Choosing a new gas furnace is one of the biggest HVAC decisions a homeowner can make. A furnace affects heating costs, indoor comfort, noise, humidity, installation requirements, and long-term maintenance expenses. The best furnace is not necessarily the one with the highest AFUE rating or the most expensive controls. It is the model that matches your home’s heating load, ductwork, climate, fuel type, budget, and the quality of the installation.
For most homeowners in the United States who have access to natural gas, a modern high-efficiency condensing furnace can provide excellent heating performance. Premium models can reach approximately 98%–99% AFUE, while many mid-range ENERGY STAR-certified furnaces offer around 95%–97% AFUE. ENERGY STAR’s current criteria distinguish between U.S. North and U.S. South requirements, with certified gas furnaces requiring at least 97% AFUE in the North and 95% AFUE in the South.
This guide explains the best gas furnace options for different types of homeowners, what specifications matter, how much efficiency is actually worth paying for, and how to avoid common furnace-buying mistakes.
Best Gas Furnaces for Homes: Our Top Picks
| Category | Recommended Furnace | Typical AFUE Range | Why Consider It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Carrier Infinity 59MN7 | Up to about 98.5% | Excellent efficiency, comfort control and premium variable-capacity operation |
| Best High-End | Lennox SLP99V | Up to 99% | Exceptional efficiency and variable-capacity heating |
| Best Value | Goodman high-efficiency GMVC/GCVM series | Up to about 98% | Strong efficiency without always requiring a premium-brand price |
| Best for Quiet Operation | Trane S9V2 | Up to about 97% | Two-stage heating and variable-speed blower technology |
| Best Rheem Option | Rheem R98V/R97V family | Up to about 98% | High efficiency and variable-speed comfort features |
| Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers | Goodman 80% or 96% class models, depending on climate | Approximately 80%–96% | Lower initial cost and simpler equipment |
Important: Furnace model numbers, configurations, AFUE ratings, warranties and availability can vary by size, installation configuration and market. Always verify the exact model in the current manufacturer’s documentation and the ENERGY STAR certified-product database before purchasing. The ENERGY STAR database currently contains thousands of certified furnace entries, including models from Lennox and Carrier.
1. Carrier Infinity 59MN7 — Best Overall Premium Gas Furnace
The Carrier Infinity 59MN7 is a strong choice for homeowners who want premium comfort rather than simply the lowest purchase price. The series uses variable-capacity operation and a variable-speed blower, allowing the furnace to operate at lower output for longer periods when the full heating capacity is unnecessary.
The result can be more even temperatures, fewer abrupt heating cycles and better integration with advanced thermostats and HVAC systems.
ENERGY STAR’s certified-product database lists the Carrier 59MN7C060C21–20 at 98.5% AFUE, demonstrating how competitive the current Infinity platform is in the high-efficiency segment.
Why it stands out
- Very high efficiency
- Variable-capacity heating
- Variable-speed blower technology
- Excellent comfort potential when correctly installed
- Good choice for homeowners already using a compatible Carrier HVAC system
- Strong option for cold-climate homes with long heating seasons
Potential drawbacks
- Higher purchase and installation cost
- Advanced controls can increase system complexity
- Performance depends heavily on proper commissioning
- Not necessarily the best financial choice for a mild climate
Best for: Homeowners who want a premium, highly efficient furnace and are willing to pay more for comfort and sophisticated controls.
2. Lennox SLP99V — Best for Maximum Efficiency
If maximum furnace efficiency is your primary goal, the Lennox SLP99V family deserves serious consideration. ENERGY STAR’s current product database lists the Lennox SLP99UH090XV60C* at 99% AFUE.
A 99% AFUE furnace theoretically converts approximately 99% of the fuel energy represented in its AFUE test into useful space-heating output, with the remaining energy primarily representing losses included in the rating methodology.
The SLP99V uses variable-capacity operation and a variable-speed blower. Rather than simply switching between full power and off, the system can adjust its heating output to better match the home’s demand.
