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Learn How We Determined the 10 Best Furnaces This Year

Finding the right furnace for your home can be an overwhelming process. With so many brands and models to choose from, how do you determine which one is truly the best? We comprehensively evaluated over 50 top-rated gas and electric furnace options based on efficiency, reliability, warranties, installation, and overall value. After extensive analysis, we narrowed it down to the 10 best furnaces for different needs and budgets.

Key factors driving our rankings include energy efficiency ratings, durability, noise levels, smart home capabilities, warranties, climate suitability, ease of use, customer support, environmental impact, affordability, and more. Read on for a detailed look at our process and recommendations.

Key Factors in Ranking the Top 10 Furnaces

To assess and compare all types and brands of home furnaces effectively, we developed a methodology weighting the following 10 metrics:

what are the 10 best furnaces
Energy efficiency ratings Durability and longevity
Warranties Affordability
Low noise output Advanced diagnostics and connectivity
Clean air filtration Customer service reputation
Ease of installation Climate suitability

From high-end smart furnaces to budget picks, models with the highest marks across these 10 categories made our list. Beyond specifications and features, we also considered real homeowner experiences with both the furnace and the brand itself.

#1 Pick: American Standard - Best Overall

As our top overall choice, American Standard furnaces provide an unbeatable combination of reliability, energy savings, smart features, and great service.

Key highlights making American Standard models our best furnace brand overall include:

With advanced Platinum series models like the Alexander and AccuComfort, you get the highest efficiency, quality components, and quietest performance thanks to sound-dampening insulation. Their unique coaxial heat exchangers ensure long life, clean air, and lower emissions.

While American Standard furnaces cost more upfront than the average brand, the lower operating costs and extended life span increase the value exponentially. For most residential needs, American Standard offers exceptional reliability and efficiency.

Primary American Standard Furnace Collections:

Gold - Basic efficient models

AccuComfort - Variable-speed blowers

Platinum - Best of their line

#2: Lennox - Best Value for Reliability

While Lennox doesn't lead across any singular category, it scores very well overall for dependability especially in cold climates.

Core strengths of Lennox furnaces include:

The Lennox Merit series provides their most affordable options, while the Dave Lennox Signature Collection comprises premium designs with modulating heat output for efficiency. Most units utilize stainless-steel heat exchangers and commercial-grade components for reduced wear.

Owners give Lennox high marks for quiet operation you barely notice. Their models with silencers and insulated cabinets prevent noise even at max settings. While the upfront investment runs on the higher end, Lennox furnaces go the distance with proper maintenance.

Primary Lennox Furnace Series:

Merit Series - Most affordable models

Elite Series - Mid-range with strong value

Signature Collection - Best performing premium units

#3: Trane - Best for Smart Homes

Trane earns its rank through exceptional smart furnace options integrating with home automation systems. Key highlights of Trane's smart furnace capabilities include:

Models like the Trane XV20i feature touchscreen Climatuff interfaces making it easy to control your heat, AC, and ventilation. The XV20i adjusts performance in increments as small as 0.5degF to prevent temperature swings.

While Trane climates aren't the quietest or most affordable, the high-tech integration and precision control carries real value for the modern household. Overall build quality and lifespans also rated well.

Primary Trane Furnace Lines:

XR Series - Entry-level models

XV Series - Mid-range intelligent systems

XT Series - Advanced models with variable speed

#4: Amana - Best Budget Friendly

For shoppers focused strictly on lowest cost, Amana furnaces provide the most value. As a subsidiary of Goodman, Amana offers basic no-frills construction at affordable pricing.

Benefits of considering an Amana furnace deal include:

While their single-stage heating lacks advanced features or sleek designs, Amana furnaces will provide sufficient warmth if replacing an existing unit. Their models work well for the Midwest and South.

Just note that overall life expectancy lags behind premium brands. But the cost savings upfront makes Amana a popular economical choice when heating needs are straightforward.

Main Amana Furnace Series:

AMVC - Basic single-stage heating

AMDD - Compact cabinet dimensions

AMES - Multi-speed blower additions

#5: Daikin - Best Lifespan

Daikin earns its reputation through exceptional longevity thanks to durable components and reliable performance.

For homeowners wanting longer furnace lifecycles, Daikin models stand out with:

Daikin designs utilize modulating burners and variable-speed motors to ensure smooth adjustments preventing overworking. This reduces wear while maintaining tighter temperature control.

Japanese-engineered Daikin furnaces undergo extreme testing to verify resilience. While Daikin costs exceed average pricing, the furnaces operate effectively for 20+ years with basic upkeep.

Core Daikin Furnace Series:

DM96 - Affordable single-stage

DV Series - Variable capacity options

Daikin One+ - Smart WiFi control

#6: Rheem

Rheem models provide a solid combination of reliability, efficiency, and quiet operation at reasonable price points for most regions.

