What really drives the furnace cost by brand?
Brand affects price, but it’s not the only factor. In 2025, complete furnace projects (equipment + pro install) usually land between $3,000 and $8,000, with budget installs sneaking in under $3,000 and top-tier systems topping $10,000 when the job is complex. Why the spread? Three levers: efficiency (AFUE), build quality/components, and installation difficulty. Higher-end brands often pair quiet cabinets, better heat exchangers, and smarter controls with higher AFUE. Meanwhile, labor varies by code requirements, venting, electrical, and ductwork. If you’re just starting research, browse current models in Furnaces for common questions. Keep a simple worksheet: house size, climate zone, duct condition, and must-have features. With those four notes, comparing brands becomes apples to apples instead of guesswork.
Budget brands worth a look: HEIL, York, Ruud
If you want reliable heat without bells and whistles, these brands punch above their price. HEIL ($2,350–$3,357) offers three series and efficiency up to 98% AFUE, so you’re not stuck at the low end. York ($2,285–$3,768) is known for compact cabinets handy in tight basements or closets. Ruud ($2,500–$3,578) wins on parts availability and solid warranties, which helps when you need a fast fix in January. Pair a budget furnace with careful sizing and a clean install, and you’ll get steady comfort. Stretch dollars further by checking Lowest Price Guarantee deals. Budget doesn’t mean bare-bones; it means choosing proven basics and putting money where it matters: correct BTUs, safe venting, and dependable warranty support.
Mid-range sweet spot: Goodman, Carrier, American Standard
Mid-range brands balance cost, warranty, and performance. Goodman ($1,900–$5,700) delivers standout value and robust warranty terms, even if it isn’t the flashiest badge. Carrier ($2,882–$8,250) brings long-standing reliability and feature depth across many efficiency tiers. American Standard ($2,700–$8,500) has a reputation for fewer repair calls and quiet operation. If you’re upgrading from an older 80% furnace, a mid-range 95%+ unit can knock down fuel bills without jumping to ultra-premium pricing. Many homeowners in average-sized homes find their “just right” system here. Unsure which model fits your layout? Share room photos and equipment labels through Quote by Photo to get practical guidance, or collaborate with our Design Center for a short-list that respects your budget and must-have features.
Premium tier: Lennox, Trane, Amana when it makes sense
Premium systems cost more because they bundle top AFUE ratings, advanced comfort controls, and refined build quality. Lennox ($3,100–$10,000) reaches 99% AFUE and emphasizes quiet, steady heat. Trane ($2,490–$9,800) leans on durable construction and a century of field experience. Amana ($3,600–$11,000) is known for high efficiency and lifetime heat-exchanger warranties on select models. Who benefits most? Homes with long heating seasons, picky noise requirements (nursery over the utility room), or zoning/smart control plans. Premium often pays off in fewer hot-cold swings and smoother blower ramps. If you’re weighing a premium furnace against a dual-fuel or heat-pump-led setup for shoulder seasons, browse packaged systems to compare total comfort strategies, not just the furnace badge.
AFUE, explained simply (and why 95% vs 98% is closer than you think)
AFUE tells you how much fuel becomes heat. A 95% AFUE furnace turns 95% of gas into usable heat; an 80% unit wastes 20%. High-efficiency models (90–99%) cut fuel bills especially in cold climates. But the jump from 95% to 98–99% can be modest on bills. So why buy the higher number? Because those top models often include better components modulating gas valves, tighter cabinets, and quieter, more consistent temperature control. If the price gap is big, spend first on correct sizing and proper installation, then add efficiency as budget allows. Want help translating AFUE into real dollars? Our HVAC Tips articles walk through payback and comfort trade-offs so you don’t chase specs that won’t move the needle in your climate.
Get the size right: BTUs by climate zone (no guesswork)
An oversized furnace short-cycles and wears out parts; an undersized one runs nonstop and still can’t keep up. Use this quick guide, then confirm with a Manual J load calculation:
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Zone 1 (Hot): 30–35 BTU/sq ft
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Zone 2 (Warm): 35–40 BTU/sq ft
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Zone 3 (Moderate): 40–45 BTU/sq ft
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Zone 4 (Cool): 45–50 BTU/sq ft
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Zone 5 (Cold): 50–60 BTU/sq ft
Example: a 2,000 sq ft Zone-4 home usually wants 90,000–100,000 BTU but insulation, windows, and ceiling height can move that number. Start with our Sizing Guide and then verify the load. Matching BTUs to your home and ducts often saves more money than chasing the last percentage point of AFUE. It also keeps rooms even and the blower quieter.
Installation matters: what adds to the bill (and what to plan for)
A careful install protects your investment and family. Plan for:
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Clearances: Leave 3 ft around the unit for service.
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Venting: Proper intake/exhaust for condensing gas models to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
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Electrical: A dedicated circuit and code-correct shutoff.
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Ductwork: Compatibility checks; sealing or resizing may be needed.
Labor is a big share of total cost, especially if the vent route is tricky or ducts are undersized. Ask your installer to document gas line sizing, vent lengths, and static pressure before and after. Prefer a simple remote estimate first? Use Quote by Photo to flag red-flags early and build a realistic budget.
Warranties: what’s covered and what isn’t
Most brands include 10-year parts (often only 5 years if you forget to register) and 15–20 years or lifetime on the heat exchanger, depending on model. Registration usually must happen within 60–90 days of installation set a reminder. Also know: labor is typically not covered by manufacturer warranties, which is why a reputable installer and good workmanship matter. Keep invoices and service records; annual professional maintenance is often required to keep coverage valid. Before you buy, read the fine print in the warranty and the installer’s labor policy. If something arrives damaged or you change plans, review our Return Policy so there are no surprises.
Features that are worth paying for (and when)
Some upgrades repay you daily in comfort and savings:
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Variable-speed ECM blowers can cut blower energy use by up to 60% and reduce drafts.
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Modulating burners adjust in tiny steps (as small as 1%) for steady room temperatures and quieter runs.
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Smart integration (Wi-Fi thermostats) lets you schedule setbacks, track energy, and get alerts.
If your ducts are marginal or rooms run hot/cold, these features can smooth things out without overhauling the whole system. In milder climates, consider a dual-fuel or heat-pump-forward plan to curb gas use during shoulder seasons; compare options in R-32 packaged systems.
Tips for a smart furnace buy (save now, avoid headaches later)
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Start with load, not logo. Confirm BTUs with a Manual J. Use our Sizing Guide.
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Pick an AFUE that fits your climate. 95% is a strong default; 98–99% pays more in long, cold seasons.
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Budget for the install. Venting, electrical, and duct fixes can rival equipment costs.
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Register the warranty. Do it within 60–90 days and keep maintenance records.
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Mind the features. Variable-speed and modulating heat help comfort more than a tiny AFUE bump.
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Ask for static pressure readings. Before/after numbers prove the airflow is right.
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Plan maintenance ($100–$500/yr). It prevents big repairs and protects the warranty.
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Explore payment options. See HVAC Financing if you’re timing the project.
Need help comparing a short-list? Share your home size, zone, and must-haves, and we’ll map two or three brand options that fit your budget and project timeline.see The furnace outlet.