Advantages
- Up to 99% AFUE in qualifying configurations
- Variable-capacity heating
- Variable-speed blower
- Excellent potential for temperature consistency
- Strong choice for long, cold winters
Disadvantages
- Premium equipment cost
- More sophisticated electronics and controls
- Installation quality is particularly important
- The highest AFUE does not automatically mean the lowest total ownership cost
Best for: Cold-climate homeowners with high annual heating demand who want one of the most efficient residential gas furnaces available.
3. Goodman High-Efficiency Furnaces — Best Value
Goodman is worth considering when the goal is to combine high efficiency with a relatively straightforward HVAC system. Its high-efficiency product families include two-stage and variable-speed configurations that can provide considerably better comfort than basic single-stage furnaces.
The main reason Goodman can be attractive is that the furnace itself is only one part of the total installation price. Homeowners should compare complete installed-system quotes rather than comparing furnace list prices alone.
Why Goodman can make sense
- Competitive equipment pricing
- High-efficiency options
- Two-stage and variable-speed configurations available
- Widely recognized HVAC brand
- Good fit for homeowners prioritizing value
A Goodman furnace can be an excellent purchase when it is installed by a competent contractor who correctly sizes the system, verifies gas pressure, checks combustion, configures airflow and commissions the furnace according to manufacturer requirements.
Best for: Homeowners who want high efficiency without automatically moving into the most expensive premium equipment category.
4. Trane S9V2 — Best Two-Stage Option
The Trane S9V2 is a compelling option for homeowners who want many of the comfort advantages associated with premium furnaces without necessarily choosing a fully modulating furnace.
Its two-stage heating design can operate at a lower output during periods of moderate demand and use higher output when additional heat is required.
Advantages
- Two-stage heating
- Variable-speed blower
- High efficiency
- Better temperature control than many basic single-stage furnaces
- Good choice for homeowners who want premium comfort without maximum system complexity
Best for: Homeowners who want a strong balance between efficiency, comfort, equipment complexity and price.
5. Rheem R98V/R97V — Best Rheem High-Efficiency Choice
Rheem’s high-efficiency variable-speed furnace families are another option for homeowners seeking premium performance. Current certified-product data includes Rheem furnaces reaching approximately 98% AFUE in certain configurations.
The R98V/R97V family can be particularly attractive when a local Rheem contractor provides a better installation quote or has stronger experience servicing Rheem equipment.
Remember that the quality and availability of local HVAC service can matter more than small differences between competing premium furnace brands.
Understanding Gas Furnace AFUE
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It is the standard efficiency rating used for residential furnaces.
| AFUE | Approximate Fuel Energy Converted to Heating Output | General Position |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | 80% | Basic/non-condensing class |
| 90% | 90% | Higher-efficiency range |
| 95% | 95% | Modern high-efficiency range |
| 97% | 97% | Very high efficiency |
| 98%–99% | 98%–99% | Premium efficiency |
ENERGY STAR defines AFUE generally as the percentage of incoming fuel energy converted to space heat rather than lost.
However, AFUE should not be the only number you compare. A 99% furnace that is oversized, installed with poor ductwork or improperly commissioned can deliver disappointing real-world performance.
80% vs. 95%+ Gas Furnaces
The most important distinction between many gas furnaces is whether they are conventional non-condensing units or high-efficiency condensing units.
80% AFUE furnaces
An 80% furnace generally sends combustion exhaust through a metal flue and does not intentionally recover the additional heat available by condensing water vapor in the exhaust.
Advantages include simpler construction, lower equipment cost and potentially easier replacement when an existing installation is already configured around a conventional furnace.
The downside is that considerably more fuel energy leaves through the exhaust compared with a modern condensing furnace.
95%–99% AFUE furnaces
High-efficiency condensing furnaces extract additional heat from combustion gases. This causes water vapor in the exhaust to condense, allowing the furnace to recover additional thermal energy.
Condensing furnaces require appropriate venting and a method for handling condensate. Therefore, upgrading from an older 80% furnace can involve additional installation work.
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage vs. Modulating Furnaces
Single-stage
A single-stage furnace essentially has one heating output. When the thermostat calls for heat, the furnace runs at its designated firing rate.
