Best furnace brands for 2023
As we approach some of the coldest months of the year, it’s necessary to have a functioning heating system at home. With a reliable heater or furnace, you can spend quality time with your family comfortably, without worrying about the cold.
A quality heating system can keep you warm and protect your health. Access to adequate heating can keep health conditions like respiratory infections at bay. You can also reduce condensation and humidity inside your home with proper heating, inhibiting mold growth that could otherwise ruin your furniture and property.
Owning a furnace is one of the best ways to warm your home. Compared to other modern electric heating systems, furnaces are long-lasting and affordable. Furnaces also offer flexibility because they come in different sizes and models and consume varying types of fuel.
Since there are many furnace models in the market, choosing one suitable for your home can be challenging. But don’t worry — we have you covered.
In this buying guide, we’ll look at the best furnace brands for 2023, including their top features, cost, warranty and overall efficiency.
What to consider before buying a furnace
There are a few factors to consider when picking out the best new furnace. Let’s take a look.
Cost
If you’re on a budget, you need to consider the cost of the furnace. Their prices will vary depending on the features or brand, but it’s not necessarily a good idea to rush out and buy the cheapest model. We suggest a furnace that provides the best value for your money.
Size
Furnaces come in varying sizes. Determine where you’d like to put the furnace, and measure the area to help you choose the size.
Warranty
Furnaces are machines, subject to normal wear and tear. When buying a furnace, you need to look at the type of warranty the brand offers. Furnaces with longer warranty periods are preferred. You should also determine if the warranty covers labor to avoid any future misunderstandings.
For a lasting warranty, consider adopting one of Cinch Home Services’ home protection plans, including a Built-in Systems plan that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your major home systems due to normal wear and tear.
Installation
Consider how easy or difficult the furnace will be to install. Will you need to hire installation experts, or can you do it yourself? If you’ll need to hire professionals, consider how the installation costs will affect your budget because you may have to pay them out of pocket.
Fuel type
Furnaces use different types of fuel to produce heat. Some use gas or propane, while others use electricity.
Furnaces that use gas are more economical. They burn natural gas, thus creating warm air, which blows through the home.
Electric furnaces, on the other hand, pull in air and pass it through a heat exchanger. The furnace then uses a blower to push warm air out. One huge advantage of electric furnaces is that they lower the risk of carbon monoxide fumes.
Lastly, some furnaces use propane to burn air in a heat exchanger and push out warm air. Propane-powered furnaces are a good alternative if you live in an area with frequent power outages. However, you must be careful where you store propane tanks to avoid fires.
There is one more category of fuel-burning furnaces — oil furnaces. However, these are uncommon due to their low efficiency. This type of furnace also produces emissions that are not good for the environment.
Heating stages
Furnaces can have single or multiple heating stages. Let’s look at how these stages differ.
Furnaces with a single stage are the most common. These furnaces have a flame at a single point that’s responsible for heating the cold air. Single-stage furnaces turn off automatically when the room or home reaches the desired temperature.
There are also two-stage furnaces that are more efficient compared to single-speed ones. Two-stage furnaces use a smaller flame to heat the air, but a larger flame can also ignite when the room temperature gets too low.
Modulating furnaces are considered the most efficient because they can continuously warm your home or maintain a specific preset temperature. These furnaces use a gas valve to control the amount of fuel that burns, meaning they’re more economical.
Now that we’ve discussed the most important features to consider when buying a new furnace, let’s look at the best brands we believe will be a perfect fit for you.
American Standard
American Standard is known for producing some of the most durable and energy-efficient furnaces. All American Standard furnaces pass through a thorough review process to ensure that they are of high quality. You can use natural gas or propane as fuel in these furnaces to warm your home.
American Standard is known for:
- Quiet operation. American Standard furnaces feature heavy steel-insulated cabins, enabling them to hold more heat and prevent noise from the blower from reaching you.
- Durability. Though American Standard products have a high initial cost, they are built to last. The furnaces have high-quality materials that will provide warmth and comfort for many years.
- Communication technology. Homeowners can use the AccuLink™ Communication system in the American Standard furnaces to remotely adjust settings and trigger alerts.
- Flexible temperature control. The firm’s furnaces use a thermostat that detects temperature conditions in the home and adjusts operations appropriately.
Average cost: American Standard furnaces can cost between $2,000 and $4,500.
Warranty offered: The base limited warranty option covers the unit from failures attributed to manufacturer defects and lasts five years. The registered limited warranty period lasts for 10 years, but you must register within 60 days after installing the unit to take advantage of it. You can also purchase the optional extended warranty that covers parts and labor.
Efficiency: Depending on the model, American Standard furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency rate (AFUE) that ranges from 80% to 97.3%.
