best furnace brands? (installing, cost, build, standard)

[stan4]

Will have to replace one of our units that has dutifully worked for us for over 20 years.

Would love to replace with something top of the line that will carry on that tradition.

Any expert thoughts out there as to the best make of furnace?

Thank you.

[Barking Spider]

Before I go on with my list, keep in mind that many units are made by the same company and they just stick different stickers on them. The other thing is that each manf. has several lines that run from high end down to what I would consider "flippers grade".

So you can get a Trane/American Standard and pay big bucks for the top of the line unit, but you can also get a lower priced unit too.
Same goes for Carrier, Lennox, Rheem... and on and on.

While many people go on and one about what junk Goodman is, they will turn around and buy an Amana and they are made by the same company.

I would go with the best efficiency, and the best warranty, and then shop for the best price after you decide on just what you want to use.

Most of the higher end builders in my area are installing Trane, American Standard, Carrier and Rheem.

[kwalk65]

I swear by Trane/American Standard units - they have served me well over the years. I just sold a house with a Goodman and we had nothing but problems with it and it was under 5 years old. Goodman has a good warranty but the labor cost for all the problems was a big expense.

Above all, outside of the brand I personally think the MOST IMPORANT part is that you make sure the installation is done right as even the best systems do not perform as well as they should if the install is done poorly.

I am expanding my attic and I am in the throws of making this same decision --- and I am spending more time on getting the right HVAC company to do the intall - the unit is as good as the install - IMO.

[Threerun]

We have two Goodmans that are a little more than a year old and thus far no problems. I believe a lot of it has to do with installation quality, actually.

But yeah- the guts on most units are basically the same.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by Barking Spider

Before I go on with my list, keep in mind that many units are made by the same company and they just stick different stickers on them. The other thing is that each manf. has several lines that run from high end down to what I would consider "flippers grade".

So you can get a Trane/American Standard and pay big bucks for the top of the line unit, but you can also get a lower priced unit too.
Same goes for Carrier, Lennox, Rheem... and on and on.

While many people go on and one about what junk Goodman is, they will turn around and buy an Amana and they are made by the same company.

I would go with the best efficiency, and the best warranty, and then shop for the best price after you decide on just what you want to use.

Most of the higher end builders in my area are installing Trane, American Standard, Carrier and Rheem.

Agreed, all around.

[BigJon3475]

US House Passes Stimulus Bill With HVACR Tax Credits 244-188

[linicx]

I just did this dance. What I learned is a trade secrete. Tney all use the same parts and some name brands are more difficult to intall than others. The only thing you pay for is the trade name. I installed a no name 80% efficiency and saved nearly two grand over a name brand furnace. and my utility bill is lower now too. Most have the same warranties too.

[old_cold]

Check into the Buderus line.
Excellent!

[Barking Spider]

I think Buderus only makes boilers.

[BigJon3475]

I'd worry more about getting a good contractor than what writing ends up on the pop in tag. It doesn't matter how good the equipment is if Bubba shows up to your house with MacGyver intentions.