Furnace Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

For gas furnaces, we have separated the ratings into three categories. The first category is the BASIC furnace. Although units are manufactured with lower efficiencies, for our consideration the unit must have an efficiency rating (afue) of at least 90%. (With the rising energy prices it doesn't make economic sense to install a less efficient unit.)

The second group integrates added features for improved energy efficiency and are referred to as PREMIUM furnaces. They are more expensive but can be worth the extra cost.

The final group is our ULTIMATE furnaces. These units use modulation and/or communicating with other parts of the hvac system to maximize efficiency and comfort. These units are typically purchased as a system with an air conditioner and other options due to the fact that they are designed to work with specific products.

Our oil furnace ratings page will help you to sort through the oil furnace shopping maze.

If you are considering a furnace that burns more environmentally friendly fuel, you will find brand comparisons on our biomass furnace ratings page.

AIRCO----------olsenhvac.com-------1*------2*-------NA This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL. The ULTRAMAX4 is a basic multi-position unit. The G95V units incorporate a variable speed blower and have an AFUE of up to 95%. The basic warranty is not very good but it can be extended through their "COMFORT PLUS" program.

AIREASE--------airease.com---------1*------2*-------NA This brand is from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The TECH91 is a basic high efficiency furnace while the ENHANCED 95V includes a variable speed blower motor. The standard warranty is not very good.

AIREFLO--------aireflo-hvac.com---<1*------1*-------NA This brand is also from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The AF92 is a basic model while the AF92V includes a variable speed blower motor and has an AFUE of up to 92%. The standard warranty is not very good.

AirMaster------wholesaleac.com-----1*------2*-------NA These units are made by GOODMAN MANUFACTURING but the warranty is not as good as the Goodman labeled units. The GKS series units are basic units while the GFM95 series is a two stage furnace with a multi-speed blower. The GMV95 series units have a two speed inducer, variable speed blower motor, and two stage gas valve for higher efficiency. The warranty on the heat exchangers is great but for other parts it is only for 5 years. For the DIY furnace installation, the savings should justify the shorter warranty. You can purchase the units online.

ALLSTYLE-------allstyle.com-------<1*------NA-------NA The VSA unit is for upflow applications while the CSA units are for horozontal or downflow installations. This is a non-condensing furnace and the warranty is not very good.

AMANA----------amana-hac.com-------4*------4*-------NA This brand is licensed to GOODMAN MANUFACTURING. It has a very good warranty that includes a 10 year unit replacement guarantee if the heat exchanger fails in that time. (amana-hac.com)

AMERICAN STANDARD-americanstandardair.com 1*---2*---2* This brand is owned by the TRANE company which is a part of INGERSOLL RAND. The FREEDOM 90 is the basic model while COMFORT-R (variable speed blower) is added for the premium model. The FREEDOM 95 COMFORT-R includes the ACCULINK COMMUNICATING SYSTEM and features three stages of heating operation and an AFUE of 95%. The standard warranty is not very good but an extended warranty can be purchased. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website.

ARCOAIRE-------arcoaire.com-------<1*------3*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The PS90 is a basic model while the VS90 includes a two speed inducer motor as well as a variable speed blower motor for greater comfort and efficiency. The VS90 also features a ten year "NO HASSLE" guarantee on the heat exchanger. The standard warranty is not good but it can be extended through the "HELP" program. They have a dealer locator that uses either your zip code or your city/state.

ARMSTRONG-----armstrongair.com-----1*------2*-------NA This brand is owned by LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. It is identical to the AIREASE and AIREFLO brands. The standard warranty is not good. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their site.

BRYANT--------bryant.com-----------1*------2*-------5* This brand is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. The LEGACY LINE PLUS90 are multi-position units and come with a high efficiency air filter cabinet. The EVOLUTION PLUS95S units are modulating, communicating units that talk to other parts of your hvac system such as the air conditioner. The basic warranty can be extended. They have a dealer locator by zip code.

