What is the best furnace brand?
What is the best furnace brand?
$2,100 – $10,000 total installed cost
Best furnace brands
The best furnace brands cost $2,100 to $10,000 with installation, depending on the model, features, efficiency rating, and warranty. Popular, highly rated brands like Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, and others manufacture reliable furnaces with efficiency ratings ranging from 80% to 99%.
| Brand | Average installed cost | Efficiency rating (AFUE) |
|---|---|---|
| Amana | $2,100 – $8,200 | 80.0% – 98.0% |
| American Standard | $2,700 – $9,000 | 80.0% – 97.3% |
| Bryant | $2,300 – $7,000 | 80.0% – 98.3% |
| Carrier | $2,400 – $8,000 | 80.0% – 98.5% |
| Goodman | $2,100 – $6,300 | 80.0% – 98.0% |
| Heil | $2,400 – $6,400 | 80.0% – 98.0% |
| Lennox | $3,000 – $9,500 | 80.0% – 99.0% |
| Rheem / Ruud | $2,500 – $7,800 | 80.0% – 98.0% |
| York | $2,300 – $10,000 | 80.0% – 98.0% |
Most furnace brands offer two to three lines featuring different models, pricing, and efficiency ratings.
Most brands include smart home technology on their top-tier models.
Amana furnaces
Amana furnaces cost $2,100 to $8,200 with installation. Amana, which is owned by Goodman, offers quality furnaces, average performance, and a solid warranty. Top-tier Amana furnaces use ComfortBridge Technology to determine the best furnace speed or stage, as opposed to relying solely on a thermostat.
American Standard furnaces
American Standard furnaces cost $2,700 to $9,000 installed on average and are also sold under the name Trane. American Standard has been a household name since it was founded in 1929. The company offers affordable furnaces with 10-year warranties and single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed operation.
Premium models use AccuLink and AccuComfort smart thermostats, which allow you to control your furnace through a mobile app.
Bryant furnaces
Bryant furnaces cost $2,300 to $7,000 with installation. Bryant was founded in 1904 and offers high-quality furnaces known for being quieter than other brands. Innovative developments like the Bryant Hybrid Heat system combine a gas furnace and a heat pump into one heating system.
Carrier furnaces
Carrier furnaces cost $2,400 to $8,000 installed and are known for high efficiency and performance. Carrier partners with Energy Star to meet strict energy efficiency requirements. Like Bryant, Carrier’s furnaces are relatively quiet. They also include variable-speed blowers, flexible-speed technology, and a completely insulated cabinet.
Goodman furnaces
Goodman furnaces cost $2,100 to $6,300 with installation. Goodman is one of the biggest HVAC brands in the country and is a member of the Daikin brand family. This brand prides itself on testing each heating unit three times before it leaves the assembly line.
Heil furnaces
Heil furnaces cost $2,400 to $6,400 installed on average. Heil is considered a solid mid-tier furnace brand. Their most expensive furnace models feature SmartSense Technology for added efficiency and convenience.
Lennox furnaces
Lennox furnaces cost $3,000 to $9,500 installed, with over 15 models to choose from. Like Carrier, Lennox partners with Energy Star to make high-efficiency furnaces and has the highest efficiency ratings on the market, up to 99%. Lennox also offers quiet furnaces with variable-speed blower motors.
Rheem or Ruud furnaces
Rheem or Ruud furnaces cost $2,500 to $7,800. Rheem and Ruud sell the exact same furnaces under different brand names. These furnaces are known for their reliability and affordability but do not have as long a warranty as some other brands.
York furnaces
York furnaces cost $2,300 to $10,000 and have a reputation for being quiet, reliable, and efficient. Most of the furnaces in York's three product lines are Energy Star rated, and top-tier models use ClimaTrak™ technology to customize temperatures and enhance efficiency.
What is the best gas furnace brand?
Ultimately, the best furnace brand for you depends on which features you value the most. If you’re focused on price, all of the brands offer lower-cost, lower-efficiency models with basic features. If you want tax incentives or lower energy bills, you may have to pay more for a top-tier high-efficiency model.
Carrier has the best overall performance ratings compared to other brands. The company is known for providing a good balance between affordability, efficiency, and durability. However, other brands also earn top marks for energy efficiency, customer satisfaction, and other key aspects:
Best overall performance: Carrier
Highest customer satisfaction: American Standard
Highest energy efficiency rating: Lennox
Easiest maintenance: Rheem / Ruud
Best selection: Amana
Search for Energy Star certified furnaces. Currently, Energy Star certification requires an AFUE rating of at least 95% for gas and 90% for oil furnaces. In 2028, the Department of Energy will require all non-weatherized gas furnaces to have a rating of 95% or higher.
