will also save on your electricity costs.


Modulating Furnaces


Modulating gas furnaces are at the top end of the gas furnace spectrum and are considered to be the most energy-efficient of the three. But, at an added price over two-stage or single-stage furnaces. Heating from a modulating furnace ramps up in increments to maintain a consistent temperature and the ductwork is always warmed up so there is a little efficiency lost during the warming up process.


When buying a modulating furnace you will almost always need to invest in a new thermostat controller specifically designed for this type of furnace in order to get the most out of it. Always ask your salesman about this option, as it is often not mentioned (due to the added cost of the new thermostat). If you are planning to stay in your home for the long-term, a modulating gas furnace may be the right fit for you.


When you want to buy a new furnace, you should always consult your local HVAC experts before making a decision. A trained HVAC technician can come to your home, go over your situation with you and help you decide which furnace best suits your home.


When you are ready for a new furnace, contact the Twintech experts! Our technicians are experienced and knowledgeable in all types of furnaces and HVAC systems.


For more information about our services, visit our website or give us a call at 1-844-894-6832. Contact Twintech today!




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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by MB, Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Installation was done quickly and professionally. The new furnace is quiet and provides even heat.

by Richard from Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They removed and discarded old furnace. Installed new furnace. Installed air intake pipe, that had never been installed by builder, no charge. Replaced loose hose on floor with hard pipe and rerouted it to drain, no charge. Almost 33% cheaper then quote from Enercare, which was the company we dealt with and had insurance with for 8 years. No yearly fee for cleaning/insurance, saves 300 a year. Courteous, professional, fast, and friendly. My wife and I have been recommending them to everyone we know and meet, and will continue to do so. Thanks for everything, Twintech!!!

by Darcy from Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This company was great to deal with. Our furnace went down and they installed a new furnace the next day with a lot of professionalism!

by gillian hooton from Uxbridge on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Finally! An honest company with highly knowledgeable and informative staff. Had a furnace service and found multiply errors in our system from an amateur installer. Very fair price to correct problems and will definitely use again.

by dflynn in Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Had to replace the heating & a/c unit in a condo apartment dwelling. this company recommended by the property manager and president of the condo building. found their workmanship and attention to details very good and very thorough. were able to resolve small problems and situations and happy to feel the heat in my unit. it's pricey, but happy was done by a very professional service. thank you.

by alisiena from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Fantastic team. Completed the job as per the specifications and in under 3 hours. Highly recommended Twintech.

by David from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

During the summer, I previously hired TwinTech to replace my air conditioner when it failed. They did an excellent job so when I decided to proactively replace the furnace I contacted them. The furnace I had was 22 years old and showed signs of internal leakage. It still worked but rather than wait to have it fail in cold weather, I decided to purchase a higher efficiency model before it failed and take advantage of energy efficiency rebates. TwinTech offered very useful advice on the make and model of furnace to choose including high efficiency and variable speed motor. The price was reasonable, TwinTech arrived at the allotted time, installed the new furnace (including some re-routing of exhaust lines since the existing ones were too close to other vents), removed the old furnace, tested the installation and cleaned everything up. Overall, it was a good experience, they did a great job and the new furnace is working well.

by Jaime-Lynne in Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Greg came over at 9:30pm to rescue my daughter and I from a horrible experience with Enercare that evening. He was professional. Kind. And got us what we needed quickly and at an afford price. I would 100% recommend calling on Greg and his team for any of your heating and cooling needs in the future!!

by Matt C. Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Installed a great hot water heater when our old one failed. When my furnace died during cold weather they showed up quickly and my house was warm before my wife got home. :)

by B Davis in Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I don’t usually right reviews but when you receive service like this I felt it was a must. Honest and fair. I Have 4 children and on Xmas eve my furnace stopped working and a gentleman came out and got me up and running so at least we would have heat for the holidays. As promised he would replace my furnace early in the new year. The job was completed on time, great price for quality furnace and extremely clean and professional job. Would have never known anyone was in the house. Not a spec of dust or mess from lugging out an old rusty furnace. If you have any ac or heating concerns twintech is your only option. I was royally impressed with and I’m sure you will be too.

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