If you’re like me and on the hunt for a new furnace, you know it’s not just about staying warm. The best furnace brands are about efficiency, reliability, and keeping those energy bills in check. With so many brands, how do you choose the right one? I’ve been down this road, comparing specs, reading reviews, and even talking to HVAC pros to find the best options.
So, let me break it all down for you—no fluff, just real insights to help you make the best decision for your home.
What I Looked for in a Furnace (And You Should Too!)
Before diving into brands, I made a list of must-haves. Here’s what mattered most to me (and should matter to you, too):
- Energy Efficiency – A high AFUE rating (90 %+) means lower bills. Who doesn’t love saving money?
- Installation Costs – Some brands have great prices… until you see the installation fees.
- Warranty & Support – A strong warranty equals peace of mind.
- Brand Reputation – I skipped brands with a history of breakdowns.
- Maintenance Needs – Some furnaces are high-maintenance, and I didn’t want that hassle.
The Best Furnace Brands I Found (After Hours of Research!)
After digging deep, here are my top picks for 2025:
1. Carrier – The Gold Standard
Image Credit- Carrier
I was impressed by Carrier’s Infinity Series—98.5% AFUE and whisper-quiet operation. Yes, it’s pricey, but if you want top-tier performance, this is it.
Pros: Super efficient, smart-home compatible, great warranty
Cons: Higher upfront cost
2. Trane– Built to Last
Image Credit- Trane
Trane’s XC95m (97.3% AFUE) is a beast. I loved that it pairs with smart thermostats and has a reputation for lasting 20+ years.
Pros: Reliable, energy-efficient, excellent warranty
Cons: Expensive
3. Lennox – King of Efficiency
Image Credit- Lennox
The SLP98V (98.7% AFUE!) is the most efficient furnace I found. If cutting energy costs is your goal, Lennox is a winner.
Pros: Best-in-class efficiency, ultra-quiet
Cons: Premium price tag
4. Rheem – Best Value
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Lennox vs Rheem, Rheem’s Prestige Series offers solid efficiency at a more budget-friendly price. Perfect if you want reliability without breaking the bank.
Pros: Affordable, good warranty, reliable
Cons: Not as high-tech as premium brands
5. American Standard – Quiet & Dependable
Image Credit- American Standard
American Standard vs Day & Night, American Standard’s Platinum Series (97.3% AFUE) is a great mid-range option. I liked that it runs quietly and has strong warranty coverage.
Pros: American Standard Furnace Brands are efficient, a trusted brand.
Cons: Fewer smart features
6. Bryant – The Quiet Performer
Image Credit- Byrant
Bryant’s Evolution Series is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet furnace. Their Evolution 987M delivers an impressive 97.3% AFUE rating with ultra-quiet operation.
Pros: Super quiet, reliable, energy-efficient
Cons: A bit pricier than other mid-range brands
7. Goodman – Affordable & Reliable
Image Credit- Goodman
Goodman offers great bang for your buck. Their GMVM97 model is a high-efficiency furnace that’s budget-friendly while still providing reliable performance.
Pros: Affordable, solid warranty, reliable
Cons: Fewer premium features
8. Amana – Industry-Leading Warranty
Image Credit- Amana
Amana, a sister brand to Goodman, offers some of the best warranties around, especially with their AMVM97 model. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
Pros: Exceptional warranty, solid energy efficiency
Cons: Limited smart features compared to premium brands
9. York – Great for Budget-Conscious Homeowners
Image Credit- York
York furnaces are a solid choice if you want to balance cost and quality. The Affinity Series is efficient and reliable, offering a decent AFUE rating of up to 97%.
Pros: Good energy efficiency, affordable
Cons: Durability can vary between models
10. Maytag – Built to Last
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Maytag’s M1200 furnace is a high-efficiency, modulating unit that adjusts the gas flow based on your needs. With its strong build quality, it’s perfect for long-term use.