They are usually simpler and less expensive.
Two-stage
A two-stage furnace has a lower and higher heating output. The lower stage can satisfy many moderate heating demands while the higher stage provides additional capacity during colder weather.
This can improve comfort and reduce unnecessary full-output operation.
Modulating or variable-capacity
A modulating furnace can adjust its firing rate across a much wider range. This allows it to more closely match the home’s instantaneous heating requirement.
Variable-capacity systems can provide excellent comfort, but they generally cost more and may require compatible controls and careful commissioning.
Variable-Speed Blower vs. Fixed-Speed Blower
The blower motor is another major difference between furnace models.
A basic furnace may use a fixed-speed or simpler blower configuration. More advanced systems use ECM-based variable-speed technology.
A variable-speed blower can adjust airflow depending on operating conditions and system requirements. Potential benefits include improved temperature consistency, quieter operation and better airflow control.
However, homeowners should not assume that a variable-speed furnace automatically fixes poor ductwork. A badly designed or undersized duct system can still cause airflow problems.
How Much Furnace Efficiency Do You Really Need?
There is no universal answer.
| Home Situation | Reasonable Target |
|---|---|
| Mild heating climate | 90%–96% may be sufficient |
| Moderate heating climate | 95%–97% is often a strong balance |
| Cold climate | 96%–98%+ can make sense |
| Very high heating demand | 97%–99% premium models may be worth considering |
ENERGY STAR’s current criteria require certified gas furnaces to achieve at least 97% AFUE in the U.S. North and at least 95% AFUE in the U.S. South.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s furnace purchasing guidance illustrates why efficiency matters over long periods: its example compares a 99% AFUE furnace with 95% and 80% alternatives and calculates substantial lifetime energy-cost differences under its stated assumptions.
Gas Furnace Size: Do Not Buy Based Only on Square Footage
One of the most important furnace-buying rules is this:
Do not select furnace capacity simply because a chart says your house needs a certain number of BTUs per square foot.
Professional HVAC contractors should determine heating load using an appropriate load calculation, commonly based on Manual J methodology.
The calculation can consider:
- Home square footage
- Climate
- Outdoor design temperature
- Insulation levels
- Window area
- Window performance
- Ceiling and roof construction
- Number of occupants
- Air leakage
- Orientation
- Basement and crawl-space conditions
- Existing ductwork
An oversized furnace can reach the thermostat setting quickly and cycle off repeatedly. This can reduce comfort and increase mechanical stress.
Why Oversizing a Furnace Is a Problem
A larger furnace is not automatically better.
Oversizing can cause:
- Short cycling
- Uneven temperatures
- More frequent starts and stops
- Reduced comfort
- Potentially higher operating costs
- More wear on components
- Difficulty maintaining stable indoor conditions
A properly sized furnace may operate for longer periods at lower output, particularly when paired with two-stage or variable-capacity technology.
Condensing vs. Non-Condensing Gas Furnaces
| Feature | Condensing Furnace | Non-Condensing Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Typical efficiency | Approximately 90%–99%+ | Often around 80% |
| Heat recovery | Recovers additional heat from exhaust | Less exhaust heat recovery |
| Condensate | Yes | No |
| Venting | Typically uses approved plastic/alternative venting depending on model | Typically metal venting |
| Initial cost | Higher | Lower |
| Efficiency | Excellent | Lower |
Natural Gas vs. Propane Furnaces
Many modern gas furnaces can operate on natural gas or propane with the appropriate factory-approved configuration or conversion kit.
Do not assume that every natural-gas furnace can simply be connected to propane. The furnace must be approved for the fuel and configured according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your property does not have natural-gas service, propane may be an alternative. The economics depend heavily on local propane and electricity prices, heating demand and storage arrangements.
Best Gas Furnace for Cold Climates
Homeowners in states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, Maine and other cold-weather areas generally have a stronger economic case for high-efficiency equipment because the furnace may operate for a large number of hours each year.
A 97%–99% AFUE furnace can be particularly attractive in these locations.