CARRIER-------carrier.com----------1*------2*-------5* this brand is also from UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. The INFINITY 96 is a communicating furnace that uses "COMFORTHEAT" control that compares current home conditions to previous heating cycles and adapts the systems' operation to maximum performance. The unit is a two stage furnace with a variable speed inducer and blower motor. The basic warranty is extendable and they have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website.

CENTURY-------heatcontroller.com---1*------NA-------NA This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER. The CONQUEST 90 is a basic unit with a basic warranty.

COLEMAN-------colemanac.com--------1*------2*-------4* This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The COMFORTEER series GM9S unit's standard warranty is not very good but extended warranties can be purchased through their PERFORMANCE PROMISE program. The CM9M series units are modulating (non-communicating) multiposition units. They offer a better standard warrranty and are compact to fit into even the tightest areas. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

COMFORTAIRE---heatcontroller.com---1*------NA-------NA This brand is also from HEAT CONTROLLER. The CONQUEST 90 is a basic unit with a basic warranty.

COMFORTMAKER--comfortmaker.com----<1*------3*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The DLX90 series is a basic unit with a five year "NO HASSLE" replacement guarantee. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended through their "HELP" program. The VS90 series has a ten year "NO HASSLE" replacement guarantee on the heat exchanger. They have a dealer locator by zip code or city/state on their website.

ComfortStar---comfortstarusa.com--<1*------NA-------NA This brand offers a basic unit with a four speed blower motor and a non-welded tubular heat exchanger.

CONCORD----- concord-air.com ----1*------NA-------NA This brand is from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The CONCORD 90 is a basic model with a basic guarantee. The heat exchanger has a lifetime guarantee only if the unit is direct vented.

CROWN---------crownboiler.com-----<1*------NA-------NA This brand is a part of BURNHAM HOLDINGS. The units use a spark-to-pilot ignition system. This can require more maintenance and repair due to the pilot assembly getting dirty/clogged. The standard warranty is not good but is extendable.

DAY&NIGHT--dayandnightcomfort.com--4*------4*-------NA These units are from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS and are available in the United States. The VS90 units are two stage variable speed units with a very good warranty that includes a 10 year "NO HASSLE" guarantee. (If the heat exchanger fails during those ten years, they replace the entire furnace.) They have a dealer locator by zipcode or city/state on their website.

DETTSON-------dettson.ca----------<1*------NA-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP) and is sold in Canada. The PS90DV units use HSI to pilot ignition. This can require more maintenance/repair due to the pilot assembly getting dirty/clogged. The standard warranty is not good but can be extended through their "HELP" program.

DORNBACK------dornbackfurnace.com-<1*------NA-------NA This brand is owned by Adams Manufacturing. The DMN unit can be installed in upflow or downflow position.

DUCANE--------ducanehvac.com-------1*------2*-------NA This brand is from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The CMPEU-B is a basic unit in their "FITS-ALL92" line while the CMPEV model includes a variable speed blower motor. The standard warranty is not very good and their website is not much help.

FEDDERS-------fedders.com---------<1*------2*-------NA This brand is now a part of the AIRWELL GROUP. This brand has a very basic warranty.

FRIGIDAIRE----frigidaire.net-------4*------4*-------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. It has "SMARTLITE" control to extend the life of the hot surface ignitor. It has a very good warranty. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address to help you to find the closest dealer.

GIBSON--------nordyne.com/Gibson---4*------NA-------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. The 92+ units are basic units with a very good warranty which includes the "10 year quality pledge". That is where, if the heat exchanger fails in those ten years, the entire unit will be replaced.

GOODMAN-------goodmanmfg.com-------4*------4*-------NA The GKS9 units have an advanced "adaptive learning routine" where the control varies the ignitor warmup time to extend the life of the ignitor. The GMV95 units also featuer an "auto-comfort mode" for enhanced dehumidifying. They have a very good warranty and it can even be extended and include labor coverage through their "GoodCare" plan.

GRANDAIRE-----grandaireac.com------4*------NA-------NA This brand is manufactured by NORDYNE for BAKER DISTRINUTING COMPANY. The GL1RC units have the "smartlite" control to extend the life of the ignitor. They are backed by a very good warranty and include a 10 year quality pledge where, if the heat exchanger fails during that time, the whole unit is replaced.

