There are many types of furnaces on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In the United States, there are five types of furnaces that are commonly used in homes. These furnaces include: Gas Furnace, Oil Furnace, Electric Furnace, Propane Furnace and Kerosene Furnace.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for your home. The most common types of furnaces are:
- Gas Furnace: A gas furnace is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is relatively inexpensive to operate. However, gas furnaces require regular maintenance and can be dangerous if not properly installed or maintained.
- Electric Furnace: An electric furnace is a good choice for those who want a clean and efficient heating option. However, electric furnaces can be expensive to operate and may not be as effective in very cold climates.
- Oil Furnace: Oil furnaces are a popular choice in areas where natural gas is not available. They are typically more expensive to operate than other types of furnaces, but they provide reliable heat during power outages.
- Propane Furnace: Propane furnaces are similar to oil furnaces but use propane instead of oil to heat your home. Propane is a clean-burning fuel source, making propane furnaces an environmentally friendly option.
- Kerosene-fueled models work similarly to oil systems but may not offer as even or consistent heating results due ot their reliance on combustion
Whichever type you choose, be sure to maintain them properly.If there is a burning smell coming from furnace, seek help from professionals.
Table of Contents
What is the Most Common Type of Furnace?
The most common type of furnace in the United States is the natural gas furnace. These furnaces use a pilot light to ignite a burner that then heats air, which is circulated through the home by a blower. Natural gas furnaces are typically more efficient than other types of furnaces, and they have lower operating costs.
Electric furnaces are also popular, although they tend to be more expensive to operate. Oil-fired furnaces are less common but can be a good option in some areas. Finally, there are wood-burning furnaces, which are typically used in rural areas where wood is plentiful.
What Type of Furnace is Most Efficient?
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a furnace, but one of the most important is efficiency. More efficient furnaces use less fuel and produce fewer emissions, so they’re better for the environment and your wallet. When shopping for a new furnace, look for one with an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of 90% or higher.
This means that 90% of the fuel used by the furnace is turned into heat, while the other 10% is lost up the chimney or through other inefficiencies. The most efficient furnaces on the market are condensing furnaces, which have an AFUE rating of 95%. Condensing furnaces extract heat from exhaust gases that would otherwise be wasted, making them even more efficient than standard furnaces.
If you’re looking for an ultra-efficient furnace, consider a modulating furnace. These high-tech units have variable speed fans and blowers that adjust to match changing heating demands, resulting in lower operating costs and improved comfort levels.