ENERGY STAR’s North category includes numerous cold-weather states and currently sets a 97% AFUE threshold for certified gas furnaces in that region.
For a cold-climate homeowner, the most important features are usually:
- Correct heating capacity
- High AFUE
- Reliable low-temperature operation
- Good blower control
- Proper venting
- Good ductwork
- Qualified local service
Best Gas Furnace for the Southern USA
In much of the South, heating loads are smaller and heating seasons are shorter.
That changes the economics of purchasing an ultra-premium furnace.
For a homeowner in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana or similar climates, a 95%–97% furnace may provide a better balance than paying substantially more for a 99% model.
ENERGY STAR’s current U.S. South criteria require certified gas furnaces to reach at least 95% AFUE.
Best Gas Furnace for a Two-Story Home
A two-story home does not automatically need a larger furnace. The bigger issue is distribution.
If the upstairs is consistently warmer or colder than the first floor, consider:
- Balancing the duct system
- Improving insulation
- Air sealing
- Using zoning where appropriate
- Checking return-air capacity
- Using a variable-speed blower
A premium furnace cannot compensate for fundamentally poor duct design.
Best Gas Furnace for Older Homes
Older homes require special consideration because insulation, windows and ductwork can be significantly less efficient than those in newer construction.
Before purchasing a very high-output furnace, have the contractor evaluate the home’s heat loss.
Sometimes improving insulation and air sealing can reduce the required furnace size enough to make a smaller, more efficient system practical.
ENERGY STAR specifically recommends combining efficient HVAC equipment with home sealing, insulation and duct sealing to improve overall heating and cooling performance.
Gas Furnace Installation Matters More Than the Brand
Two identical furnaces installed by different contractors can deliver very different results.
Professional installation should include appropriate equipment sizing, gas-line verification, venting, combustion checks, airflow setup, condensate management where applicable, thermostat configuration and system commissioning.
This is why homeowners should avoid choosing a furnace based exclusively on an online equipment price.
What Does a New Gas Furnace Cost?
Installed furnace prices vary significantly across the United States.
The final price can depend on:
- Furnace efficiency
- Heating capacity
- Brand
- Equipment configuration
- Labor rates
- Existing venting
- Gas-line requirements
- Electrical modifications
- Condensate drainage
- Duct modifications
- Thermostat replacement
- Permit requirements
- Removal of the old furnace
As a result, homeowners should obtain at least two or three detailed installed-system quotes rather than relying on a national price estimate.
Are 98%–99% Furnaces Worth the Extra Cost?
Sometimes.
The answer depends primarily on heating hours and the difference in installed cost.
Suppose two furnaces have similar capacity but one is 95% AFUE and the other is 99% AFUE. The theoretical fuel savings are meaningful, but the annual dollar savings depend on how much natural gas the house actually consumes.
If a homeowner has a very short heating season, paying thousands of dollars more for a small efficiency improvement may have a long payback period.
For a cold-climate home with substantial annual heating consumption, the calculation can look much better.
ENERGY STAR Gas Furnace Requirements
ENERGY STAR is a useful starting point when comparing furnaces, but homeowners should understand that requirements can change over time.
ENERGY STAR’s current furnace information states that its certified gas-furnace requirements differ by region. The current criteria specify 97% AFUE or greater for the U.S. North and 95% AFUE or greater for the U.S. South.
ENERGY STAR also reports that certified gas furnaces can be substantially more efficient than baseline models and highlights the importance of maintenance, insulation, air sealing and duct sealing.
The ENERGY STAR furnace specification was updated in 2025, and the program notes a historical specification change on July 31, 2026. Therefore, homeowners researching older articles should verify current certification status rather than assuming an older furnace recommendation remains certified under current rules.
Features That Actually Matter
1. AFUE
AFUE indicates fuel-use efficiency. It is important, particularly in cold climates, but it should be evaluated alongside installation cost and annual fuel consumption.
2. Heating stages
Two-stage and variable-capacity furnaces can improve comfort compared with basic single-stage operation.
3. Blower motor
Variable-speed ECM blowers can improve airflow control and comfort.
