The Best Furnaces

HOW TO CHOOSE = Depending on where you live, the best furnaces for you may not be the super high efficiency models. These 90% + efficiency units will pay for themselves in places like Canada, Montana, Wisconsin, Wyoming, etc., but in more temperate locations, you are probably better off with an 80% efficiency model.

If your existing unit is 15 years old or more, you should consider replacing it. Newer units can be repaired. In either case, proper maintenance will save you money over the long run. When shopping for the best furnaces, multi-stage burners and variable-speed blowers are the best features to look for.

During milder weather, these furnaces will run at slower speeds with less heat output, and will gear up when the temperature drops. In addition to being energy efficient, these features save on wear and tear. They are also quieter, since they don’t always run on high.

A system with a digital thermostat will cut another 10% off your heating bills by maintaining more accurate temperature control. You can pre-set it so that is at lower temperatures while you’re away, or while you sleep. To avoid a noise issue, ask the contractor for the decibel ratings of the units being proposed.

Oil furnaces can’t achieve the same super-high AFUE rating of the gas furnaces, but other buying considerations are about the same. Many homes may not have gas available to them.

THE REVIEW = Experts recommend 90% furnaces for most homes in colder locations. The Best High-Efficiency Gas Furnaces are the 90% AFUE Gas Furnaces, which are efficient enough to get state or utility rebates in many states.

Rheem, Trane, and Carrier are the most reliable brands, but experts say the choice of contractor getting a good installation) is more important than choice of brand name. The installed cost of these units is $3000 and up – about $1000 more than the 80% efficiency units.

Other top performers include: Best Gas Furnace for Comfort = Multi-stage modulating Gas Furnaces 92%-97% AFUE for $3500 and up.

Best Budget Gas Furnace = the 80% AFUE models @ $2000 and up.

Best Oil Furnaces = the sealed-vent oil furnaces. @ $2000 and up.

Best price found by shopping for local contractors. You can use Angie’s List or Service Magic to get local quotes.

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