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The Best Furnace Brands (2024 Guide)

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Author Image Written by Brenda Woods Updated 12/13/2024

After 400 hours of research across 20 brands we recommend Carrier as our top pick for furnace brands due to the company’s high energy efficiency ratings, partnership with Energy Star, and 10-year limited parts warranty.

A furnace is an essential home system—and a big investment—so it’s important to choose the right one. To help you decide, we have thoroughly researched the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) industry to compile this guide to the best furnace brands. You can also check out our guide to the best air conditioners (AC) for your cooling needs.

See our list of top hvac companies based on in-depth research.

Select the company that best meets your needs.

Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.


Top Furnace Brands

These are the best furnace brands based on our in-depth methodology:

Best Performance: Carrier
Best Energy Efficiency: Lennox
Best Packaged Systems: Bryant
Best Warranty: Trane
Best Comfort Control: Amana
Best Value: American Standard
Best Heat Exchangers: Daikin

How Do the Best Furnace Brands Compare?

Get a quick overview of our top picks for furnaces below:

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Company Star Rating BBB Rating Price Range Warranty Link
4.9/5
5.0/5
A+$2,900–$8,3005–10 years
4.9/5
A-$2,300–$5,50010 years
4.4/5
4.7/5
American StandardRead Our Review
4.5/5

The Best Furnace Brands

Carrier

Best Performance
5

Overview

Carrier focuses on high efficiency and performance. It offers furnaces with high AFUE ratings between 80% and 98.5%. Carrier also partners with Energy Star to meet strict energy efficiency requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This partnership, combined with the company’s low sound ratings and variable-speed blowers, makes Carrier’s furnaces some of the top-performing products available.

Pros and cons

Pros Has high energy efficiency rates of up to 98.5% AFUE Includes a 10-year limited parts warranty for registered products Includes humidity control for many of its furnaces Cons Requires a salesperson to visit your home for accurate cost information Is more expensive than other brands

Cost

You’ll have to request an in-home visit for accurate pricing, but customer reviews cite costs between $3,000 and $15,000.

Recommended model

Carrier’s ​​Performance 96 Gas Furnace is an excellent choice for This Old House readers. It offers a good balance between affordability and performance with a variable-speed blower motor that runs in low stages up to 90% of the time. Longer, low-stage run times give you better energy efficiency, better temperature control, and increased comfort.

Lennox

Best Energy Efficiency
5

Overview

Lennox has an impressive selection of more than 15 furnace models with various product lines. Like Carrier, it partners with Energy Star to provide high-efficiency furnaces. However, it has slightly higher energy efficiency, with some Lennox furnaces reaching 99% AFUE. Lennox also offers some of the quietest oil and gas furnaces with variable blower motors.

Pros and cons

Pros Has the highest AFUE rating on this list Features low sound ratings for its oil furnaces Is available at popular retailers such as The Home Depot Cons Varies warranty options by furnace line Is more expensive than some companies

Cost

Installing one of Lennox’s furnaces will cost around $3,100–$10,000.

Recommended model

We recommend Lennox’s EL296V Variable-Speed, Two-Stage Gas Furnace. It’s an excellent middle-ground option, with Energy Star certification and up to 96% AFUE. It includes a five-year limited warranty on covered components or a 10-year limited extended warranty when you register the furnace.

Bryant

Best for Packaged Systems
4.5

Overview

Bryant started more than a century ago in 1904. Now, the company offers high-quality gas furnaces with low sound and high AFUE ratings of up to 98.3%. The company aims to offer innovative packaged systems. For example, its Bryant Hybrid Heat system combines a gas furnace and heat pump into one heating and cooling system.

Pros and cons

Pros Produces sturdy furnaces with aluminized steel Offers packaged heating and cooling systems Includes a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty Cons Warranties are less comprehensive than other brands Doesn’t offer premium or luxury models

Cost

A Bryant furnace costs $3,500– $6,000 including installation.

Recommended model

Bryant’s Evolution 96 Variable-Speed 986T Gas Furnace provides up to 96.7% AFUE. It has a cabinet with an external furnace filter that makes it easier to change the filter—a necessary part of furnace maintenance. This product also features a two-stage valve to combat humidity and can integrate with heat pump system combinations for enhanced heating efficiencies.

