When considering a new furnace, Waynesville homeowners may want to think outside the box of a conventional, single-output model. If a furnace with a single-output burner is like stop and go traffic in the city, a high-efficiency modulating furnace is like cruise control on the open road. In the “on” cycle, single-output models operate in 100 percent burner output and full-blast blower air circulation. When the unit abruptly cycles off,  temperatures in the house dip again into the uncomfortable zone and the cycle repeats.

Modulating furnaces adjust burner output and blower speed to match the home’s heating requirements. Most of the time, that means less than full output.  A typical heating cycle begins with the burner at 100 percent and the blower at 0 percent output. Gradually, burner output declines and blower speed increases until the thermostat setting is reached. From that point, the blower runs continuously at lower speeds to maintain the desired temperature, while the burner incrementally adjusts over a range  35 percent to 100 percent capacity as required. 

When comparing makes and models to upgrade a furnace, Waynesville residents should consider a modulating furnace for both energy-efficiency and indoor comfort.  Here’s why:

• A modulating furnace can deliver an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating as high as 98 percent. This is a major money-saver over standard gas furnaces with AFUE below 80.
• Indoor temperature levels are precisely maintained. While a standard, on/off single-output furnace may allow temperature fluctuations of as much as 10 degrees above and below the thermostat target temperature, modulating models maintain temperatures within 1/2 degree of the thermostat setting.
• The annoying roaring sound of a conventional furnace is eliminated by the reduced volume of air pushed through the vents and the lower burner noise. 
• Expensive and critical components like the heat exchanger and blower motor benefit from reduced stresses and wear of lower output operation.

With a presence in the community dating back to 1969, Tri-County Heating & Cooling is Cincinnati’s choice for interior comfort. For all issues about upgrading a furnace, Waynesville and surrounding communities turn to us for reliable solutions. 

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