Natural Gas & Propane Furnace Specialists You Can Trust
Expertly Trained, Licensed & Fully Insured Natural Gas & Propane Furnace Technicians
What is a Modulating Gas/Propane Furnace?
A modulating gas or propane furnace is the most advanced type of heating system available today. Unlike traditional single-stage or two-stage furnaces, which operate at fixed capacities, a modulating furnace continuously adjusts its heat output in small increments to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This precise control results in superior comfort, better energy efficiency, and lower utility bills. If you’re looking for the best in home heating technology, a modulating furnace is the ultimate solution.
How Do Modulating Furnaces Work?
Modulating furnaces operate by fine-tuning the amount of fuel burned and the speed of the blower motor to match the heating demands of your home. Instead of turning on and off frequently or running at full blast, these furnaces can adjust in small increments—often as little as 1% at a time—to maintain the perfect temperature. This gradual adjustment eliminates temperature swings, keeps your home comfortable, and significantly reduces energy waste. Combined with a variable-speed blower motor, modulating furnaces provide a quieter, more efficient, and more consistent heating experience.
Are Modulating Furnaces Worth It?
Absolutely! While modulating furnaces typically have a higher upfront cost than standard furnaces, their long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. They operate with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of up to 99%, meaning almost all of the fuel is converted into heat for your home. This results in lower energy bills, improved indoor air quality, and a longer lifespan compared to conventional furnaces. Additionally, they provide the most even heating, eliminating the cold spots and temperature fluctuations common with older furnace models.
Important Considerations: Thermostat Location & Duct Sizing
While a modulating gas or propane furnace offers superior comfort and efficiency, it’s essential to consider a few key factors before deciding if it’s the right choice for your home. Two critical aspects that impact the performance of a modulating furnace are thermostat location and existing duct sizing.
Thermostat Location
Because a modulating furnace continuously adjusts its heat output based on temperature readings, the placement of your thermostat plays a crucial role in how well the system performs. If the thermostat is located in a room that heats up or cools down faster than the rest of the home—such as near large windows, direct sunlight, or drafty areas—the furnace may not modulate correctly, leading to uneven heating. In some cases, relocating the thermostat or using a smart thermostat with remote sensors can help the system maintain a more balanced temperature throughout your home.
Existing Duct Sizing
Your home’s ductwork also plays a major role in whether a modulating furnace is the best choice. Modulating furnaces operate with a variable-speed blower that adjusts airflow to match the heating demand. If your duct system is undersized, poorly designed, or restricted, it may not allow for proper airflow, reducing efficiency and potentially causing operational issues. Conversely, if the ducts are oversized, the system may struggle to maintain proper air pressure, leading to inefficiencies and comfort issues. Before installing a modulating furnace, Air Tech conducts a thorough assessment of your ductwork to ensure it can handle the variable airflow demands of the system. If necessary, we provide duct modifications to optimize performance.
Why Choose Air Tech for Your Modulating Furnace Installation?
At Air Tech, we go beyond simply installing a new furnace—we ensure your entire heating system is designed and optimized for maximum performance, efficiency, and comfort. When you choose us to install your modulating gas or propane furnace, you’re choosing a team that prioritizes proper system design, industry-leading expertise, and long-term reliability. Here’s why Air Tech is the best choice for your installation:
1. We Perform a Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculation
A furnace is only as good as its ability to properly heat your home. That’s why we start every installation with a comprehensive heat loss and heat gain calculation. This ensures that your new modulating furnace is correctly sized based on the specific heating and cooling needs of your home. An oversized or undersized system can lead to inefficiency, discomfort, and premature wear—our precise calculations eliminate these risks, providing you with optimal performance and energy savings.
2. TECA-Certified in the Principles of Moving Air
Our technicians are fully trained and certified by TECA (Thermal Environmental Comfort Association) in the principles of moving air. This means we have a deep understanding of how airflow, duct design, and ventilation impact the performance of your heating system. A modulating furnace requires a well-balanced airflow to operate efficiently, and our TECA training ensures we design and install your system with this in mind.
3. We Fit the System to Your Existing Ductwork
Unlike companies that take a one-size-fits-all approach, we carefully assess your existing ductwork to ensure it’s compatible with a modulating furnace. Proper duct sizing is critical for the performance of a variable-speed system—undersized ducts can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency, while oversized ducts may not provide the proper air pressure for effective heating. Before we install your new furnace, we make any necessary ductwork modifications to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency.
4. HRAI Member – Complying with All Industry Standards
Air Tech is a proud member of the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). As an HRAI-certified company, we adhere to the highest industry standards for safety, efficiency, and professional installation practices. Our commitment to compliance, ongoing training, and industry best practices ensures you receive a high-quality installation that meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements.