Bryant
Bryant is a highly recommended brand known for quiet, energy-saving furnaces. This furnace company has incorporated Perfect Heat Plus technology into its furnaces, allowing them to control room temperature for a long period.
Bryant is known for:
- Insulated cabins. Bryant’s furnaces are fully insulated, enabling them to retain more heat and run quietly.
- Low maintenance costs. Bryant’s products last a long time, which means you’re getting great value for the money.
- External filter cabinet. Due to their convenient location, you can easily repair Bryant’s furnaces.
- Precise gas modulation. Bryant’s furnaces are built to consume as little energy as possible while offering quality heating.
Average cost: Depending on the model, the average cost of Bryant furnaces ranges from $2,200 to $4,500.
Warranty offered: Bryant offers a 10-year warranty upon early registration.
Efficiency: The AFUE rating ranges from 80% to 95%, depending on the furnace model.
Rheem
With close to 100 years selling furnaces, Rheem is a recommended brand due to its vast knowledge and expertise in building high-quality products. Over the years, Rheem has incorporated advanced technologies and features into its furnaces, delivering maximum customer satisfaction.
Rheem is known for:
- Low emissions.Rheem furnaces produce fewer carbon emissions, which is good for people and the environment.
- Simple ignition system. Due to their user-friendly ignition systems, you can easily turn Rheem furnaces on and off.
- Constant torque motor. Rheem furnaces feature an advanced motor that delivers consistent performance in varying environments.
Average cost: Rheem furnace prices range from $1,200 to $4,200.
Warranty offered: Rheem offers a 20-year limited warranty for parts.
Efficiency: Depending on the furnace model, Rheem’s AFUE rating ranges from 80% to 96%.
Trane
Trane is a highly recommended brand because it is cost-effective and energy-efficient. Trane’s furnaces can switch off when the air reaches a certain temperature and then turn on again when the temperature drops. This operational mode is more energy-efficient than furnaces that run all the time.
Trane is known for:
- Solid structural design. Trane furnaces are built using high-quality materials. They remain airtight, preserving more heat.
- Variable-speed blower. Trane’s furnace motors can reduce or increase speed, facilitating a steady flow of warm air in the room.
- Quiet system. The good structural integrity of Trane’s furnaces allows them to run quietly.
Average cost: The average cost of a Trane furnace ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
Warranty offered: Trane offers a limited warranty that lasts for 10 years.
Efficiency: Depending on the selected furnace model, Trane’s AFUE rating ranges from 80% to 97.3%.
Amana
Amana produces quiet and energy-efficient furnaces. Its AMVM97 gas furnace has an AFUE rating of 98%, one of the highest in the marketplace. This HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) brand also has single-stage furnaces that can automatically switch on or off to control heat output depending on the home’s temperature. While you’re away, you won’t have to worry about accruing a huge utility bill because the system remains self-sufficient.
Amana is known for:
- Reliable units. Amana’s furnaces can generally operate for long periods without encountering any major issues.
- Durable heat exchanger. Amana uses a heavy-duty stainless heat exchange, allowing its furnaces to withstand humid conditions and provide consistent performance.
- Self-diagnostic memory board. Amana furnaces can identify internal issues and errors and take automatic measures to resolve problems.
Average cost: The average cost of Amana furnaces ranges from $2,000 to $3,500.
Warranty offered: Amana offers a 10-year parts limited warranty.
Efficiency: Depending on the selected furnace model, Amana’s AFUE rating ranges from 80% to 98%.
Lennox
Lennox furnaces are engineered to provide perfect warmth and savings with 99% energy efficiency.
Lennox is known for:
- Ultra-low gas emissions. Lennox furnaces use advanced burners that reduce emissions significantly.
- Precise comfort technology. This functionality enables Lennox to keep your living space at a particular temperature, avoiding cold or too-hot spots in your home.
- Smart system.Lennox furnaces use sensors to troubleshoot and diagnose performance issues, keeping the HVAC system running in excellent condition.
Average cost: The average cost of Lennox furnaces ranges from $2,200 to $3,500.
Warranty offered: Lennox offers a 20-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10-year limited warranty on all remaining covered components.
Efficiency: Lennox furnaces have an AFUE rating of between 80% and 99%.
Daikin
With Daikin, you can be sure you’re getting high-quality and genuine products. Daikin has operated since the 1930s and accumulated massive experience and knowledge through the years. Its furnaces can operate for long periods, offering maximum value.
Daikin is known for:
- Long-lasting units. Daikin develops its furnaces using high-quality materials, which means they have lasting durability.
- Smart home system. This feature allows Daikin’s furnaces to recognize temperature changes and adjust appropriately.
- Excellent customer service. Daikin offers after-sales support to its clients. You can access the help you need through its website.
Average cost: The average cost of Daikin furnaces is between $3,500 and $6,000.
