Buying a quality furnace has become a top priority, with the winters getting colder as the years go by. Individuals can choose from several types, depending on their needs and preferences, such as electric, natural gas, oil, and propane. But since there are many brands, research is important before purchasing. The right tips can make things easier and help people choose the ideal furnace brand to keep the home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Look for energy  efficiency
Some reports show that the costs for heating and cooling amount to around 47% of a home’s energy bill.

There are several methods to check whether a brand’s furnace is energy-efficient. One way is to look at its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), a simple metric the Department of Energy provides. An AFUE rating between 94% and 98.5% is considered high-efficiency, 90-93% is mid-efficiency, and anything above 90% qualifies as Energy-Star rated. Some of the most energy-efficient furnaces from brands like Lennox reach 99% AFUE and cost between $3,100 to $10,000 per unit.

Evaluate the sizes  offered
Every brand manufactures furnaces in different sizes and designs to suit multiple home styles and sizes. One brand rarely has the perfect solution for every home. When buying a new furnace, one must always check the sizes the brand offers. The size/capacity of the unit determines its performance, overall heating costs, and the costs for repairs and replacements. An oversized unit is likely to be inefficient and cause temperature swings, whereas an undersized one just won’t be able to heat the entire space properly.

To choose the right size, one can consult a professional. Some furnace brands offer a free consultation with an expert. The individual takes various measurements and requirements into account before suggesting a model. For example, they may check the size of the home, its insulation, and the number of windows and advise accordingly.

Consider the local  weather
The local climate also plays an important role in deciding the right furnace for one’s home. The number of BTUs required to heat the home depends on local weather conditions. Homes in cooler areas need furnace units with higher BTUs than those in warmer regions. The brand one selects should have furnaces that meet these requirements.

Check the air quality features  available
Furnaces can significantly impact the home’s air quality. Models that are not energy-efficient can circulate contaminants. That is why one must always look for brands that provide furnaces with air quality maintenance features. The top models of 2024 may include features like air filtration, UV germicidal lights, and humidity control. The brand Goodman provides add-ons like electronic air cleaners and humidifiers to help customers enjoy clean air and breathe better.

Add a zoned heating  system
Most days, people only need part of the house to be heated. Heating the entire home in such cases wastes lots of energy. The solution is to set up a zoned heating system, where one can pick and choose which rooms they want to heat and customize the temperature in each zone. This system paves the way for higher energy efficiency, prolongs the furnace’s lifespan, and improves indoor air quality. The furnace brand York manufactures furnaces that can handle up to eight different heating zones, with prices ranging from $4,500 to $9,000 per unit.

Spare a thought for  maintenance
Nobody wants their furnace to go bust in the middle of the winter, so regular upkeep is crucial.  But  furnaces are expensive to maintain, and the cost and requirements for each vary by brand and model.  Before finalizing one for the home, discussing these details with the consultant is always a good idea. Generally speaking, electric furnaces are the easiest to maintain, while gas models require the most work.

Check compatibility with a  thermostat
To ensure energy efficiency, the furnace brand one opts for must be compatible with a programmable thermostat. Brands like Trane and American Standard offer furnaces with smart thermostats that also offer real-time insights, including diagnostics, humidity controls, automatic temperature adjustments, and more. Such models have prices between $3,500 and $15,600.

Ask for professional  installation
Professional installation from the brand can improve one’s buying experience. Since installation is a highly detailed task, a trained eye must ensure it is carried out properly. Before and during installation, the professional also performs various other inspections and tests, which can help improve the unit’s efficiency and lower heating costs. Installation services are  pretty  standard in 2024 across top models from the best furnace brands like Carrier, Lennox, Trane, American Standard, Amana, Daikin, Bryant, and Ruud.