Choosing the right furnace can make a big difference in your comfort, energy bills, and long-term maintenance costs. In this guide, we’ll compare six of the most trusted furnace brands in North America: Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Bryant, and Rheem. Each brand offers something unique, whether it’s ultra-efficient performance, long-lasting reliability, or cost-effective comfort.
Furnace Brands Compared at a Glance
| Brand | Max AFUE | Smart Tech | Warranty | Best For |
| Lennox | 99% | iComfort | 10-year limited parts & exchanger | Best overall performance |
| Carrier | 98.5% | Greenspeed | 10-year parts | Balanced performance |
| Trane | 97.3% | ComfortLink II | 10-year parts | Durability |
| Goodman | 98% | ComfortBridge | 10-year parts, lifetime exchanger | Best warranty + affordability |
| Bryant | 98.3% | Evolution Connex | 10-year parts | High-end features, mid-range price |
| Rheem | 96% | EcoNet | 10-year limited parts | Smart features + compact design |
1) Lennox Furnaces (Best Overall Pick)
Lennox offers some of the most efficient furnaces on the market, making it our top recommendation for most homeowners. The SLP99V model boasts an impressive 99% AFUE, thanks to a fully modulating gas valve and variable-speed blower motor.
- Up to 99% AFUE efficiency (SLP99V)
- iComfort® smart thermostat compatibility
- Quiet operation and premium build quality
- Available Elite® and Merit® series for mid-range and budget options
- 10-year limited warranty on parts and heat exchangers
While Lennox systems can be slightly more expensive up front, their unmatched efficiency, whisper-quiet performance, and long-term energy savings provide exceptional overall value.
2) Carrier Furnaces
Carrier is known for innovation and precision. Its top-tier Infinity® Series models reach up to 98.5% AFUE and feature Greenspeed® Intelligence, which adjusts furnace output for optimal comfort and efficiency.
- Up to 98.5% AFUE (Infinity® Series)
- Greenspeed® variable-speed technology
- Smart thermostat integration
- Comfort™ Series offers value-focused models
- 10-year parts warranty
Carrier offers a wide range of reliable and efficient models, making it a trusted choice for all types of homes and budgets.
3) Trane Furnaces
Trane furnaces are built for durability, and the brand is known for its rigorous testing. The XC95m offers modulating heat and up to 97.3% AFUE efficiency. It also includes Trane’s ComfortLink™ II communicating technology.
- Up to 97.3% AFUE (XC95m)
- Durable construction and components
- ComfortLink™ II smart controls
- Budget models include S9X1 and S9B1
- 10-year parts warranty
Trane is ideal for homeowners who value long-lasting performance and dependability in extreme climates.
4) Goodman Furnaces
Goodman is a favorite for homeowners looking for affordability without sacrificing performance. The GMVM97 model delivers up to 98% AFUE and includes a variable-speed ECM blower.
- Up to 98% AFUE (GMVM97)
- ComfortBridge™ Technology for automatic efficiency adjustments
- Models from 80% to 96% AFUE available
- 10-year parts and lifetime heat exchanger warranty
- Excellent budget-friendly value
Goodman offers one of the best warranty programs in the industry, making it a top pick for value-driven homeowners.
5) Bryant Furnaces
A sister brand to Carrier, Bryant delivers nearly identical technology at a slightly more affordable price. The Evolution® Series furnaces offer modulating heat and efficiencies up to 98.3% AFUE.
- Up to 98.3% AFUE (Evolution® Series)
- Evolution Connex™ smart thermostat compatibility
- Preferred™ and Legacy™ lines for mid-tier and entry-level budgets
- Strong reputation for reliability
- 10-year parts warranty
Bryant combines top-tier performance with cost savings, making it a smart alternative to premium brands.
6) Rheem Furnaces
Rheem furnaces are praised for their compact design and reliable performance. The R96V model features 96% AFUE, a variable-speed blower, and two-stage heating.
- Up to 96% AFUE (R96V)
- EcoNet® smart thermostat integration
- Classic Plus™ line offers affordable reliability
- Compact footprint ideal for tight spaces
- 10-year limited parts warranty
Rheem is a great fit for homeowners looking for a balance of energy savings, smart features, and affordability.
Which Furnace Is Right for You?
Your ideal furnace depends on your home size, climate, and budget. If you’re prioritizing ultra-high efficiency, Lennox is our top choice. Carrier and Trane offer strong reliability, while Goodman and Rheem are ideal for those prioritizing cost savings. Bryant delivers premium features without the premium price tag.
At BPM Heating & Cooling, we install and service all major furnace brands and can help you choose the best system for your home. Call (240) 200-0887 or visit us at 300 E 4th St Unit A, Frederick, MD 21701. Schedule your free quote today at bpmhvac.com and get the expert help you need to heat your home with confidenc