Furnace brand factors
The following factors influence the quality of the furnace and brand:
Customer service: Top brands like Carrier, American Standard, and Lennox offer DIY maintenance tips, troubleshooting guides, and 24/7 customer service. Some brands, like Rheem or Ruud, have a network of local dealers that give hands-on help when needed.
Premium features: The best furnace brands offer advanced features for smart-home integration. Wi-Fi capable furnaces provide performance monitoring, maintenance scheduling, diagnostics, and custom updates. Some models use artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms to boost efficiency.
Energy efficiency (AFUE rating): The higher the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, the more efficient the furnace is and the lower your energy bills will be. The Department of Energy requires all furnaces made post-2014 to have a 78% or higher AFUE. All of the best brands exceed this standard, with new models ranging from 80% to 99% AFUE.
Noise levels: A noisy furnace can disrupt sleep and disturb your pets, so check manufacturer information to see the noise level for the model you're considering. Many furnaces are rated at 50 to 60 decibels, but noisier furnaces are rated at about 60 to 70 decibels.
Motor type: Variable-speed motors adjust their speed and output as needed to maximize efficiency, while single-speed motors run at the same rate every time they power up. Variable-speed furnaces cost more but can lower your energy bills and even increase your home’s value.
Warranty: Some furnace warranties only cover certain parts like the heat exchanger, while others include entire unit replacement. Warranty lengths typically vary by model, and some companies offer longer warranties for buyers who register their furnaces within a certain timeframe.
How to save money on a brand-name furnace
Furnaces from the top brands are considered high-quality but expensive. Follow these tips to save money on a new furnace:
Search for incentives: Some vendors and manufacturers offer rebates, deals, or discounts for furnaces, so ask about these before signing a contract. Some furnace models also qualify for Energy Star tax credits.
Shop around: Get quotes from multiple HVAC companies to find the best price.
Replace your furnace in the off-season: HVAC companies are typically less busy in the early spring and early fall. Furnace installers are more likely to offer deals during those times of year.
Furnace brand FAQs
Does buying a new furnace increase home value?
Yes, buying and installing a new furnace in your home can increase the home’s value by 5% to 10%, especially when you replace an old, inefficient furnace with a high-efficiency model.
Which furnaces last the longest?
Furnaces last 15 to 25 years on average, depending on the fuel type and maintenance frequency. Gas furnaces from all the top brands typically have similar lifespans if well maintained. The typical lifespan of a furnace by fuel type is:
Gas furnaces: 15 to 25 years
Oil furnaces: 15 to 25 years
Electric furnaces: 20 to 30 years
Propane furnaces: 15 to 20 years
What size furnace do I need?
Most homes need a furnace rated for at least 30 British thermal units (BTUs) per square foot, and homes in the coldest climates need furnaces rated for 40 to 45 BTUs. This means you’ll need a model that can generate 45,000 to 200,000 BTUs, depending on your home's size and location.
Older homes with poor insulation, a closed floor plan, or older windows may need a stronger furnace than newer or well-insulated homes.
When is the best time of year to buy a furnace?
The best time of year to buy a furnace is usually sometime in early spring or early fall, as these times of the year are considered the off-season for HVAC professionals. Furnace installers tend to offer more discounts and deals during this time.
Getting estimates from furnace installers
Follow these steps to ensure you find the best furnace company near you:
Look for furnace installers certified by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) or North American Technician Excellence (NATE).
Choose a licensed, bonded, insured HVAC company with 5+ years of experience.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google to find reputable furnace pros.
Obtain 3+ quotes in writing from different HVAC vendors. Confirm the quotes include furnace models with comparable features and efficiency ratings.
Ask for an itemized contract and warranty in writing.
Steer clear of unusually low quotes, which suggest a lack of experience or low-quality work.
Questions to ask furnace installation companies
To make sure you select a reputable furnace installer, ask these questions:
How many years have you been installing furnaces?
In your experience, what are the most reliable furnace brands?
What furnace brand and size would you recommend?
How do you calculate the proper furnace size for my home?
Are the furnace connections in my house usable, or do I need new ones? How much will that cost?
Does your estimate include materials, labor, cleanup, and any required permits?
How long do furnace installations usually take?
Does this furnace come with or qualify for any discounts, rebates, or tax credits?
How long does the warranty last and what does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.