HAIER---------haieramerica.com----<1*------NA-------NA This is a multi-position unit. They are also available in a 95% AFUE model (HG95A). The warranty on the heat exchanger is not good.

HEIL-------- heil-hvac.com ------1*------3*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). This is a basic unit with an average standard warranty. The guarantee is extendable through their "HELP" program. The PS90DV and PS90 units do not have a good warranty on their heat exchanger and receive a 1* rating. The VS90 units have a two speed inducer as well as a variable speed fan motor.

KEEPRITE------keeprite.com---------1*------3*-------NA This brand is also from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS and is identical to the HEIL brand.

KELVINATOR-nordyne.com/Kelvinator--2*------4*-------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. It is a basic unit with a very good warranty. It also has their "10 year quality pledge" where the unit will be replaced if the heat exchanger fails in the first 10 years. It features "SMARTLITE" control to extend the life of the hot surface ignitor.

KLIMAIRE------klimaire.com---------NA------4*-------NA The GMV95 models are premium units that are backed by a very good warranty. You can purchase the units online.

LENNOX--------lennox.com-----------1*------2*-------4* The G51 is a part of their ELITE series. They also offer a MERIT series (G43) but the warranty on the heat exchanger is not good and that unit receives a 1* rating. The G71P is a modulating furnace with their "PRECISE COMFORT" technology where the unit adjusts the heat and airflow in increments as small as 1% to closely match the required output. The G71P is a non-communicating unit but it is backed by a very good warranty. The warranties are extendable. They have a dealer locator using zip codes on their website.

LINCOLN----- lincoln-hvac.com ---1*------2*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS and is sold in Canada. This unit uses hot surface to pilot ignition which can lead to more maintenance and repairs.The VS90 model features a 10 year "NO HASSLE" guarantee on the heat exchanger.

LUXAIRE-------luxaire.com----------1*------2*-------3* This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended through their "PERFORMANCE PROMISE" program. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. The ACCLIMATE 9C units are modulating, non-communicating furnaces.

MAYTAG--------maytaghvac.com-------5*------5*-------NA This brand is licensed to NORDYNE. It has their "SMART START" control board to extend the life of the ignitor and is backed by the best warranty in the industry. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address on their website.

MERIDIAN------meridianheating.com-<1*------NA-------NA This brand is from TEXAS FURNACE LLC. The CSA/VSA units use a spark to pilot ignition system which is not as reliable as a direct ignition system. The warranty on the heat exchanger is not long enough.

NAPOLEON-napoleonheatingandair.com-3*------NA-------NA This brand is from WOLF STEEL LIMITED. The NG93A units are basic four position units and are available with either 93% or 95% AFUE. They have a pretty good warranty.

NUTONE--------nutonehvac.com-------4*------4*-------NA This brand is manufactured by NORDYNE. They offer units with an AFUE of either 92% or 95% and they feature "SMARTLITE" control. They are backed by a very good warranty including a ten year quality pledge where the unit is replaced if the heat exchanger fails in the first ten years. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address on their website.

NTI-----------ntimatrix.com--------NA------1*-------NA The MATRIX furnace is from NEW YORK THERMAL. It combines a premium furnace with a high efficiency water heater, a heat recovery ventilator, and a condensing boiler all in one unit. It is a good option in modern homes using a combination of hydronic radiant floor heating and forced air. It provides integrated indoor air quality control features but the standard warranty is not very good.

OLSEN---------olsenhvac.com--------1*------2*-------NA This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL. The ULTRAMAX 4 is a basic unit with a standard warranty that is not very good. The ULTRACOMFORT 95V has a higher efficiency and a variable speed fan motor. The warranty can be extended through their "COMFORT PLUS" program. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

ONEIDA ROYAL--oneidaroyal.com------1*------2*-------NA This is another brand from ECR INTERNATIONAL. It is identical to the OLSEN brand except for the name. There is a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

PAYNE---------payne.com-----------<1*------NA-------NA This brand has a good basic unit (PG9M) with a very good warranty on most parts but the warranty on the heat exchanger is not very good. They have a distributor locator by zip code on their website.