Key advantages of Rheem gas and electric furnaces:

The Rheem R96V lines the best selling for performance and affordability in a compact footprint. Meanwhile, the Rheem Prestige Series packs the best comfort features like continuous air circulation and touchscreen controls.

While not the most efficient, Rheem furnaces offer lengthy warranties and integrated humidity management lacking in competitors. Overall construction standards result in systems handling household demands for over a decade.

Primary Rheem Furnace Collections:

R96V Value Series - Cost-effective pick

R95 Performance Series - Reliable mid-range option

R96V Prestige Series - Fully-loaded premium models

#7: Bryant

Bryant lands in our top brand contenders through superb cold weather heating capabilities thanks to multi-stage and variable models. Owned by United Technologies alongside Carrier Corporation and also Day & Night brands, Bryant furnaces focuses maximum airflow for the harshest winter climates.

Benefits of Bryant furnaces include:

Predator and Preferred lines use smart electronics to adjust output incrementally preventing drastic peaks and drops. The Evolution Connex control links to WiFi for monitoring and adjustments.

With excellent cold weather performance and above-average lifespans, Bryant makes an attractive brand in the Northeast and Midwest. While advanced communication features lag behind other connected models, proprietary components hold up well against extreme demand.

Core Bryant Collections:

310A Single-Stage Value Series

900 High-Efficiency Two-Stage Series

982V Modulating Upflow Series

#8: Carrier

Another leading HVAC brand under United Technologies, Carrier furnaces deliver premium models aligned with modern households and building automation.

Reasons Carrier furnaces rate well:

The Carrier Infinity series provides their highest efficiency and tech connectivity - control temperatures, receive maintenance reminders, link with smart assistants and third-party devices through Nexia IQ automation. Variable-speed Infinity models allow for custom airflow settings.

Key downsides of Carrier furnaces fall on the expensive repair costs and limited lifespan compared to comparable models. However, innovative monitoring and adjustments make Infinity favorites for custom home builds.

Main Carrier Furnace Lines:

59TP6 Performance - Affordable

Comfort - Mid-range pricing

Infinity(r) - Variable-speed premium

#9: Goodman

Following our top economy pick from Amana, Goodman represents another budget-friendly HVAC conglomerate. Units leverage basic components in straightforward designs creating substantial upfront savings.

Goodman furnace benefits focus on cost:

Consumers needing an emergency swap on a tight budget may select Goodman for temporary relief. However, expert technicians don't recommend Goodman furnaces to last beyond 10-12 years even with careful maintenance.

We ranked Goodman slightly ahead of entry-level Janitrol models for its marginally higher reliability ratings but put them behind our other value picks lacking efficiency capabilities and connectivity perks.

Primary Goodman Furnace Models:

GMSS - Lowest-priced picks

GMVC - Mid-efficiency ratings

GMH8 - Multi-speed X13 options

#10: Ruud

Our final brand in a competitive field, Ruud furnaces deliver decent performance at relatively affordable pricing points thanks to the channel-optimized cooling and heating approach.

Pros of going with a Ruud furnace:

Ruud prioritizes sensible capacity adjusting airflow speeds and temperature changes to prevent drastic spikes and drops. The EcoNet app allows remote adjustments and progress monitoring.

Downsides reflect only average feedback on longevity compared to premium brands. Ruud also trails leaders when it comes to advanced filtration capabilities and overall efficiency limiting savings potential.

While falling short of top recommendations, Ruud furnaces work well for straightforward replacements or intermittent winter use cases.

Principal Ruud Furnace Series:

UPE - Value-priced models

R96 Series - Mid-range efficiency

Ultra Series - Fully-loaded variable speed

What About High-End Luxury Brands?

Beyond the major HVAC names, a niche subset of high-end boutique furnace brands cater to luxury custom homes and estates seeking artistic flair with price no object.

Brands like Lochinvar, Thermolec, and Lennox Elite Collection customize super premium furnaces with decorative visual appointments, automation capabilities exceeding smart basics, and commercial-grade engineering.

While residential projects on tight budgets need not apply, we tipped our hats to forward-thinking concepts and technology sneak peeks from this upper echelon.

Choosing the Right Furnace for Your Home

Rather than simply picking from our favorites above, truly optimizing your furnace selection involves factoring in home specifics like size, layout, and location.

Key considerations when selecting a furnace:

A qualified HVAC professional can assess your situation and recommend equipment appropriately sized with ideal features. Upgrading infrastructure like electrical or gas lines might also factor into installation.

Installation and Replacement Process

Swapping a furnace or installing a new unit requires expertise best left to seasoned technicians. Safety issues plus configuring ductwork and electric connections perfectly are no DIY project.

Furnace installation costs range from $4,000 to $12,000 based on factors like:

Get multiple quotes leveraging our rankings. Reputable HVAC companies offer 0% financing options easing budgetary pains. Completing the project takes 1-3 full workdays depending on variables needing remediation.

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