Trane

Best Warranty
4.5

Overview

Founded in 1913, Trane is an excellent option for a secure investment. It includes a 20-year heat exchanger and 10-year parts and labor warranty, which is more comprehensive than other brands. Additionally, the company’s gas furnaces have a sturdy design with heavy-gauge, two-tone powder-painted cabinets.

Those interested in smart-home features will appreciate Trane’s variable-speed technology, which continuously communicates with other HVAC system parts to ensure efficient performance and energy savings. Trane’s thermostat also optimizes efficiency by providing real-time diagnostics, humidity controls, and automatic temperature adjustments.

Pros and cons

Pros Uses speed blower motors for quieter system startup and shutdown Incorporates smart-home technology for increased efficiency Includes a comprehensive 20-year heat exchanger warranty plus 10 years for other parts and labor Cons Charges a premium for many products Requires a ComfortLink II thermostat on high-end options for proper function

Cost

Trane furnaces cost $3,500–$15,600 with professional installation.

Recommended model

Trane’s S9X1 Gas Furnace offers some of the company’s best value. It starts at $5,700 and reaches up to 96% AFUE. It also includes full insulation for quiet performance and a stainless steel primary heat exchanger for increased corrosion-resistance. The furnace comes with Trane’s base limited warranty, registered limited warranty, and optional extended warranties.

Amana

Best Comfort Control
4

Overview

Amana is owned by Goodman, which is on our list of best AC brands. The company offers quality furnaces with average performance, but its products are backed by a solid warranty. Amana also incorporates features that boost performance and energy efficiency. For example, the company’s ComfortBridge technology uses two-way communication to determine which speed or stage the furnace should run on for optimal efficiency, rather than relying solely on your thermostat.

Pros and cons

Pros Includes a limited lifetime replacement warranty on its heat exchangers Adds features to improve comfort control Has a user-friendly website to search for dealers and find manuals and other resources Cons Has average performance for its pricing Uses communicating technology, which is new and can be difficult to fix if it malfunctions

Cost

Amana offers furnaces for $3,600–$11,000, including installation fees.

Recommended model

We recommend Amana’s ACVM97 Modulating Variable-Speed Gas Furnace. It reaches up to 97% AFUE, includes the company’s ComfortBridge technology, and incorporates high-quality components such as a stainless steel, tubular primary heat exchanger and quiet variable-speed circulator motor. In addition, the company claims you can receive up to $1,200 in rebates with this model.

American Standard

Best Value
4

Overview

American Standard has become a household name in heating since its founding in 1929. The company produces affordable furnaces with 10-year limited warranties. It offers many units, including options for single, two-stage and variable-speed fan motors depending on your budget and desired energy efficiency. The company also offers AccuLink and AccuComfort smart thermostats, which allow you to control your furnace via American Standard’s mobile app. Best of all, the company has competitive pricing.

Pros and cons

Pros Offers smart-home technology Has competitive pricing on quality products Uses a network of certified dealers Cons Requires you to buy a high-end unit to receive compressor coverage Has higher sound levels than other brands

Cost

American Standard offers competitive pricing, with furnaces between $3,500 and $10,900 including installation.

Recommended model

American Standard’s Platinum 95 Gas Furnace is durable and efficient. It reaches up to 97.3% AFUE and uses a heavy steel insulated cabinet for quiet performance and sturdy design. This furnace model is compatible with American Standard’s AccuLink Communicating System for easier control and monitoring of your heating system.

Daikin

Best Heat Exchangers
3.5

Overview

Daikin has been crafting high-quality furnaces since the 1930s. You might notice the company’s name when looking into Amana and Goodman HVAC products because Daikin owns these brands. Daikin-brand furnaces are a more premium product, including top-of-the-line designs and components. 

Daikin constructs heat exchangers from tubular stainless steel with wrinkle bend technology. This design helps to combat corrosion and damage from condensation, making it one of the strongest and most durable exchangers on the market. Furthermore, Daikin includes a lifetime warranty on its heat exchangers.