PHILCO--------nordyne.com/Philco---2*------4*-------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. The G6RC is your basic unit but is backed by a very good warranty.

RHEEM---------rheemac.com----------1*------2*-------4* This brand is from RHEEM MANUFACTURING which is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. The RGRA/RGTA units are part of their CLASSIC 90 PLUS series. They use stainless steel for both their primary and secondary heat exchangers for durability but the standard warranty on the other parts is not so good. The warranty can be extended. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website. The RGFD units are a part of their PRESTIGE series and can operate as a two stage, three stage, or modulating furnace. The unit also has a two speed inducer motor and uses their "CONTOUR COMFORT CONTROL" for total home comfort.

RUUD----------ruudac.com-----------1*------2*-------NA This brand is identical to the RHEEM brand except for the name and the first letter in the model numbers.

TAPPAN--------tappan.net-----------4*------4*-------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. It uses "SMARTLITE" control to extend the life of the hot surface ignitor. It has a very good warranty that includes their 10 year Tappan Tough Quality Pledge. That is where the unit is replaced if the heat exchanger fails in the first ten years. They also have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, and full address on their website to help you find an authorized dealer.

TEMPSTAR------tempstar.com---------1*------3*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The DLX90 unit uses stainless steel for both the primary and secondary heat exchangers. The basic warranty is not very good but can be extended through their "HELP" program. The PS90-DV units receive a rating of <1* (the warranty on the heat exchanger is not good). The VS90 units feature a two stage inducer and are backed by a better guarantee. There is a dealer locator by zip code or city/state on their website.

TEXAS FURNACE-texasfurnace.com----<1*------NA-------NA The CSA/VSA units use a spark to pilot ignition system which is not as reliable as a direct ignition system. The warranty on the heat exchanger is not very good.

THERMO PRIDE--thermopride.com------1*------2*-------NA This brand is a part of BURNHAM HOLDINGS. These units use stainless steel for both the primary and secondary heat exchangers for durability. They have a 10 year "PEACE OF MIND PLUS" warranty on the heat exchanger where the unit is replaced if the heat exchanger fails during the first ten years.

TRANE---------trane.com------------1*------2*-------2* This brand is from INGERSOLL RAND. These units use adaptive ignitor control to extend the life of the ignitor. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended. The XB SERIES units are rated at <1* (the warranty on the heat exchanger is not good). The XC95 units feature three stage heat and communicate with other hvac system components through their "COMFORTLINK" system. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

WEIL-MCLAIN weil-mclain.com ----<1*------NA-------NA These units use spark to pilot ignition which can lead to more required maintenance and repairs. The units are available in either an upflow model or a downflow/horozontal model. The standard warranty on the units is not good (the heat exchanger warranty is for only 20 years).

WESTINGHOUSE-westinghousehvac.com--4*------4*-------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. It has a strong warranty that includes a 10 year quality pledge on the heat exchanger. The units use "SMARTLITE" control to extend the life of the hot surface ignitor. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address on their website.

WHIRLPOOL----whirlpoolhvac.com-----1*------2*-------NA This is a multi position unit but the warranty is not very good. If the unit is not direct vented, the heat exchanger warranty is for only 20 years. It has their "HOMEWISE" warranty which will replace the unit if the heat exchanger fails during the first five years.

WINCHESTER-hamiltonhomeproducts.com-<1*----NA-------NA The WUN/WND units are manufactured by York which is owned by JOHNSON CONTROLS. The warranty on the heat exchanger is only good for 20 years. The WUT series units offer two stage operation but do not have a variable speed blower motor. They have a better warranty on the heat exchanger and also have a two speed inducer motor. They receive a rating of 1*. These units can be purchased online or at home improvement centers.

YORK---------yorkupg.com-----------1*------2*-------3* The TG9S unit is part of their LATITUDE SERIES. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended through their "YORKCARE" program. The AFFINITY 9C series are modulating, non-communicating units that can more closely match the homes heating needs. They have a dealer locator by zip code on their website.

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