If you’re considering upgrading to a modulating gas or propane furnace, trust Air Tech to get the job done right. Contact us today for a professional consultation and experience the difference expert installation makes!
What is a 2-Stage Gas/Propane Furnace?
A 2-stage gas or propane furnace is a heating system that offers more efficiency and comfort than a traditional single-stage furnace. Unlike single-stage furnaces, which operate at full capacity every time they turn on, a 2-stage furnace has two levels of heating output: a low stage for milder conditions and a high stage for colder temperatures. This allows the furnace to run at a lower, more energy-efficient setting most of the time, only switching to full power when needed. The result? More consistent temperatures, better energy efficiency, and improved comfort throughout your home.
How Do 2-Stage Furnaces Work?
A 2-stage furnace operates differently than a traditional on/off system. When heating is required, the furnace will initially run at about 60-70% of its total capacity—this is its low stage, which is sufficient to maintain a steady and comfortable temperature in most conditions. If the thermostat senses that more heat is needed (such as on extremely cold days), the furnace will switch to its high stage, running at full capacity to quickly raise the indoor temperature.
By operating primarily at the lower setting, a 2-stage furnace reduces temperature fluctuations, increases energy efficiency, and improves humidity control. This type of system works best when paired with a compatible thermostat that can properly manage the 2-stage functionality for optimal performance.
Are 2-Stage Furnaces Worth It?
For many homeowners, the answer is yes! A 2-stage furnace offers several benefits over a standard single-stage furnace, including:
✅ Lower Energy Bills: By operating at a lower setting most of the time, 2-stage furnaces use less fuel compared to single-stage units, resulting in long-term energy savings.
✅ Increased Comfort: Unlike single-stage furnaces that blast heat and shut off, a 2-stage system provides gentler, more even heating with fewer temperature swings.
✅ Quieter Operation: The low-stage operation is significantly quieter than a furnace running at full blast all the time.
✅ Longer Lifespan: With fewer start-stop cycles, a 2-stage furnace experiences less wear and tear, potentially extending its operational life.
✅ Better Air Quality: Since the blower runs more consistently, your home benefits from better air circulation and filtration, reducing dust and allergens.
Important Considerations: Thermostat Location & Duct Sizing
Before choosing a 2-stage or modulating furnace, it’s important to assess thermostat location and existing ductwork to ensure your new system will function efficiently.
Thermostat Location Matters
Because 2-stage and modulating furnaces adjust their heating output based on temperature readings, the placement of your thermostat is crucial. If your thermostat is installed in an area with direct sunlight, drafts, or near heat sources, it may not accurately reflect the temperature of the rest of your home. This could cause the furnace to cycle inefficiently, preventing it from fully utilizing its energy-saving capabilities.
A smart thermostat or relocating the thermostat may be necessary to optimize system performance. At Air Tech, we assess the ideal thermostat placement to ensure your furnace operates as intended.
Duct Sizing & Airflow Considerations
Your home’s duct system plays a critical role in how well a 2-stage or modulating furnace performs. If the ducts are too small, they can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and reducing efficiency. If they are too large, they can lead to uneven heating and poor system performance.
Air Tech’s TECA-certified technicians are experts in the principles of moving air. Before installing a new furnace, we carefully assess your ductwork and make any necessary modifications to ensure optimal airflow and even heating distribution throughout your home.
Why Choose Air Tech for Your Furnace Installation?
When investing in a 2-stage or modulating furnace, choosing the right installation team is just as important as selecting the right equipment. At Air Tech, we take a scientific and precision-based approach to every installation, ensuring that your new furnace performs efficiently, reliably, and comfortably for years to come.
Here’s why Air Tech is the best choice for your furnace installation:
✅ We Perform a Heat Loss & Heat Gain Calculation
Before recommending a furnace, we conduct a detailed heat loss and heat gain calculation. This ensures that your new system is perfectly sized for your home—preventing inefficiencies that can arise from oversized or undersized equipment. A properly sized furnace maximizes efficiency, comfort, and longevity.
✅ TECA-Certified in the Principles of Moving Air
Our technicians are fully trained and certified by TECA (Thermal Environmental Comfort Association) in air movement and duct system design. This means we have the expertise to ensure your furnace is installed correctly, with proper airflow and balanced heating distribution throughout your home.
✅ We Fit the System to Your Existing Ductwork
Unlike some companies that install a furnace without considering duct compatibility we ensure that your new 2-stage or modulating furnace matches your home’s duct system. If modifications are needed, we handle them before installation to guarantee proper operation and efficiency.