Pros and cons

Pros Crafts high-quality heat exchangers backed by a lifetime warranty Offers a large selection of furnaces with 19 models Uses electronically commutated motors (ECM), which are quieter and more efficient than standard motors Cons Doesn’t offer as many extra features as other brands Repairs can be expensive if not covered by a warranty

Cost

Daikin’s furnaces cost $2,500–$11,000 for the unit and installation.

Recommended model

We recommend Daikin’s DM96TN gas furnace. This furnace features an AFUE rating of up to 96% and offers the company’s impressive, heavy-duty, stainless steel tubular heat exchanger. It’s also Energy Star-certified and has a two-stage gas valve for quieter and more economical heating.


BrandAFUE RatingFurnace PriceInstallation Cost
CarrierUp to 98.5%$1,000–$3,000$3,000–$15,000
LennoxUp to 99%$2,000–$3,000$3,100–$10,000
BryantUp to 98.3%$1,500 –$4,500$3,500– $6,000
TraneUp to 97.3%$2,000–$5,000$3,500–$15,600
AmanaUp to 97%$1,500–$3,000$3,600–$11,000
American StandardUp to 97%$1,500–$3,000$3,500–$10,900
DaikinUp to 98%$2,500–$5,000$2,500–$11,000

How Much Does Furnace Installation Cost by Brand?

See each furnace brand’s installation cost at a glance below. 


What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Furnace Brand?

Look out for these common factors to ensure you choose a quality unit for the high average furnace installation cost. 

AFUE Ratings

Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings measure how much fuel the furnace converts to heat, allowing you to gauge efficiency. A quality furnace has an 80%–99% AFUE rating. We don’t recommend buying a furnace below 80% AFUE. Though furnaces with higher AFUE ratings cost more, spending an extra $300 or $500 for better energy efficiency is worth it for long-term energy savings.

Brand Compatibility

It’s important to check what company makes your other HVAC components. HVAC brands often design their products to be compatible with only their brand or brands owned by the same parent company. Knowing the brand of your AC unit and thermostat will help you narrow down your options. 

Maintenance

Pay attention to the furnace’s components and their quality. High-quality components require less maintenance, saving you money on routine HVAC maintenance. Most brands offer different tiers of heating units that fit various budgets and home heating needs. Look out for parts that use stainless steel and variable-speed technology as good markers of high quality. 

Additional components such as an air pressure switch, variable-speed motor, air filtration system, changing your furnace filter, and electronic ignition help with performance and maintenance. These advanced features can reduce noise, trap dust particles, and increase efficiency. Furnaces may also have smart-home features that improve efficiency by automatically adjusting the heat output to the exact amount of air needed. 

Quick Tip

  • You may be able to add these components as upgrades to a standard model, but we suggest finding a unit that already includes them. Ask an HVAC technician about what upgrades are possible with the furnace model you’re interested in. 

Motors

Furnace motors, also known as blower motors, make the whole system run. These motors are usually connected to the blower in some capacity.

Standard furnaces have a direct drive motor that connects with the furnace’s blower wheel to circulate air through the furnace system. However, many companies now offer variable-speed motors. Unlike conventional furnace motors, a variable-speed blower motor runs at different speeds to precisely control the heat flow. This results in better airflow control and a better balance of temperature and humidity. As an added bonus, a variable-speed motor slowly ramps up to full speed, reducing noise while increasing energy efficiency. 

We recommend looking for furnaces that incorporate variable-speed motors. 

Packaged Systems

Packaged systems are a great way to cut costs on an entire HVAC system. HVAC companies tend to manufacture both heating and cooling units, so you might be able to purchase both unit types at a reduced price if you go through the same brand for both. For example, Bryant offers its furnaces with cooling units, such as AC units, at reduced prices. If you need an entire HVAC system replacement, we suggest you look for a company that offers packaged systems. 

Warranties

Review the length of each brand’s warranties and what parts or components are covered. A 10-year limited parts warranty is standard but check and see if the brand offers additional labor warranties or unit replacement warranties. 

For example, Trane includes a 10-year labor warranty to cover the cost of repairs or replacement due to malfunction, and Daikin includes a lifetime warranty on its heat exchangers. These warranties make these brands stand out compared to others offering only a 10-year parts warranty.


What Are Commonly Used Furnace Terms?

