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Modulating Furnace
Automatically makes slight operating adjustments to achieve maximum efficiency
Standard furnaces operate like your car in stop-and-go traffic. Fuel efficiency goes down and you're less comfortable. A modulating furnace is like highway driving, making slight operating adjustments while achieving maximum efficiency. This new condensing furnace with a modulating gas valve operates with more finesse to reduce temperature fluctuations, providing consistent indoor temperature, quiet operation, and an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 94%.
The Classic 90 plus High Efficiency Modulating Upflow Gas Furnace is the first to combine a modulating gas valve with a variable-speed blower. The blower has an ICM2+ (integrated control module) motor, which is more electrically efficient than that of a multi-speed blower. The furnace's gas valve operates between 40% and 100% of total capacity, in 5% increments, continuously regulating the amount of fuel burned according to the thermostat setting. The thermostat and its remote temperature sensors provide feedback for the control board, which uses "fuzzy logic" to vary valve and blower settings.
Heating mode starts with the gas at 100% and the fan at 0%, the valve reducing and the blower increasing until maximum efficiency is reached. The fan then runs continuously, ramping up or down depending upon air delivery requirements. Since the fan and burner almost never run at full capacity and energy-robbing on/off cycling is eliminated, the unit is highly fuel-efficient.
Five models are available with input rates from 60,000 to 120,000 Btu/h. Additional choices include blower size, single or multi zone, remote thermostat sensors, humidifier, air filters, and condensate pump, return plenum, and vent termination.
Installation
The 28" deep x 24" wide (max) x 34" high furnace can be installed in a tight space like a closet. Ducts must be sized correctly for the unit to run efficiently. A standard cooling coil can be mounted on top. Connections for gas and electric and condensate drain are accessed from either the left or the right side. The unit can only be installed by a mechanical contractor certified for this particular furnace. For a four-hour class that costs $125 to $150, the contractor gets installation/operation manuals, an analyzer tool, and certification.
Benefits/Costs
The modulating furnace costs $1,300 to $1,700, depending on size. A conventional furnace with 90% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) costs about $900. A complete modulating heating system, including ducts, could cost up to $4,000 installed. In comparison, a conventional system with 80%AFUE costs approximately $2,200, and a 90% AFUE system is closer to $2,900.
The modulating furnace is a premium quality furnace. Although the costs almost three times as much as the least expensive furnaces, fuel savings eventually pay for the extra cost. The constant modulation allows consistency -- Rheem claims room temperatures to be within a half degree of the thermostat setting -- and quieter operation. The constant fan operation results in increased circulation and potentially improved indoor air quality. Because the home's air is constantly being mixed, temperature averaging could eliminate the need for multiple zones in some cases. Its self-diagnostics should make servicing easier. |
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Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats save energy by permitting occupants to set temperatures according to whether the house is occupied. These thermostats can automatically store and repeat settings daily with allowance for manual override. By eliminating manual setback, which is easy to forget, they allow the setting of more comfortable temperatures in the morning before occupants wake. Temperature setback can be adjusted for both heating and cooling seasons.
Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature setting according to a user's schedule. These thermostats typically have a digital interface that allows more precise temperature control and a wider range of options or features.
Programmable thermostats typically offer a numbe of programming options:
Daily programming that allows one schedule to be used each day
Weekday/Weekend (5/2) programming that allows adjustment of timing for setbacks with different settings for weekdays and weekends, and with 5/1/1 programming that permits separate schedules for Saturday and Sunday
Full seven-day programming that permits a different setback schedule for each day of the week.
Other special features depend on manufacturer and model and may include the following:
Vacation Override, which allows temporary override of the programmed settings.
Keyboard Lock, which prevents unauthorized changes to the preprogrammed settings.
Low Battery Indicator indicates whether the battery used to hold the programmed schedule is low.
An Energy Monitor that can keep track of how many hours the HVAC system has run for any selected time period
An Auto Season Changeover that automatically provides heat or cooling at the onset of the heating and cooling season
A Filter Change Indicator that goes on after a pre-set time period to remind when it is time to clean or replace the filter
Different types of heating/cooling systems may require different types of programmable thermostats. For example, heat pumps require programmable thermostats that minimize the use of less efficient auxiliary electric resistance heating. Only a few companies manufacture line-voltage setback thermostats that directly control 120 volt or 240 volt line-voltage circuits connected to electric baseboard electric heaters. When purchasing a programmable thermostat, it is necessary to insure the thermostat is compatible with the HVAC system.
What you just read on this page above you can easily find on a lot of websites, but almost nobody tells you about another one very important feature of the programmable thermostat:......
If you would like to read more, please use the “BuyNow” button below and you will gain an in instant access to the third chapter of my Energy Saving Edition book dedicated to the energy conservation issues! In the chapter you will learn how to save energy by using a Programmable Thermostat and how to install it in your house.
The chapter has 2 pages and 1 pictures in it. Price of the chapter is only $2.50.
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30. THERMOSTAT WIRING – the chapter talks about thermostat wiring and describe how to run
 thermostat wire for the Rough.
The chapter has 1 picture; 1 page. $1.34 (Instant Access)
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53. THERMOSTAT INSTALLATION – the chapter gives a brief description of the thermostat installation.
 The chapter has 3 pictures; 1 page. $1.34 (Instant Access)
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