Are you ready to replace your furnace?  At Norstar Heating and Cooling, we understand that no other single system in your home plays a larger role in your comfort or how much your utility bill will be.  That is why we specialize in high efficiency heating and cooling solutions that can warm and cool your interior space in the most cost effective way.

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What is a Furnace?

A furnace is an enclosed heating unit that heats air by transferring heat in a metal combustion chamber to the air and circulating it throughout heating ducts in the home.  Furnaces can run on electricity, natural gas, propane or fuel oil. 

 Energy Efficiency - The efficiency of a furnace can be determined by its AFUE--or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.  The minimum efficiency level for furnaces currently manufactured in the U.S. is 80% AFUE.  A rating of "80% AFUE" means that for every dollar you spend heating your home, 80 cents are actually applied to the generation of warmth.  Compared to many of the 60% AFUE furnaces in older homes, 80% AFUE to even 95% AFUE furnaces are a HUGE improvement.

Differences in High-Efficiency Furnaces

Modulating Furnace:  The flame increases or decreases incrementally so that room temperature never varies more than 1 or 2 degrees from the thermostat's target temperature. 

Two-Stage Gas Heat: Two-stage furnaces don’t frequently stop and start (called short-cycling), typically running at the first stage (65% of capacity) up to 80% of the time. This provides for quieter operation and consistent, even heating since it runs longer at the lowest, energy-saving level. When more heat is needed, the second stage is called upon for added comfort. Plus, after the heating cycle, two-stage furnaces continue to run for a few moments to make sure the heat left in the exchanger is used to warm your home.

Variable Speed Motor or ECM:  This motor adjusts speed to provide a consistent flow of warm, comfortable air with quiet operation.