It’s important to understand some essential terms while researching new furnaces for your home. Here’s what to know.

  • Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): This measures a furnace’s heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace.
  • British Thermal Unit (BTU): A BTU equals the amount of heat required to raise a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. This unit of heat determines how much heating capacity your home needs. The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful it is. Larger homes require furnaces with higher BTUs.
  • Ductwork: This refers to the system of metal or synthetic ducts used to transport heated air throughout your home. Your furnace will be integrated into your home’s ductwork.
  • Gas Furnace: A gas furnace converts natural gas or propane into heat for your home.
  • Oil Furnace: An oil furnace converts heating oil into heat for the home.
  • Heat Exchanger: A heat exchanger is the part of the furnace that transfers heat to the surrounding air, which is then pumped throughout the home. You can think of it as the backbone of the furnace.
  • Heat Pump: A whole house heat pump is a popular home system that has both heating and cooling abilities. It draws heat from the outdoor air and circulates it through a home’s air ducts during cold months. In summer, it removes heat from the house and releases it outside. The cost of a heat pump is typically less than that of a gas furnace.
  • Packaged System: Similar to a heat pump, a packaged system combines heating and cooling into one system that’s housed outside. These systems come in various configurations, including AC-only or heat pump options.
  • Variable-speed Motor: This motor operates at a wide range of speeds to control the distribution of heated air throughout the home. It has become increasingly popular, as it yields better energy efficiency and comfort than one- or two-stage options.

How Do You Determine What Size Furnace You Need?

Your home’s square footage and local climate will determine what size furnace you need. Furnace capacities are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). HVAC contractors typically allocate about 20 BTUs for each square foot of space. For example, an average 2,000-square-foot home will need between 80,000 and 115,000 BTUs to heat efficiently. 


Our Conclusion

The best furnace brand depends on your budget, heating needs, and preferences. Carrier offers some of the best-performing and most reliable furnaces, while Lennox has one of the highest AFUE ratings and best energy efficiency scores. Brands such as Bryant or American Standard may be better if you want a more affordable option.

We recommend that homeowners get at least three quotes from different brands to compare costs, warranties, and additional features.

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FAQ About the Best Furnace Brands

What is the most energy-efficient furnace for homes?

The most efficient furnace is a modulating variable-speed furnace with about a 98% AFUE rating. Almost every HVAC manufacturer offers a variation of this furnace type. However, it’s one of the most expensive options, and only some homes can support it depending on duct system design and other factors. We recommend consulting a furnace technician about installing a variable-speed furnace. 

Which furnace has the best warranty?

Trane has some of the best furnace warranties available. The company offers a comprehensive combination of warranties when you register its products, including a 20-year heat exchanger warranty, a 10-year limited parts warranty, and a 10-year labor warranty.

What type of furnace lasts the longest?

Oil furnaces last the longest, with an average life span of about 25 years. Gas furnaces last only 15–20 years. 

What’s the best furnace company?

Carrier is one of the oldest and highest-quality furnace companies in the United States. It offers affordable products that balance high efficiency, performance, and durability, including variable-speed blowers, adaptable-speed technology, and a fully insulated cabinet. 


Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to support our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for HVAC providers is on a 100-point system based on seven factors:

  • System cost (20 points): We determine each brand’s average price range for a full-size AC or furnace. Most units cost between $3,100 and $8,500. The lower the average price range, the more points a company receives. 
  • Efficiency rating (20 points): We consider the company’s best available energy efficiency ratings, namely its highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The higher the rating, the higher the score.
  • Sound rating (10 points): We analyze a company’s lowest possible sound rating in decibels. Companies with lower sound ratings are rated higher.
  • Warranty options (10 points): We award the most points to companies with warranties above the average five- or 10-year warranties. We deduct points from companies with warranties that cover three or fewer parts.
  • Energy Star certification (10 points): We award more points to companies with Energy Star-certified products.
  • Reputation (10 points): We review how each company is scored on the Business Better Bureau (BBB). We deduct points for any alerts or pending lawsuits.
  • Customer service and resources (20): We consider each company’s available customer support and resources. This includes whether the company offers a user-friendly product search tool, FAQ section, pricing guides, online manuals, and a mobile app. 

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.