As HVAC contractors, you play a crucial role in helping homeowners find the right furnace to meet their comfort and energy needs. Today’s furnaces have evolved significantly, integrating advanced technologies that increase efficiency, comfort, and convenience. These features improve the homeowner experience and offer you, the contractor, opportunities to provide tailored solutions, boost customer satisfaction, and grow your business.

Here’s a look at the key modern furnace features that every contractor should know about and how to discuss them effectively with your customers.

Multistage and modulating burners

Modern furnaces often come equipped with multistage or modulating burners, allowing precise temperature control. Unlike single-stage burners, either on or off, multistage and modulating systems adjust their heat output incrementally based on the home’s needs.

This leads to:

• Consistent indoor temperature with minimal fluctuation
• Increased energy efficiency, as the system only works as hard as necessary
• Quieter operation, enhanced performance without all the noise

How to explain this to customers: Introduce how this technology adapts to a home’s heating demands, reducing energy bills while maintaining a cozy environment during the coldest months. For example, you can say: “Imagine having just the right amount of heat, exactly when you need it, without wasting energy.”

Smart controls and connectivity

Today’s furnaces increasingly integrate smart controls, enabling homeowners to manage their heating systems more effectively. Features like programmable thermostats and connectivity with smartphone apps allow users to:

• Set multiple schedules for automatic temperature adjustments
• Control their system remotely for added convenience
• Monitor system efficiency and receive maintenance reminders

How to explain this to customers: Highlight smart thermostats’ convenience and control. A great conversation starter is: “Did you know you can preheat your home before you even arrive, all from your phone? Plus, the system will remind you when to change the filter, ensuring your system is always running at its best.”

Advanced motor technology

Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM) are a game-changer in modern furnaces.

These motors:

• Reduce energy consumption by up to 60% compared to standard motors
• Operate quietly, creating a more comfortable living space
• Adjust speeds to ensure optimal airflow throughout the home

How to explain this to customers: Emphasize the efficiency and noise reduction these motors provide. For instance: “With advanced motor technology, your home stays comfortable, your energy bills stay low, and your furnace works without the hum or buzz of older systems.”

Enhanced efficiency

Promising savings and sustainability with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings ranging from 92% to 98.5%, modern furnaces are among the most efficient heating systems ever built. Condensing technology further boosts efficiency by extracting additional heat from exhaust gases.

How to explain this to customers: Focus on the potential savings. For example: “Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace means more heat for less energy, which translates to lower monthly bills and reduced environmental impact.”

Zoning capabilities

Advanced furnaces with zoning capabilities allow homeowners to control temperatures in specific areas of their homes independently. This is ideal for households with varying comfort preferences or larger homes where specific spaces require more or less heat.

How to explain this feature: Frame it as a solution for families with differing needs. For example: “Wouldn’t it be great if your living room was cozy without overheating your upstairs bedrooms? Zoning systems make that possible.”

Predictive maintenance technology

Predictive maintenance features are gaining traction, offering homeowners peace of mind. This technology helps prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak heating months by identifying potential issues before they escalate.

How to explain this feature: Describe how predictive maintenance ensures reliability and reduces emergency repair calls. Say something like: “This system can alert us to problems before you even notice them, ensuring uninterrupted comfort throughout the winter.”

When to pitch furnace features

Consider these tips for maximizing the value of these modern furnace technologies to your customers:

• Educate your customers during maintenance visits: Use routine checkups to introduce them to these features.
• Tailor recommendations: Assess their home’s needs and suggest features that solve specific pain points, like uneven heating or high energy bills.
• Highlight long-term benefits: Reinforce how these advanced features lead to energy savings, quieter operation, and a more comfortable home environment.

Browse ECCO Supply furnace vendors

Armstrong Air Gas Furnaces
Armstrong Air Oil Furnaces
iFlow Hydronic Furnaces
Napoleon Gas Furnaces
Napoleon Wood Hybrid Multi-Fuel Furnaces
Rheem Gas Furnaces