What Is a Single-Stage Furnace, Anyway?
When you hear “single-stage,” it simply means the furnace has one heat output level: full blast. It’s either on or off—no in-between.
The Goodman GR9S960803BN is a single-stage, 96% AFUE gas furnace, which means:
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It runs at full capacity when heating is needed
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Then shuts off when the thermostat hits your set temperature
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It’s simple, reliable, and proven
This kind of setup is great for homeowners who want solid performance without the extra bells and whistles (or cost) of multi-stage systems.
When Single-Stage Works Just Fine 💪
Single-stage furnaces like this Goodman model are best for:
✅ Moderate to mild climates
✅ Smaller to mid-size homes
✅ Open floor plans
✅ Households with even insulation and airflow
These units run hard and heat fast. If your home holds temperature well, a single-stage unit can keep you perfectly cozy—especially with today’s higher AFUE ratings.
🔗 Learn about AFUE and how it impacts energy bills – ENERGY STAR
Where Single-Stage Might Fall Short
There are a few situations where a single-stage furnace may not be ideal:
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Cold climates that require longer, steadier heat output
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Two-story homes where heat distribution is tricky
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Zoned systems with different heating needs in separate areas
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Sensitive occupants who notice temp swings
In those cases, a two-stage or modulating furnace offers better control. But if your priority is reliability and simplicity, single-stage is still a smart move.
🔗 Single-Stage vs Two-Stage Furnace Comparison – HVAC.com
How the GR9S960803BN Stands Out as a Single-Stage Unit
Goodman beefed up this furnace with some serious extras, even though it’s single-stage:
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96% AFUE means you’re getting high-efficiency performance
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9-speed ECM blower helps maintain steady airflow
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Quiet operation thanks to insulated blower cabinet
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Upflow and horizontal install options make it flexible
So while it may not modulate or ramp up/down like variable-speed models, it still punches above its weight class.
🔗 See how ECM motors improve efficiency and comfort – ACHR News
Pairing It With the Right Thermostat 🧠
You don’t need a fancy communicating thermostat with this unit. In fact, a basic programmable model will work great. Look for:
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5-2 or 7-day programming
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Auto changeover for heat/cool
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Filter change reminders
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Smart learning, if desired
Want to upgrade later? No problem—this furnace is smart thermostat compatible with brands like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell.
🔗 Check out smart thermostat guides at ENERGY.gov
Final Thoughts from Tony 🧰
If you’re wondering whether a single-stage furnace like the Goodman GR9S960803BN is “enough,” my answer is: for most homeowners, yes.
It’s simple. It’s tough. And with 96% efficiency, you’ll see real savings—especially if you’re upgrading from a 70–80% AFUE system.
The key is making sure your system is sized correctly, your ductwork is solid, and your expectations are realistic. If you're not chasing hyper-zoned, whisper-quiet perfection, this furnace gets the job done. And done well. 👍
In the next topic you will read about: How Big of a Furnace Do You Really Need? Tony Talks Furnace Sizing for Real Homes