Pros: Strong build quality, high efficiency
Cons: Higher price point compared to other mid-range options
11. Fujitsu – Leading in Ductless Technology
Image Credit- Fujitsu
Fujitsu’s ductless furnaces offer an energy-efficient solution for homes with limited space for traditional systems. Perfect for those in need of compact, efficient heating.
Pros: Ideal for small spaces, excellent efficiency
Cons: Higher upfront costs, requires specialized installation
12. Ruud – Affordable Performance
Image Credit- Rudd
Ruud vs Trane, Ruud offers quality at an affordable price. Their Ultra Series furnaces are reliable and efficient, making them a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Pros: Reliable, affordable
Cons: Not as feature-rich as high-end models
13. Heil – Solid Mid-Range Option
Image Credit- Heil
Heil’s QuietComfort 98 model offers a solid balance of energy efficiency and quiet operation. With a 98% AFUE rating, it’s an excellent choice for homeowners looking for value.
Pros: Good efficiency, quiet operation
Cons: Lacks some premium features
14. Daikin – Innovative and Efficient
Image Credit- Daikin
Daikin vs Bryant, Daikin is known for its innovative HVAC solutions, including furnaces that focus on high energy efficiency and low environmental impact. Their DX19VN model stands out for its quiet, powerful operation.
Pros: Highly efficient, environmentally friendly
Cons: Premium pricing
15. Navien – Ideal for Ultra-Efficient Heating
Image Credit- Navien
Navien is a standout in the tankless water heater space but also offers high-efficiency furnaces. Their NPNM Series is one of the top choices for energy-conscious homeowners.
Pros: High energy efficiency, compact design
Cons: Expensive
What I Learned About Furnace Energy Efficiency (And Why It Matters!)
When researching furnaces, one thing became crystal clear: energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for your wallet. Furnaces with high AFUE ratings (90 %+) convert more fuel into heat, meaning less waste and lower energy bills. The Lennox SLP98V (98.7% AFUE) and Carrier Infinity (98.5% AFUE) blew me away. Yes, they cost more upfront, but pay for themselves over time through significant energy savings.
My take? If you plan to stay in your home long-term, investing in a highly efficient furnace is worth it.
Furnace Installation: What I Wish I Knew Sooner
Once I picked my furnace, I had to figure out the installation process. Here’s what I learned:
- Timeframe: Furnace installation can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on your setup.
- Cost: Installation can range from $2,000–$5,000, depending on the brand and complexity of the setup.
- Pro Tip: Never try a DIY install. A bad installation can wreck your furnace’s efficiency and lead to costly repairs later. I went with a licensed HVAC professional, and it was the best decision I made.
Warranties & Customer Support: Don’t Skip This!
A furnace is a major investment, so warranty coverage is crucial. Here’s what stood out to me:
- Carrier & Trane – Up to 10-year warranties on key parts.
- Rheem – Solid 5-10 year options, great for budget-conscious buyers.
But here’s the kicker: A long warranty means nothing if the company’s customer service is poor. I made sure to check reviews to verify that brands actually honor their warranties—this is something you definitely should do too.
Maintenance Secrets for a Longer-Lasting Furnace
Want your furnace to last 20+ years? Here’s what HVAC pros recommended to me:
- Annual tune-ups are a must – Skipping these can shorten your furnace’s lifespan.
- Change filters regularly – Clogged filters make your furnace work harder, increasing energy costs.
- Watch for weird noises – Call a professional ASAP if it sounds like a dying robot.
I signed up for a yearly maintenance plan, and it’s already saved me from two surprise breakdowns.
Final Thoughts: My Honest Recommendation
After all my research, here’s the deal:
- If money’s no object: Lennox or Carrier (maximum efficiency, ultra-reliable).
- Best bang for your buck: Rheem or American Standard (great value, solid warranties).
- On a tight budget? Goodman or Amana (affordable but still dependable).
The bottom line? Your best furnace brands depend on your budget, home size, and how long you plan to stay in your current home.
