Hi All:
My topic is a dual heat source conversation. I thought I would place it in with those burning wood for the majority of their home heating needs. I’d like to get your thoughts on the following scenario. If heating primarily with wood, would I see any benefit installing a more expensive 2 stage furnace vs a single stage furnace?
Here are the particulars:
- Soon to be built - 1500 sq ft bungalow (1 floor) very open concept – R25 walls + R50 ceilings.
- Super tight home - Engineered for 1 ACH50 (Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals).
- House will have HRV
- Unfinished basement but fully insulated R20 walls. Basement will stay unfinished. Just me and my wife. Semi-retired.
- Property is 33 acres of mature hardwood – no shortage of wood. We have 5-7 years of wood cut and stacked.
- Main floor will have an EPA 2020 wood burning fireplace located in centre of main floor.
- Basement will have an EPA 2020 wood burning stove located in centre of basement.
- House location is Central Ontario with Jan/Feb being coldest months with average temps around -10 to -15 C (but capable of hitting -30 to -40 for a few days here and there)
Why I ask. The price difference between a single stage vs two stage propane furnace is approximately $2-3K (depending on brand/model/options). In my calculations, I have the furnace handling 15% of the heating load over the winter heating season. The fireplace and wood stove will handle the heavy lifting. The HVAC will be properly engineered for the home but with wood heating, the furnace is going to see little heating use. It’s main function in the winter will be to act as an air handler and air filter. HRV will also play a role. Like you all, I like to spend money if I see a payback of sorts. I can't seem to justify the extra expense of a 2 stage. What say you all?
My topic is a dual heat source conversation. I thought I would place it in with those burning wood for the majority of their home heating needs. I’d like to get your thoughts on the following scenario. If heating primarily with wood, would I see any benefit installing a more expensive 2 stage furnace vs a single stage furnace?
Here are the particulars:
- Soon to be built - 1500 sq ft bungalow (1 floor) very open concept – R25 walls + R50 ceilings.
- Super tight home - Engineered for 1 ACH50 (Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals).
- House will have HRV
- Unfinished basement but fully insulated R20 walls. Basement will stay unfinished. Just me and my wife. Semi-retired.
- Property is 33 acres of mature hardwood – no shortage of wood. We have 5-7 years of wood cut and stacked.
- Main floor will have an EPA 2020 wood burning fireplace located in centre of main floor.
- Basement will have an EPA 2020 wood burning stove located in centre of basement.
- House location is Central Ontario with Jan/Feb being coldest months with average temps around -10 to -15 C (but capable of hitting -30 to -40 for a few days here and there)
Why I ask. The price difference between a single stage vs two stage propane furnace is approximately $2-3K (depending on brand/model/options). In my calculations, I have the furnace handling 15% of the heating load over the winter heating season. The fireplace and wood stove will handle the heavy lifting. The HVAC will be properly engineered for the home but with wood heating, the furnace is going to see little heating use. It’s main function in the winter will be to act as an air handler and air filter. HRV will also play a role. Like you all, I like to spend money if I see a payback of sorts. I can't seem to justify the extra expense of a 2 stage. What say you all?
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