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.

BRAND----------WEBSITE-----------BASIC--PREMIUM--ULTIMATE

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---------4*------4*-------NA This brand is from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL and is available only in the USA and Canada. The TECH91 is a basic high efficiency furnace while the ENHANCED 95V includes a variable speed blower motor. The manufacturer's website has a dealer locator by zip/postal code. They offer the opportunity for financing through GE Money Bank but the interest rate is very high.

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

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*-------5* 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. The GKS9 units are very good basic units and feature hot surface ignition with an adaptive learning control that provides for a longer life ignitor. The ACV9 series units are very good premium units and feature a silicon carbide ignitor for durability. The AMVC95 and ACVC9 series units are designed to be used with communicating controls and are backed by an outstanding warranty.

AMERICAN STANDARD-americanstandardair.com 1*---4*---4* This brand is owned by the TRANE company which is a part of INGERSOLL RAND. The FREEDOM 90 is the basic model and does not have a very good warranty. The FREEDOM 95 COMFORT-R includes the ACCULINK COMMUNICATING SYSTEM and features three stages of heating operation and an AFUE of 95%. The FREEDOM 95 units have a much better guarantee.

ARCOAIRE-------arcoaire.com-------<1*------4*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The PS90 is their "entry" model and does not have a very good warranty. The heat exchanger is only guaranteed for 20 years. 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 VS95 models are much the same as the VS90 except their AFUE is rated at 95% and they will be more expensive.

ARMSTRONG AIR-armstrongair.com-----4*------4*-------NA This brand is owned by LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. These units feature stainless steel heat exchangers for durability. All of the units are backed by a good warranty. The 91 Tech units are basic models while the 95V ENHANCED has a two stage gas valve and a variable speed blower motor.

BRYANT--------bryant.com-----------4*------4*-------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 335AAV model units are multi-position two stage units with a variable speed blower. The 355CAV models are modulating and communicating units. All of these units are backed by a very good warranty.

CARRIER-------carrier.com----------4*------4*-------5* This brand is also from UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. The PERFORMANCE BOOST 90 models are basic multi-position units while the INFINITY 96 units feature a two stage gas valve and variable speed blower motor. The INFINITY ICS units are communicating modulating units for maximum comfort and energy savings. All of these models are backed with a good warranty.

CENTURY-------heatcontroller.com---1*------2*-------NA This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER. The GL series features your basic high efficiency gas furnace while the GTUV series offers two stage variable speed units with an AFUE of up to 95%. The parts warranty is not very good but the heat exchangers are guaranteed for life.

COLEMAN-------colemanac.com--------4*------4*-------3* This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The COMFORTEER series TG9S units are basic units that are backed by a good warranty. The LX series features the TM9v unit which offers two stage heating and a variable speed blower for enhanced comfort. The CP9C units are part of their ECHELON series series and are modulating (non-communicating) units that are backed by a good warranty.

COMFORTAIRE- comfort-aire.com ---1*------2*-------NA This brand is also from HEAT CONTROLLER. They offer units that are identical to the CENTURY brand.

COMFORTMAKER--comfortmaker.com-----4*------4*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The DLX90 series is a basic unit with a one year "NO HASSLE" replacement guarantee. The standard warranty is good on this model but the "entry" models should be avoided. The VS90 series has a ten year "NO HASSLE" replacement guarantee on the heat exchanger. The unit has a two stage inducer as well as a two stage gas valve and variable speed blower motor for efficiency.

CONCORD----- concord-air.com ----4*------4*-------NA This brand is from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The CG92TB model is a multi-position unit with basic features and a good warranty. The 95V model features a two stage gas valve and a variable speed blower.

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 Constant Comfort line features the DLX90 basic units as well as VS premium units. The VS units are two stage variable speed units with a very good warranty that includes a 10 year "NO HASSLE" guarantee. They are available in either 92% or 95% efficient models.

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-------4*------4*-------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. They also offer units with a 95% efficiency rating but do not offer a modulating furnace at this time.

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*-------5* This brand is from NORDYNE. It has "SMARTLITE" control to extend the life of the hot surface ignitor. The "Very Good" line features basic units with a 92% efficiency while the "Best" line features two stage units with a variable speed blower and a 95% efficiency rating. The ECOLOGIC ULTRA BEST furnaces are fully modulating and have a 97% efficiency. This brand is backed by a very good warranty.

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*-------5* 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 feature an "auto-comfort mode" for enhanced dehumidifying. The GMVC95 units are ComfortNet compatible meaning the entire hvac system communicates together to maximize efficiency and comfort. All of these models 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 The HG93A is a multi-position unit with a fuel utilization efficiency of 93%. They are also available in a 95% AFUE model (HG95A). The warranty on the heat exchanger is not good.

HEIL-------- heil-hvac.com ------4*------4*-------NA This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP). The "entry model" units are not recommended as the warranty on the heat exchanger is not as good as the other models. The DLX90 is a basic unit while The Quietcomfort IIS90 is a premium two stage unit with a variable speed blower motor. The warranty on these units is very good.

KEEPRITE------keeprite.com---------4*------4*-------NA This brand is also from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. The "entry model" units are not recommended as the warranty on the heat exchanger is not as good as the other models. The DLX90 is a basic unit while The Quietcomfort IIS90 is a premium two stage unit with a variable speed blower motor. The warranty on these units is very good.

KELVINATOR-nordyne.com/Kelvinator--4*------4*-------NA This brand is from NORDYNE. The units features "SMARTLITE" control to extend the life of the hot surface ignitor. They are available in 92% efficienct basic models or 92% and 95% premium units. The warranty on the units is very good.

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*-------3* 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*-------2* 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*-------3* 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*-------1* 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*-------2* 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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