Modern furnaces are a vital part of any home. It keeps a home comfortable during weather changes, and filters out particles to provide homes with fresh air. In an area like Tulsa that experiences a wide range of temperatures, it’s important to have a furnace that can face these changes efficiently. Because of its household importance, furnaces are a crucial investment, impacting your home comfort, energy bills, and overall property value. The two most common furnaces for households are single-stage and two-stage, both with important differences.

We’ll guide you through the key distinctions of these furnaces, highlighting what to consider when choosing a new furnace, and helping you determine the perfect fit for your Tulsa home. This will provide you the necessary information to determine your answer for buying a new system: single stage vs two stage furnace. 

Single-Stage Furnaces: A Basic Overview

A single-stage furnace is the most basic type of furnace. It has only one setting, which is full blast. It doesn’t matter the amount of heat your home needs, the furnace provides the same level of output every time. 

Here’s how it works: Your thermostat will tell your furnace when your home needs heat, then the furnace turns on at 100% capacity. It runs until your home reaches the desired temperature and then shuts off. 

Single-Stage Pros:

  • Lower upfront cost: Single-stage furnaces are generally more budget-friendly upfront than two-stage models.
  • Simpler design: Fewer components can mean less to go wrong, potentially leading to lower repair costs down the line.

Single-Stage Cons:

  • Less efficient: Running at full power all the time can lead to higher energy bills, especially in Tulsa’s fluctuating climate.
  • Uneven heating: You may experience temperature swings and uncomfortable hot or cold spots in your home.
  • Shorter lifespan: Constant cycling between on and off can put more wear on the system, potentially leading to more frequent furnace repairs.

Two-Stage Furnaces: A Basic Overview

Two-stage furnaces offer a low stage and high stage of heating outputs. The low stage is typically the default setting, allowing the furnace to run at a lower capacity while maintaining a comfortable temperature. When the temperature drops significantly, the furnace will kick into the high stage to meet the increased demand. Once the desired temperature is met, the furnace will return to the low stage or shut off completely. 

Two-stage furnaces are a great option for homeowners looking to enhance comfort and save energy. It’s well-suited for Tulsa’s changing climates due to its adaptability to various conditions. 

Two-Stage Pros:

  • Greater energy efficiency: By running at a lower speed for a majority of time, two-stage furnaces can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your heating bills. 
  • More consistent comfort: You’ll enjoy fewer temperature swings and more even heating throughout your home.
  • Longer lifespan: Less strain on the system can translate to fewer repairs and a longer lifespan for your furnace.
  • Quieter operation: The gradual heating and less frequent cycling make for a quieter, more peaceful home environment.
  • Improved indoor air quality: Two-stage furnaces often have longer run cycles, which allows the air filter to effectively remove dust, allergens, and pollutants, improving the air quality in your home.

Two-Stage Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost: Two-stage furnaces typically have a higher initial purchase price. However, the long-term energy savings and increased comfort can often offset this cost.

Choosing between a single-stage vs two-stage furnace is a key decision for your Tulsa home. Two-stage furnaces offer significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. However, single-stage furnaces might be a more budget-friendly option for some homeowners.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Furnace

Besides the single vs two stage debate, there are other crucial factors to consider when choosing a new furnace for your Tulsa home. 

  • Size of your home: Larger homes in Tulsa often benefit more from the consistent heating of a two-stage furnace. However, if you are less sensitive to outdoor temperatures, you might appreciate a basic single-stage furnace, to operate only when necessary. 
  • Your budget: Consider upfront costs to the potential long-term energy savings or needs for furnace repairs.
  • Your comfort preferences: If you’re sensitive to temperature fluctuations, a two-stage furnace can provide a more comfortable and consistent living environment.
  • Energy efficiency ratings: Look for furnaces with high AFUE ratings to maximize energy savings.
  • Indoor air quality features: Consider furnaces with advanced filtration systems to improve the air quality in your home.

A modern kitchen with a white table and black stools in the front of the photo, with a metallic fridge on the left, and a metallic oven and microwave in the back, attached to white cabinets.

Keeping Tulsa Homeowners Warm

Furnaces, whether single-stage or two-stage, play a vital role in keeping Tulsa homeowners warm, safe, and comfortable. 

  1. Essential for Warmth and Comfort:

Tulsa winters can bring freezing temperatures and snow. Furnaces provide the reliable heat necessary to maintain a comfortable living environment, preventing pipes from freezing and protecting your family from the cold.  

  1. Maintaining Indoor Air Quality:

Modern furnaces, especially two-stage models with longer run cycles, often incorporate advanced air filtration systems. These systems improve indoor air quality and promote a healthier home environment.  

  1. Protecting Your Home:

Consistent heating prevents moisture buildup and potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. A well-functioning furnace helps protect your home’s structure and prevent costly repairs.  

  1. Enhancing Home Value:

A reliable and efficient heating system is a valuable asset for any home. When it comes time to sell, a well-maintained furnace can be a strong selling point, increasing your home’s appeal and potentially boosting its market value.  

The Importance of Professional Furnace Installation

No matter which type of new furnace you choose, professional furnace installation is crucial for optimal performance, efficiency, and safety. TemperaturePro Tulsa’s HVAC technicians are experts in furnace installation, ensuring your new system is properly sized, installed, and maintained for years of reliable service.

TemperaturePro Tulsa: Your Trusted HVAC Partner

Still unsure about buying a new system: single stage vs two-stage furnace? Call TemperaturePro Tulsa today at (918)-215-3229 for a free consultation. We’ll recommend the best furnace system for your budget and lifestyle, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and comfort in your home.