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 Tina - Whitby in Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The people from Twintech were very friendly and personable...from the salesman to the installers. The installation was done as scheduled. I love my new air conditioner. My neighbour has a York and that thing is so noisy compared to my Goodman!! Thanks Twintech!!

by Cathy f. from Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Thank you, Twintech. They installed an A/C in my home in the middle of a heat wave which we appreciated very much. I found the team good, not overly friendly, other than the brothers. Dave, the salesperson was awesome, and, it's because of him that I was sold on using Twintech. I had other questions about additional work I am curious about and would have liked them to follow up and provide a quote. Other than that, which ultimately is not related to the great work they did, I would definitely recommend them, although I don't believe they go outside of Durham (check with them).

by Linda from Durham Region on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We have used this company a few times so I can't remember exactly what we paid but I do know that their fees are always very reasonable.

The first time we called Greg was when our furnace conked out while we were away. He came right away, showed me the problem and fixed it immediately.

The second time was when we needed an air conditioner moved and lifted to a platform. Again, he showed up on time, completed the job quickly (including a new gas line) and the fee was very reasonable.

We have received a quote from Greg to replace the air conditioner and furnace and when we are ready to move ahead, we will be calling him.

I have no hesitation in recommending TwinTech!

by AS from Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Our rating for Twintech is 5/5 stars. They are very professional and efficient, and the transparency they maintain right from the preliminary assessment till the day of the work is a testament to their experience in the field. We had Twintech replace our air conditioning and furnace, and we appreciate the efforts taken by Greg.

by Raymond from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

After 18 years my Air conditioner died in the middle of a heat wave. I entered my information on Home Stars and within the hour Dave from Twin Tech responded and offered to meet me as soon as possible depending on my availability. Dave was very knowledgeable about the products Twin Tech offered and even though this was the first quote I received . I felt very comfortable in giving Twin Tech my business. maybe it was the professional approach. Needless to say that the crew with Greg and Grant arrived promptly at the time they committed to were very professional and within a few hours had the place cool. They cleaned up and one would never know that I had work done . I know that the System is new and I probably wont need to worry about it for some time. However with the professionalism displayed by the crew I feel assured that should I need to call for service Twin Tech will respond. I also know that should I need a new Heating system I will go with Twin Tech. Keep up the good work.

by gerard harrington from Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Greg and team were amazing! All interaction via email and text 100% professional. From consult to product recommendation their service was phenomenal!

Installed a Napoleon furnace (ecm dc drive variable 2-stage) and it was a game changer for the whole house. Blended air temperature through and through the entire house and it’s saving us money by cutting down our utility bill by ALOT!

by D &. from Whitby on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We purchased a new cooling & heating system from Twintech and the team was fantastic. From sales to installation, the team were great to work with. Friendly (our dog even enjoyed having them over), professional and accommodating. I’d recommend Twintech in a heart beat to anyone. Superb customer service.

by Anonymous from Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

End to end service. From quote, overseeing installation, contacting and making arrangements for energy audit. Warranty program is comprehensive. Cleaned up mess of assistant walking through my place without proper indoor foot covering when I pointed out that I was not happy about footprints on my floors.

by Bob S in Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

In April we hired Twintech Heating & Cooling to replace our 20 year old water tank & 35 year old air conditioner. We got 5 estimates for the job & decided to go with Twintech for the following reasons.

- The Sales Manager, Dave, was very personable & knowledgeable as all of our questions were answered. (We had a list of questions we asked each of the contractors when we got the estimates)
- We got 5 estimates for the job. All contractors verbally told us they had the required qualifications but Dave was the only one to physically show us their license & insurance documentation.
- Twintech carried the Napoleon air conditioner & we wanted to support Canadian industry as it is assembled in Barrie On.

Safety is important at Twintech as demonstrated when we discussed with Dave, the need to change our install date because of freezing rain. Access was required by navigating a set of outside steps & Dave identified that safety took precedence.
On the installation date, Greg, Peter & Grant showed up on time & methodically accomplished the removal & installation of both units. The guys did a great job cleaning up as well.

When the job was completed we mentioned to Greg that we were pleased with the work they had done & were going to have them come out & do our furnace inspection in Sept. Greg said we can save our money as he had inspected the heat exchanger on the furnace while doing the job & there was no need to have another inspection in Sept. We were very impressed with Greg’s initiative. This is top shelf service. Thank you Greg.

As the weather was too cool to complete a functional test of the air conditioner on the installation date, Dave made a follow-up call to us to see how things were going & Greg also came out to check the operation. No problems.

We are very happy we hired professionals like Dave, Greg, Grant & Peter & have no hesitation in recommending Twintech Heating & Cooling. They will now be our "go to" guys.

by ted diplock in Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

These guys are the best. From start to finish they exceeded my expectations and delivered a great product. They accommodated the nuances of my 100 year old home which was really appreciated. The install was easy to schedule and done fantastically. I’m so excited to have an efficiently heated and cooled home.

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