4. Heat exchanger design
The heat exchanger is one of the furnace’s most important components. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty and the exact terms for the model being quoted.
5. Controls
Advanced communicating controls can provide more precise system management, but they can also increase equipment cost and system complexity.
6. Serviceability
A furnace that a local HVAC company knows how to diagnose and repair can be a better long-term choice than a technically superior model that no nearby contractor regularly services.
What About Furnace Warranties?
Warranty terms differ by manufacturer and model. Do not judge a warranty solely by the phrase “lifetime heat exchanger.”
Check:
- Heat exchanger coverage
- Parts coverage
- Labor coverage
- Registration requirements
- Transferability
- Restrictions
- Commercial vs. residential terms
- Requirements for professional installation
A longer parts warranty does not necessarily mean the manufacturer pays the contractor’s labor costs for every repair.
How to Choose the Right Gas Furnace
- Determine whether natural gas or propane is available.
- Calculate the home’s heating load.
- Check the local climate.
- Compare 95%, 97%, 98% and 99% AFUE options.
- Decide whether single-stage, two-stage or variable-capacity operation makes sense.
- Evaluate the existing ductwork.
- Compare installed prices, not equipment prices.
- Check warranty terms.
- Verify ENERGY STAR certification when desired.
- Choose an experienced local installer.
Questions to Ask an HVAC Contractor
- What is my calculated heating load?
- What furnace capacity are you recommending?
- Why is that capacity appropriate?
- What is the furnace’s AFUE?
- Is this model ENERGY STAR certified?
- Is the quoted model approved for natural gas or propane?
- Will my existing ductwork support the new furnace?
- Will the existing flue or venting need modification?
- Where will condensate drain?
- What thermostat is included?
- What is covered by the manufacturer warranty?
- What labor warranty do you provide?
- Is startup and commissioning included?
- Are permits included?
- What is the total installed price?
Common Gas Furnace Buying Mistakes
Buying the highest AFUE available
Maximum efficiency is not automatically maximum value. A 99% furnace can cost substantially more than a 95%–97% alternative.
Buying an oversized furnace
More BTUs do not mean better heating. Oversizing can cause short cycling and uneven comfort.
Choosing based on brand alone
Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem and Goodman all offer multiple furnace tiers. Comparing brands without comparing the exact model and installation quality can be misleading.
Ignoring ductwork
The furnace can only distribute heat effectively if the home’s supply and return duct system can handle the required airflow.
Choosing the cheapest installation quote
A suspiciously low quote may omit important work such as venting changes, electrical work, permits, condensate drainage, thermostat upgrades or duct modifications.
How to Make a Gas Furnace Last Longer
- Replace or clean filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Keep supply and return vents unobstructed.
- Schedule professional maintenance.
- Keep the furnace area accessible.
- Do not block combustion or ventilation openings where applicable.
- Have unusual noises investigated.
- Address repeated short cycling.
- Have condensate systems inspected on condensing furnaces.
- Keep outdoor intake and exhaust terminations clear of snow and debris.
ENERGY STAR also recommends regular maintenance because poorly maintained heating and cooling equipment can lose performance and create unnecessary operating costs.
Safety: Gas Furnace Installation Is Not a DIY Project
Gas furnaces involve combustion, natural gas or propane, electrical power, high temperatures and potentially dangerous combustion gases. Installation, conversion and combustion adjustments should be performed by qualified professionals according to applicable codes and manufacturer instructions.
Homeowners should also have functioning carbon monoxide alarms installed according to local requirements and manufacturer recommendations.
Our Final Recommendations
| Homeowner Priority | Best Direction |
|---|---|
| Best overall premium system | Carrier Infinity 59MN7 |
| Maximum efficiency | Lennox SLP99V |
| Best value | Goodman high-efficiency series |
| Two-stage comfort | Trane S9V2 |
| High-efficiency Rheem option | Rheem R98V/R97V family |
| Cold climate | 97%–99% AFUE variable-capacity furnace |
| Moderate climate | 95%–97% AFUE two-stage or variable-speed furnace |
| Budget installation | Well-installed 80%–96% model where appropriate |
Bottom Line
The best gas furnace for most American homes is not necessarily the furnace with the highest AFUE rating. It is the furnace that is correctly sized, efficiently operated, compatible with the existing HVAC system, properly installed and supported by a competent local contractor.
