Gas furnace

Gas Furnace Market Dynamics and Growth Insights

Market Overview: The global market for gas furnaces has been on a promising trajectory, aligning with the broader heating equipment sector, which was valued at approximately $41.9 billion in 2023. According to Global Industry Analysts, Inc., this market is projected to grow to $60.5 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. Within this sector, the furnaces segment is expected to expand at an even higher rate of 5.9% during the same period. Notably, the U.S. market for heating equipment was estimated at $11.2 billion in 2023, with China forecasted to experience a robust growth rate of 8.7% to reach $13.4 billion by 2030. This growth can largely be attributed to rising consumer preferences for energy-efficient heating solutions and the increasing installation of advanced heating systems in residential and commercial properties.

Industry Insights: The demand for gas furnaces is significantly influenced by shifts in consumer behavior towards energy efficiency and sustainability. As homeowners seek to reduce energy costs and environmental impact, the preference for high-efficiency gas furnaces is on the rise. Additionally, advancements in technology are leading to the development of smart heating solutions that integrate with IoT systems, allowing users to optimize energy consumption remotely. This trend is especially prevalent in regions with harsh winters, where gas furnaces are favored for their ability to provide consistent heating. Major players in the market are focusing on product innovation and enhanced distribution channels to meet the evolving demands of consumers. In particular, the growth of e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.com is facilitating wider access to a variety of gas furnace options, catering to diverse consumer needs and preferences.

Types of gas furnaces

A gas furnace is a device used to heat a house. The gas supplies combustible material, while the furnace converts the gas into thermal energy to generate heat. Here's a breakdown of the different types of gas furnaces.

• Natural Gas Furnace: A natural gas furnace utilizes natural gas from a municipal pipeline as its primary fuel source. When temperatures drop, the thermostat triggers the ignition of the natural gas. A blower motor pushes air through the furnace after the gas ignites and heat rises from the exchanger. The now-heated air blows into rooms through air ducts. Finally, the blower motor exhausts remaining combustion gases through the flue.
• LPG Gas Furnace: In areas not connected to municipal gas lines, homeowners may use liquid propane (LP) gas as an alternative fuel source. LP gas comes from natural gas processing or crude oil refining and is stored in large tanks outside the home. An LP gas furnace operates similarly to a natural gas furnace. However, LP gas has a higher heating value than natural gas. As a result, LP gas burners have fewer orifices, and the ignitions may differ from those in a natural gas furnace.
• High-Efficiency Gas Furnace: Standard gas furnaces exhaust combustion gases through a flue, exposed to the elements, and allowed to vent outside. High-efficiency models vent through PVC plastic pipes and may have two, three, or four pipes. These furnaces typically have two-stage or variable-speed motors for quieter operations and are designed to recycle heat from exhaust gases using a secondary heat exchanger. This process increases energy conversion and reduces energy waste. The recycled heat from the furnace helps to heat the home.
• Modulating and Two-stage Gas Furnaces: Conventional gas furnaces operate in a single stage, turning on and off with the thermostat. Two-stage furnaces have high and low heat settings. In contrast, modulating furnaces have variable heating levels depending on outdoor temperatures. Both types of furnaces provide more consistent heating and are quieter than single-stage models.

Specification and maintenance for gas furnaces

Specifications

• Gas furnace BTU

  A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measurement of heat energy, and it indicates the amount of heat the gas furnaces are capable of producing. Home gas furnaces typically range from 60,000 to 150,000 BTU per hour. Businesses should select units with the correct BTU to adequately heat their buildings without wasting energy.

• Gas furnace fuel

  Gas furnaces must use the correct type of gas for optimal performance. Natural gas is used for furnaces designed to burn it, while propane gas furnaces are located in areas where natural gas is not available for use.

• Gas furnace efficiency

  Furnace efficiency rates indicate how much of the energy from burned gas is converted into usable heat for the home. Typical gas furnace efficiencies range from 78% for non-condensing models to 90% or higher for high-efficiency condensing models.

Maintenance

It is important to maintain the gas furnaces because, with time, they will start to creak and make noise. Below is a list of maintenance tips to keep the gas furnace functioning properly.

• Clean or change the air filter: Operating with a clogged air filter can strain the gas furnace. This summer, homeowners should install a high-quality filter and plan to change or clean it before heating season.
• Keep the area around the furnace clean: Dust, dirt, and debris can prevent gas furnaces from functioning properly when it comes time to heat the house. This summer, it is important to keep the area around the furnace clean and free of obstructions, allowing for proper airflow.
• Schedule annual maintenance: When it comes to optimizing the gas furnace's lifespan, enhancing performance, and minimizing breakdowns, annual maintenance is crucial. This fall, plan to have the furnace inspected and serviced by a professional.