Warranty offered: Daikin provides a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty (good for as long as you own your home), a 12-year unit-replacement limited warranty, and a 12-year parts limited warranty.
Efficiency: Depending on the model, Daikin furnace AFUE ratings range from 80% to 95%.
Carrier
Carrier is a great choice if you’re looking for humidity control. For example, the Energy Star-certified Infinity 98 furnace features a variable-speed air conditioner that can adjust according to the humidity level inside your home. The brand also produces quiet and energy-saving products that are environmentally friendly.
Carrier is known for:
- Low-maintenance furnace cost. Carrier furnaces can operate longer without requiring major maintenance or repairs.
- A wide variety of options. Depending on your budget, Carrier allows you to choose between standard, enhanced or premium packages with different price points. Save money by buying only the features you need.
- Sound performance. Like other major brands, Carrier features fully insulated cabinets, so their furnaces run more quietly.
- Size. Carrier’s furnaces come in varying sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits your home.
Average cost: The average cost of Carrier furnaces ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
Warranty offered: Carrier provides a 10-year limited warranty.
Efficiency: Depending on the model, Carrier furnace AFUE ratings range from 80% to 98%.
Ruud
Ruud is one of the best furnace brands when it comes to safety and reliability. Its products allow you to use smart tools such as Bluetooth technology to monitor and troubleshoot your home system. Ruud’s furnaces are also environmentally friendly due to their low carbon emissions.
Ruud is known for:
- Self-diagnostic system. Ruud’s furnaces use a self-diagnostic system that makes them easy to maintain and repair.
- Ignition system. Ruud features a direct-spark ignition system that is reliable and durable.
- Constant motor. Ruud utilizes a constant motor in its furnaces, allowing the systems to deliver consistent performance.
- Good customer support. Ruud advises customers on where to buy specific furnace models on its website. It will also help you know which dealers to talk to in case of any issues.
Average cost: The average cost of Ruud furnaces falls between $5,170 and $6,000.
Warranty offered: Ruud provides a 10-year warranty for conditional parts and a 20-year warranty for the heat exchanger.
Efficiency: Ruud furnaces have AFUE ratings that range from 80% to 96%.
Heil
If you want a reliable and high-quality furnace at an affordable price, then Heil might be your brand of choice. The company provides home heating units in several packages. Some packages value performance above all, some prioritize comfort, and others are suitable for customers sticking to a budget.
Heil is known for:
- Reliable units. Heil builds using quality materials, so its furnaces are made to last a long time.
- Ultra-low NOx model. With this feature, Heil’s furnaces produce fewer greenhouse gases, making them better for the environment.
- Humidity control. Heil’s furnaces can detect humidity levels and adjust automatically to counter the conditions. This smart system ensures a level of comfort in your home.
- Fully insulated cabinets. Heil uses insulated cabinets to minimize noise pollution.
Average cost: The average cost of Heil furnaces falls between $2,000 and $4,000.
Warranty offered: Heil’s warranties include 10 years for parts and 20 years for the heat exchanger.
Efficiency: The AFUE rating for Heil furnaces ranges from 80% to 97%.
Goodman
Goodman is a top brand due to its proven, energy-efficient technology. The company manufactures some of the most durable brands in the marketplace. Goodman has the perfect furnace to suit your needs whether you have a small or large home..
Goodman is known for:
- Multi-speed blower motor. Goodman furnaces use an advanced blower that provides consistent airflow to match your comfort needs and save energy.
- Quick furnace installation. You don’t need a lot of experience to install or maintain Goodman furnaces. The company provides product documentation that is easy to follow, even for beginners.
- Durability. Goodman uses quality materials, including aluminized steel, making its furnaces last longer.
- Positive feedback. Most people who use Goodman furnaces have posted positive customer reviews that attest to the company’s quality.
Average cost: The average cost of Goodman furnaces falls between $2,000 and $3,000.
Warranty offered: Goodman offers a 10-year limited warranty on parts.
Efficiency: Depending on the model, Goodman furnaces have an AFUE rating of between 80% and 96%.
Protect your heating system with Cinch
During cooler months, furnaces keep our homes safe and comfortable. When buying a new one, you’ll have to consider factors like cost, warranty, size, fuel type and heating stages. Gas furnace brands such as Goodman, American Standard and Bryant produce highly dependable and affordable products you can count on.
After you’ve made your selection, keep in mind that even the best furnaces need regular maintenance. The cost of replacing a broken built-in furnace can range from $2,800 to $6,800, depending on the model and damage. Cinch Home Services can help you avoid breakdowns with regular maintenance.
Cinch’s home protection plans include a Built-in Systems plan that covers the cost of repairing or replacing major home systems like furnaces due to normal wear and tear.
Sign up for our budget-friendly Built-in Systems plan today to avoid the burden of hefty repair and replacement bills. Get started with an instant quote.