🧱 Why Older Homes Need a Different Kind of Furnace
Mike here.
If you live in a historic home—or just one with a little more “character”—you know it doesn’t always play nice with modern HVAC. You’ve got:
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Thicker walls and tighter spaces
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Mixed insulation (or none at all)
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Possibly older ductwork, or none to begin with
That’s why picking a furnace for an older home isn’t just about BTUs—it’s about fit, flexibility, and function. Let’s walk through how R-32 gas furnaces can handle the quirks of older homes—and which models are worth a serious look.
🔎 What to Look for in a Furnace for an Older Home
✅ 1. Compact Design
Older homes weren’t built with modern furnaces in mind. You need a smaller footprint, especially if you’re tucking it into a crawlspace or utility closet.
✅ 2. Variable-Speed Blower
A variable-speed blower helps distribute heat evenly, even when rooms have different insulation levels. It also reduces noise and cuts down on cold spots.
Energy Star explains variable-speed motors here
✅ 3. Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx Options
Many older homes are in metro areas with emissions rules. If you’re in California or parts of Texas, you’ll want a low NOx or ULN certified model.
✅ 4. AFUE Rating of 95% or Higher
Don’t settle for outdated 80% models. Newer R-32 furnaces can hit 96–98% AFUE, so nearly every dollar you spend on gas turns into indoor comfort.
💨 Mike’s Top R-32 Gas Furnace Picks for Older Homes
🔥 1. Goodman R-32 96% AFUE Two-Stage Gas Furnace (GR9T960805CN)
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80,000 BTU – a sweet spot for mid-sized vintage homes
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Two-stage gas valve = more consistent heat
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Compact cabinet ideal for tight installs
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Matches well with variable-speed air handlers
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Works great with the R-32 AC and Gas Furnace Systems
👉 Learn more about two-stage gas valves
🔥 2. Amana Distinctions 96% AFUE R-32 Furnace
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Budget-friendly without cutting corners
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Easy to retrofit into existing ductwork
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Good for 1,500–2,000 sq. ft. older homes
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Simple control board = fewer service headaches
🔥 3. Horizontal R-32 Furnace Options
If your home has a basement crawl or attic install, look for models with a horizontal configuration like the GR9S800603AN
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60,000 BTU
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Narrow width—ideal for tight side clearances
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80% AFUE for homes with budget or venting constraints
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Great option for phased upgrades
🧰 Do You Need to Upgrade Ductwork?
A lot of folks ask me, “Mike, do I have to rip out my old ducts?”
Short answer: Not always.
If your ducts are:
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Leaky
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Uninsulated
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Poorly sized
…then yes, some rework will help. But many times, we can seal and insulate what’s there and get you up and running with a high-efficiency R-32 furnace.
For DIY tips, check out DOE’s guide to duct sealing
🔁 Furnace Sizing for Older Homes: Don’t Guess!
You might think, “Bigger = better.” But oversizing a furnace causes short cycling and uneven heat.
Rule of thumb:
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30–35 BTUs per square foot for poorly insulated homes
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Add 10% if you have single-pane windows
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Always get a Manual J load calculation if possible
Learn more from HVAC.com’s furnace sizing guide
🛠️ Mike’s Wrap-Up
Older homes need furnaces that adapt—not just blast heat.
R-32 gas furnaces give you:
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High efficiency
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Flexible configurations
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Modern features in compact cabinets
If you need help picking the right model for your home, give us a call at The Furnace Outlet. I’ll walk you through it without the tech jargon.
Stay warm (and don’t worry—old homes can run just as smooth as new builds),
– Mike
In the next topic read about: What Is a Low NOx Gas Furnace? Mike Explains Why It Matters (Especially with R-32 Systems)