Usage scenarios of gas furnaces

Gas heating furnaces play a vital role in various sectors by providing heat energy to support different work and production needs.

• Residential gas furnaces

  In winter, people living in the coldest areas must rely on gas furnaces to keep them warm indoors. Gas furnaces serve as the main heat sources, allowing them to comfortably live and carry out daily routines.

• Commercial gas furnace

  Offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial facilities use gas furnaces for heating. They ensure a comfortable working and shopping environments. Gas furnaces also provide heating for facilities like hospitals and schools. They allow these places to remain open and respond to people' needs even in the coldest months.

  Gas furnaces also play a significant role in the food service industry. Restaurants rely on them not only to keep staff and customers warm but also to provide the high volumes of hot water necessary for cooking, cleaning, and food preparation.

• Industrial gas furnace

  Heavy and light industries use gas furnaces as a heat source to support production processes. Industries like metallurgy, building materials, chemical, machinery, and food employ different types of gas furnaces designed for specific processes. For example, metallurgy may choose induction gas furnaces, while the food industry will prefer gas steaming furnaces.

  Gas furnaces serve as the heat source for various production lines, such as those for plastic, textile, and papermaking. In those industries, gas furnaces help ensure smooth production and product quality.

  Additionally, gas furnaces frequently heat molds, ovens, reactors, and distillation and separator equipment. They are essential components in many industrial production processes.

How to choose gas furnaces

Many factors should be considered to choose the gas heating furnaces properly. The following tips may help business buyers to select the right gas heaters for customers.

• Understand the HVAC loads of buildings

  When selecting gas heaters for retailing, it is important to know the HVAC load of different types of buildings. Commercial buildings usually have a large HVAC load. It may require a central gas heater, ducted gas heating, or a packaged air conditioning unit. Package units are available in different fuel sources, including natural gas and propane. Industrial factories may need a high-BTU gas heater. Residential buildings need smaller size gas heaters.

• Know different types of gas heating systems

  Business buyers should research different types of gas heaters and how they work. Understand the pros and cons so they can give professional advice to customers. For example, a ducted gas heater distributes warm air through outlets in the floor. It is a good option for users who want a whole-house solution. An underfloor heating system is also a whole-house solution, but it heats a building from the ground up. Many customers prefer to see a sleek, minimalist unit on the walls. They'll opt for wall-mounted gas heaters.

• Consider customers' budgets

  Gas heating systems have different price ranges. Understand customers' needs and budgets when choosing gas heaters. For example, choose affordable options like wall-mounted gas heaters for regions with low temperatures and customers with limited budgets. Select mid-to-high-end products like floor-standing gas heaters and ducted central gas heaters for commercial buyers. They may also be interested in gas furnace replacement parts like a gas furnace circuit board.

• Opt for flexible OEM options

  Business buyers can also look for suppliers who offer OEM services. They can personalize the products with their logos and branding. Some suppliers let buyers choose product colors, packaging, and marketing materials. This gives buyers more options to satisfy their customers.

• Check warranty and support services

  Select suppliers with reliable warranty and customer support services. Installers usually need technical support when installing and maintaining gas heating systems. A good gas heater supplier offers training and technical support to installation teams. He'll ensure that end-users receive prompt support whenever they have a problem with the gas heater.

Gas furnace Q & A

Q1: What are the two main gases used in a gas furnace?

A1: Natural gas and propane are the two main gases used in a gas furnace. Natural gas is a widely used home heating fuel available in many urban and suburban areas. Propane is used in rural areas where natural gas lines are not present.

Q2: What is the life expectancy of a gas furnace?

A2: The average lifespan of a well-maintained gas furnace is as follows: 14-20 years for an old furnace, 16-20 years for a newer high-efficiency model, 20 years or more for a premium gas furnace with an ideal maintenance schedule.

Q3: What maintenance performs on gas furnaces each year?

A3: Annual gas furnace maintenance includes inspections of all components, cleaning, lubricating moving parts, gas line checks, verifying proper venting, electrical connection inspection, calibrating the thermostat, tightening the holding belt, checking the system's overall mechanics and efficiencies, etc. Other parts may be added to the checklist depending on the specific make and model of the furnace.

Q4: How do people know it's time to replace the gas furnace?

A4: While furnaces are built to last many years, signs often point to the need for replacement well before the end of the life span. These include the age of the furnace, rising energy bills, uneven heating, excessive dust in the home, constant repairs, loud noises, yellow burner flames, a health hazard gas detector, etc.