5 Best Furnace Brands of 2024, According to a Former Residential Remodeler
Updated: Feb. 27, 2024
Shopping for a furnace? Let us help you narrow the field with an overview of the best furnace brands for energy efficiency.
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If you’ve spent any time furnace shopping, you’ve probably already run head first into the shocking number of brands and models available. It can be difficult for the average homeowner to tell one furnace from another, especially because so many brands are made by a relatively small number of manufacturers.
“One way to focus your decision-making is to look at a single feature, such as energy efficiency, and identify the brands and models you’d like to consider,” says Dan Stout, former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager.
Before we get into the best furnace brands, it’s important to understand Energy Star ratings. “They’re the definitive source for furnace efficiency, expressed by its annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating,” Stout says. “The AFUE shows what percentage of fuel a furnace converts into heat. So, a furnace with a 97 rating is 97% efficient.”
We’ve combed through the Energy Star Most Efficient Furnaces, taking the many models and sorting them into the most well-known brand names. We’ll highlight the various lines of furnaces and show how they connect to these familiar brands.
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The Best Furnace Brands
Carrier
Carrier is a premium brand in heating and air conditioning, operating under United Technologies Corporation (UTC). It’s well-known for high-end furnaces and easy-to-use customer controls. These furnaces do, however, come at a higher price tag than models from some other leading brands. The brand has quite a few options when it comes to different units and product lines, and Carrier is, overall, very energy efficient.
The Carrier 59MN7 Infinity 98 Series includes a model with an astonishing 98.5 AFUE. Carrier’s premium line of furnaces also features the Infinity Touch control, allowing homeowners to control temperature, humidity, ventilation, airflow and indoor air quality in up to eight zones.
Pros
- Partners with Energy Star to provide high-efficiency furnaces
- Superior performance
- Furnaces are equipped with advanced features
- Many furnaces include humidity control
Cons
- More expensive than competitor brands
- May require an in-person visit for an accurate cost estimation
Goodman
Goodman is a U.S.-based company founded more than three decades ago and purchased by Daikin in 2012. Daikin, a Japanese company, began manufacturing furnaces in the 1950s. When it comes to Goodman furnaces, the components and manufacture are similar to the primary Daikin brand.
If you’re looking for a reliable, relatively affordable furnace unit with a simple design when it comes to features and technology, then Goodman is a top choice for you. Goodman furnaces are also typically easy to maintain over the years, which is important if you want a low-hassle furnace unit.
The Goodman GCVM97 and GMVM97 series feature units with up to 98 AFUE.
Pros
- Very affordable for level of quality
- Well made and very reliable
- Easy to maintain
- 10-year limited parts warranty and either a two- or 10-year unit replacement warranty
Cons
- Don’t have the most advanced technology or energy-efficient features
MRCOOL
MRCOOL is an American company headquartered in Kentucky, where the brand’s furnaces, heat pumps and other products are designed and shipped. On the whole, the brand’s heating and cooling systems tend to be user friendly and cost effective.
If you’re a DIY pro, this may be the brand for you. MRCOOL innovated DIY heating and cooling with its ductless mini-splits—they’re the only true DIY HVAC systems on the market right now. Additionally, MRCOOL expanded its smart features to include compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your mini-spit from your phone, in the same place you control the rest of your smart home technology.
Pros
- Furnace units are easy to access and shop online
- Relatively affordable
- Uses newer smart technology for user convenience
- Typically offers 10-year registered parts warranty and 20-year heat exchanger warranty
Cons
- Parts may be difficult to source in some areas
Lennox
Lennox is, of course, the flagship brand for Lennox Furnaces. Like Carrier, it’s another industry-leading brand known for its reputation and top-quality furnaces. In addition to making reliable, quality furnace units, Lennox boasts a wide range of products and a large network of retailers and installers. So, it should be relatively easy for you to purchase, install and maintain a Lennox furnace unit wherever you are located. Lennox also has one of the highest AFUE ratings and best energy-efficiency scores.