For homeowners in cold climates, a high-efficiency 97%–99% variable-capacity furnace can be an excellent long-term investment. For homes in milder climates, a 95%–97% furnace may provide a better balance between purchase price and operating savings.
Among premium options, the Carrier Infinity 59MN7 is a strong all-around choice, the Lennox SLP99V is particularly attractive for maximum efficiency, the Trane S9V2 is a strong two-stage option, and Rheem and Goodman offer compelling alternatives depending on local pricing and installer support.
Most importantly, get a proper heating-load calculation and compare complete installed-system quotes. A properly sized 95% furnace installed correctly can be a better investment than an oversized 99% furnace installed poorly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gas furnace brand in the USA?
There is no single best brand for every home. Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem and Goodman all offer competitive models. The exact furnace model, installation quality, local service availability and price should influence the decision.
Is a 97% AFUE furnace good?
Yes. A 97% AFUE furnace is a very high-efficiency option and meets the current ENERGY STAR gas-furnace threshold for the U.S. North.
Is a 99% furnace worth it?
It can be worth considering in a cold climate with substantial annual natural-gas consumption. In a mild climate, the additional purchase price may take longer to recover through fuel savings.
What size gas furnace do I need?
Furnace size should be determined using a heating-load calculation rather than a simple square-footage rule.
Are variable-speed furnaces better?
They can provide better airflow control, quieter operation and improved comfort, but they generally cost more than simpler blower systems.
Should I buy a two-stage or single-stage furnace?
Two-stage furnaces are often worth considering when comfort and temperature consistency are important. Single-stage furnaces can make sense when keeping initial cost and system complexity low is the priority.
What AFUE should I look for?
For many homeowners, 95%–97% is a strong starting point. Cold-climate homeowners with high heating demand may benefit from 97%–99% models.
How long should a gas furnace last?
A properly installed and maintained furnace can provide many years of service, but actual lifespan depends on equipment quality, operating conditions, maintenance, installation quality and usage.
Does ENERGY STAR certification matter?
It is a useful independent efficiency benchmark. Current ENERGY STAR criteria for gas furnaces specify at least 97% AFUE in the U.S. North and 95% in the U.S. South.
Can I replace an 80% furnace with a 97% furnace?
Often, but it may require modifications to venting, condensate drainage, gas connections, electrical connections and other parts of the installation. A contractor should evaluate the existing system before quoting the replacement.
What is more important: furnace brand or installer?
For many homeowners, the quality of installation is at least as important as the difference between major reputable brands. Correct sizing, airflow, venting, combustion setup and commissioning have a major effect on real-world performance.
Sources and Verification
For current certification information, homeowners should check the official ENERGY STAR certified furnace database, because model availability and certification status can change.
ENERGY STAR’s current furnace criteria and regional requirements are available through its official furnace criteria page.
The U.S. Department of Energy also provides residential furnace purchasing guidance and efficiency comparisons.
About the Author
ManBearPig is a part-man, part-bear, part-pig creature and a full-time expert on global warming—mostly because he has personally experienced the consequences of being extremely, extremely, super cereal.
When he isn’t roaming the wilderness, terrorizing unsuspecting humans, or demanding that people take climate change seriously, ManBearPig studies rising temperatures, melting ice, extreme weather, carbon emissions, and other inconvenient signs that the planet may not be particularly happy with us.
His research philosophy is simple:
“I’m super cereal.”
ManBearPig believes climate change is too important to discuss without facts—and too ridiculous to discuss without a little humor. Through this website, he explores global warming, climate science, environmental changes, energy, and the strange ways humans respond when their own planet starts sending them warning signals.
He has no university degree, no laboratory, and absolutely no intention of becoming a respectable academic.
But he does have hooves, claws, a snout, and an unusually strong opinion about melting ice.