✅ HRAI-Certified – Complying with All Industry Standards
As a proud member of HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada), Air Tech adheres to strict industry standards for safety, efficiency, and proper HVAC system design. We stay up to date with the latest best practices, ensuring your furnace installation meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
Upgrade Your Home Heating with Air Tech
If you’re considering a 2-stage or modulating furnace, trust Air Tech to install it right the first time. With our expertise in heat loss calculations, airflow design, and ductwork assessment, we ensure your new furnace provides maximum comfort, efficiency, and reliability.
What is a Single-Stage Gas/Propane Furnace?
A single-stage gas or propane furnace is the most basic type of forced-air heating system. It operates with a simple on/off function, meaning that whenever your home requires heat, the furnace runs at full capacity until the desired temperature is reached. Once the thermostat registers that the set temperature has been met, the furnace shuts off completely until the next heating cycle begins.
Because single-stage furnaces don’t have multiple levels of heat output, they tend to cycle on and off frequently, leading to temperature fluctuations, reduced efficiency, and higher energy bills. While they may be a cost-effective upfront option, they often lack the comfort, efficiency, and longevity of more advanced furnace types.
How Do Single-Stage Furnaces Work?
Single-stage furnaces operate with one fixed heating output—they are either running at 100% capacity or completely off. This means that even on mild days, when your home only needs a small amount of heat, the furnace still runs at full power.
This can lead to:
❌ Temperature Swings – The furnace blasts heat until the thermostat shuts it off, which can cause some rooms to feel too hot while others remain chilly.
❌ Frequent On/Off Cycling – Because the furnace only has one speed, it turns on and off more frequently, leading to increased wear and tear.
❌ Higher Energy Bills – Running at full blast all the time means more fuel consumption, making single-stage furnaces less efficient than their 2-stage or modulating counterparts.
❌ Uneven Heating – Rooms farther from the thermostat or with poor airflow may not heat evenly, leading to uncomfortable temperature variations.
Are Single-Stage Furnaces Worth It?
While a single-stage furnace may be the cheapest upfront option, it’s important to consider long-term costs and comfort before making a decision. Here’s why many homeowners think twice before choosing a single-stage furnace:
✅ Lower Initial Cost: Single-stage furnaces have the lowest upfront price, making them attractive for budget-conscious buyers. However, what you save upfront may cost you more in higher energy bills and increased repairs over time.
✅ Not Ideal for Larger Homes: Because single-stage furnaces cycle on and off frequently, they may struggle to evenly heat larger homes or multi-story properties, leading to cold spots and discomfort.
✅ Shorter Lifespan: The frequent on/off cycling causes more wear and tear on parts, potentially leading to more breakdowns and a shorter system lifespan compared to 2-stage or modulating furnaces.
✅ Higher Energy Consumption: A single-stage furnace always runs at full power, even when only a little heat is needed. This wastes energy, making it less efficient in the long run. A 2-stage or modulating furnace, by contrast, can adjust its output for better energy savings.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Choosing a Single-Stage Furnace
If your goal is to get the cheapest upfront installation, a single-stage furnace may seem appealing—but it’s important to consider the hidden downsides before making your final choice. Lower upfront cost does not always mean lower long-term cost. Here’s why many homeowners end up regretting their decision:
- Higher utility bills due to running at full power all the time.
- More wear and tear, leading to more repairs and replacements down the road.
- Less comfort due to uneven heating and temperature fluctuations.
- Shorter system lifespan, requiring a replacement sooner than expected.
For those who plan to stay in their home for years, investing in a 2-stage or modulating furnace is often the smarter choice, providing better comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.
Need Help Choosing the Right Furnace? Contact Air Tech!
At Air Tech, we help homeowners find the best heating solution for their specific needs. Our expert team will evaluate your home’s heating demands, ductwork, and thermostat placement to ensure you get the most efficient and comfortable system possible.
Instead of settling for a basic single-stage furnace, let us show you the benefits of upgrading to a 2-stage or modulating furnace—helping you save money, stay comfortable, and extend the life of your heating system.
Residential gas and propane furnaces are available in a variety of BTU options, typically ranging from 30,000 BTU to 120,000 BTU, allowing Air Tech, aided by duct sizing and a heat loss/heat gain calculation, to help homeowners choose the right size for their specific heating needs. In addition to varying heat outputs, furnaces also come in different cabinet widths, often referred to as A Body, B Body, C Body, and D Body. The approximate widths for these sizes are 14 to 14.5 inches for A Body, 17 to 18 inches for B Body, 21 to 21.5 inches for C Body, and 24 to 24.5 inches for D Body, ensuring the best fit for existing mechanical spaces. These furnaces are also available in multiple airflow configurations, including upflow, downflow, and horizontal models, providing flexibility based on home layout and ductwork design. By relying on Air Tech’s expertise in system sizing and installation, homeowners can ensure their new furnace is properly matched to their home for optimal performance, comfort, and efficiency.
