What Is a Single-Stage Furnace, Anyway?
Let’s start simple: a single-stage furnace has one heat setting—full blast. It’s either on or off. No in-between. The Goodman GR9S960803BN falls into this category. It’s a solid, reliable system that runs at 100% when heating is needed, then shuts off once the thermostat is satisfied.
This used to be the norm. But now, with all the talk around two-stage and modulating furnaces, folks wonder if single-stage still cuts it.
Here’s my take: It absolutely can—if it’s matched properly to your home and expectations.
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage vs. Modulating: What’s the Difference?
| Furnace Type | Operation Style | Comfort Level | Cost | Efficiency Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Stage | 100% On or Off | Basic | $ | Good (with high AFUE) |
| Two-Stage | High & Low Speeds | Better | $$ | Great |
| Modulating | Fine-Tuned Output | Best | $$$ | Best |
🔗 Learn more about furnace stages – ENERGY STAR
So, does that mean you have to upgrade to two-stage or modulating? Not necessarily. It depends on:
✅ Your climate
✅ Your home’s insulation
✅ Your budget
✅ Your comfort expectations
Why the Goodman GR9S960803BN Still Makes Sense
Here’s where this unit stands out—it may be single-stage, but it’s not outdated. With a 96% AFUE, it burns fuel efficiently, meaning you save more on gas bills while keeping your home warm.
And thanks to Goodman’s multi-speed ECM blower motor, you’re still getting smoother air delivery, quieter operation, and decent humidity control—even without variable heating stages.
When Single-Stage Is the Right Call 👌
✅ Moderate climates: You don’t need multiple stages to maintain comfort if your winters aren’t extreme.
✅ Smaller homes or open layouts: Less square footage = less need for modulating precision.
✅ Reliable thermostat control: Paired with a smart thermostat, a single-stage furnace can still deliver great comfort cycles.
✅ Budget-conscious homeowners: Lower upfront costs and high efficiency make units like this a value winner.
Where You Might Want to Upgrade
If you live in a very cold region or have multi-story homes with zoning needs, you might prefer the gentler, more balanced performance of a two-stage or modulating unit.
That said, a lot of folks don’t notice the difference unless they’ve had both. And with the GR9S960803BN’s quiet operation and compact 17.5” cabinet, it’s ideal for replacing older 80% units with a major boost in efficiency—without the extra cost of high-tech parts.
Final Thoughts from Tony 🧰
Here’s the deal—furnace marketing loves to push more stages as more comfort, and sure, there’s truth to that. But that doesn’t mean a single-stage furnace like the GR9S960803BN is outdated.
If it’s sized right, installed right, and you’re not living in the Arctic Circle, it can absolutely keep your home cozy and your utility bills low.
Sometimes simple is smart—and this Goodman model is a classic example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t overcomplicate it.” 💥🔥
In the next topic you will read about: How to Quiet a Noisy Furnace: Tony’s DIY Troubleshooting Guide