With a wide range of selections, the Lennox SL297NV Ultra Series, SLP98V Series, and SLP99V Series all made the Energy Star Most Efficient list.
Pros
- High AFUE rating
- Offers more than 15 furnace models
- Quiet oil and gas furnaces
- Available at several accessible retailers like The Home Depot
Cons
- More expensive than competitor brands
Rheem
Rheem was founded in the 1920s by Edwin Ruud. Today, it’s a well-established and well-regarded brand. It’s a great choice if you’re on a budget, and a Rheem furnace should last you at least 20 years if it’s installed and maintained properly. The brand also manufactures some of the quietest furnace units on the market, which is always appreciated.
Rheem has two series of furnaces on the Energy Star Most Efficient list, the Prestige R97V and the Prestige R98V, with 97 and 98 AFUEs, respectively.
Pros
- Budget-friendly options
- Dependable and quiet
- Long-lasting when installed and maintained properly
- Limited 10-year parts warranty
Cons
- Some users note that Rheem products do break down when pushed to extremes
What to Look for When Buying a Furnace
When looking for a reliable furnace system for your home, there are a handful of things to consider, like customer service, technological features, noise levels, furnace type and the warranty available for a specific furnace.
- Customer service: This can make a huge difference when it comes to having your home furnace installed and repaired. Top brands like Carrier and Lennox are known for their superior customer support and extended warranty options. Brands like Rheem have local dealers that can provide in-person assistance, should your furnace need repair. So, it’s important to know what kind of brand support is available to you in your area.
- Technological features: Some furnaces have smart home features and advanced technology. Of course, such furnace models typically cost more. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly furnace option, then look at options that are reliable but don’t have all the bells and whistles when it comes to smart features and technology.
- Noise levels: If you have kids and pets at home, then keeping noise levels at bay may be a priority when selecting your home furnace. A loud furnace can disrupt sleep and irritate pets. We recommend checking the noise level of a furnace before buying it and having it installed.
- Furnace type: There are four main furnace options: electric, gas, oil and propane. Electric furnaces are a popular and simple choice, typically quiet and you won’t need gas lines to install an electric furnace. Gas furnaces, on the other hand, use natural gas to heat your home and are efficient, durable and fast-acting. Oil furnaces are a common choice in homes without access to natural gas, however, they’re not as efficient. Propane furnaces are another option for homes without access to natural gas, as they heat spaces with propane fuel instead of gas.
- Warranty: Warranty options vary depending on brand and even furnace model. So, it’s important to review each individual warranty policy as you narrow down which make and model you want in your home. Some warranties only cover certain parts while others cover entire units. Pay attention to the length of the warranty, too.
How We Found the Most Reliable Furnace Brands
To find the most reliable furnace brands, we put hours of research into customer reviews, specs and common issues with certain units. We combed through the top brands offered at most major retailers for shopping convenience and accessibility. While narrowing the list to our top five furnace brands, it was important to use to include brands that offered furnaces for different budgets and lifestyles.
We also consulted in-house writer, Dan Stout, who has expertise when it comes to home maintenance, remodeling and building. Stout provided expert insight into which furnace brands are commonly installed in homes.
FAQ
What is the best type of furnace?
When it comes to selecting the best type of furnace, it’s important to consider where you live and your lifestyle needs. That said, natural gas furnaces are often a top choice because they’re efficient, have a low operating cost, reduce electricity demands and heat quickly.
How long should a furnace last?
A quality furnace should last you at least 15 to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance. That’s something to keep in mind when reviewing warranty policies for your furnace unit.
Conclusion
Carrier is an all-around good choice for those looking for a top-quality furnace. Lennox is another top-quality choice for those looking for a unit that is highly energy efficient. Amana has a great selection of furnace units while Rheem and Goodman offer furnace options that are budget friendly and reliable. That said, all five brands have some of the best reputations and produce efficient units that fit multiple lifestyles.
Source:
- Dan Stout, former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager
Originally Published: November 23, 2021
