Choosing the Right Furnace Type for Your Home

Last Updated

October 20, 2025

‍Why picking the right furnace matters in San Antonio

When temperatures dip (yes, even in South Texas), your furnace becomes the hero of your home’s comfort. But not all furnaces are created equal. Here’s what you should consider:

  • Efficiency: A high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) means more of the energy you pay for goes into heating your home.

  • Match to your home’s needs: Size, ductwork, insulation, and climate all matter. An oversized or undersized furnace can waste energy or cause short cycling.

  • Reliability & serviceability: A furnace that's easy to service and backed by strong warranties will save headaches down the road.

  • Comfort features: Things like variable‐speed blowers, modulating gas valves, quiet operation, these add up to a better feel in your home.

  • Local support and installation quality: A great furnace still needs great installation. Stay Cool emphasizes accurate sizing (Manual J calculations), proper installation, and quality service lines.

Because in San Antonio, where winters aren’t extreme but comfort and efficiency still matter, choosing well pays off.

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Common Furnace Types – What to know

Here’s a breakdown of typical furnace “types” you’ll encounter, and how to pick among them.

Different Furnace Types and Their Perks
Furnace Type Key Features When It’s Suitable
Single‐Stage One level of heat output; simple design, usually lower cost. Smaller homes or moderate use; budget first.
Two‐Stage Two levels of heat output (low and high). More efficient, better comfort. Mid‐sized homes, moderate climates, want a step up.
Modulating / Variable‐Speed Continuously adjusts output to maintain steady temps, often with variable blower speed. Large homes, duct challenges, performance comfort focus.
High AFUE / Premium Brand High efficiency (90%+), strong features and warranty support. Long-term home owners, want max savings & comfort.

Tip: Don’t just pick the “highest efficiency” without sizing your home and checking ductwork. Sometimes, a mid‐efficiency unit properly installed produces better real‐world results than a top‐tier unit installed poorly.

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Why we recommend the Daikin FIT (and how Stay Cool supports it)

Among the furnace options out there, we at Stay Cool are proud to install the Daikin FIT system, and here's why we believe it's an excellent choice for many San Antonio homes.

What the Daikin FIT offers

  • According to Delta Air Systems, the FIT system is designed around communication and performance: it pairs a high‐quality indoor furnace with an outdoor unit using inverter / variable‐speed technology.

  • Even though many homes in San Antonio don’t face “arctic” heating loads, the variable technology gives better comfort, quieter operation, and improved efficiency compared to legacy single‐stage units.

  • With Daikin’s reputation for quality and Stay Cool’s status as a Daikin Comfort Pro in San  Antonio, you get strong installation support, warranty coverage, and local service. 
  • On the Stay Cool website, you’ll see the FIT system featured with financing offers (making the upgrade more accessible) and full support for San Antonio’s climate and home types.

When FIT makes sense

  • If you're replacing an old furnace or installing one for the first time, and you care about comfort, quieter operation, and improved energy efficiency.

  • If your home is of moderate size (say 1,500–3,000 sq ft.), and you want a “future‐proof” system that will serve you for many years.

  • If you’re working with a trusted installer (like Stay Cool) who will perform proper sizing and duct/airflow checks (which is essential for variable systems to perform as promised).

Things to keep in mind

  • Because it is a premium system, the initial cost will be higher than a basic single‐stage furnace. But if you factor in efficiency gains, longer lifespan, and better comfort, the value is there.

  • Make sure ductwork, airflow, vent sizing, and other home systems are compatible; variable systems require good installation practices.

  • As always, schedule a professional assessment (with a Manual J load calculation) so you choose the right size and configuration.

Want full product details?

You can learn more about the Daikin FIT and Daikin’s whole home furnace offerings, including specifications, models, and features here: Daikin FIT 

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How Stay Cool works with you

At Stay Cool, here’s how we guide you through selecting and installing the right furnace:

  • We begin with a free estimate and perform a Manual J load calculation to size your home correctly.

  • We’ll review your current ductwork, insulation, thermostat setup, and any existing comfort or efficiency issues.

  • We’ll present furnace options (including FIT) and show you the comparative benefits: initial cost, efficiency, comfort gain, and long‐term value.

  • After you choose, we install with our standard professional practices: quality wiring, sealed duct transitions, proper venting, and full system testing.

  • We offer financing (in many cases starting around ~$85–99/month, depending on system) to make the premium option more accessible.

  • Because we’re a Daikin Comfort Pro, we back installations with extended parts & labor warranties for Daikin systems. 

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Final thoughts – Is FIT right for your home?

If you’re reading this and thinking: “I want a furnace that will keep my San Antonio home comfortable, efficient, quiet, and ready for years of service” — then yes, the Daikin FIT (installed by Stay Cool) is a very compelling choice.

If you have a smaller budget or absolutely minimal heating demands, then a simpler furnace may suffice, but keep in mind you’ll sacrifice some comfort and efficiency.

Bottom line:

  • Get the sizing right.

  • Choose an installer you trust.

  • And if you’re ready to invest in comfort and value, the FIT system is a smart move.

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