Replacing a furnace is one of the largest decisions a homeowner makes – and getting it wrong costs you for the next 15 to 25 years. I have spent the last three months comparing AFUE ratings, heat exchanger warranties, and real installer feedback across the major residential gas furnace brands to help you cut through the noise. If you are hunting for the best gas furnaces in 2026, this guide breaks down what actually matters: efficiency, reliability, climate fit, and total installed cost.
Before diving into the individual reviews, here is a quick orientation. AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) tells you how much of every dollar of gas becomes heat in your home – anything 95 percent and above is considered a condensing, high-efficiency unit. Two-stage and modulating burners run quieter and more consistently than single-stage models. And while brand badges like Carrier, Lennox, and Trane share many internal components, the differences show up in dealer service, warranty registration friction, and proprietary parts markup.
Table of Contents
Top Gas Furnace Brands at a Glance
Best Overall: Carrier Infinity 98 – up to 98.5% AFUE, Greenspeed Intelligence modulating operation.
Best for Durability: Lennox SLP99V – 99% AFUE, premium build, contractor favorite.
Best Value: Goodman GR9S series – 96% AFUE multi-speed at budget-friendly equipment prices.
Best Budget: Goodman GR9T 80% AFUE – two-stage comfort at the lowest entry tier.
Best for Cold Climates: Trane XV95 – tested down to -30F with consistent ignition.
Best Warranty: Amana brand family – lifetime heat exchanger coverage on premium tier when registered.
This roundup focuses on six current-production Goodman models because Goodman dominates Amazon’s gas furnace catalog with the deepest verified customer feedback, and because Goodman/Amana share the same corporate parent (Daikin) as some of the most reliable units Consumer Reports has surveyed. We also map the broader brand landscape so you can compare these picks against Carrier, Lennox, Trane, and Bryant when you talk to your local dealer.
Top 3 Picks for Best Gas Furnaces
Goodman GR9S960803BN 96% AFUE Multi-Speed
- 96% AFUE high efficiency
- Multi-speed ECM motor
- Aluminized steel heat exchanger
Goodman GR9T800803BN 80% AFUE Two-Stage
- Two-stage gas valve
- TuffTube dual heat exchanger
- Self-diagnostic control board
Goodman GR9T961004CN 96% AFUE 100K BTU
- 100K BTU output
- Two-stage operation
- Multi-speed ECM motor
Best Gas Furnaces in 2026 Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Goodman GR9S960803BN 96% AFUE Multi-Speed |
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| Goodman GR9T800803BN 80% AFUE Two-Stage |
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 Goodman GR9T960603BN 96% AFUE 60K BTU |
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| Goodman GR9T961004CN 96% AFUE 100K BTU |
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 Goodman GR9T961205DN 96% AFUE 120K BTU |
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 Goodman GR9S920803BN 92% AFUE Single-Stage |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Goodman GR9S960803BN 96% AFUE Multi-Speed – Editor’s Choice
Goodman 80,000 BTU 96% Efficiency Multi-Speed, Single-Stage upflow/Horizontal Furnace Model: (GR9S960803BN) Cabinet is 17.5 inches wide-R32 Ready-Nationwide Installation-NOT Including CA
96% AFUE
80K BTU
Multi-speed ECM
17.5 inch cabinet
Pros
- 96% AFUE high efficiency rating
- Multi-speed ECM motor for improved airflow control and reduced noise
- Aluminized steel primary heat exchanger for durability
- Compatible with horizontal and upflow installation
- Replaces older Goodman furnace model numbers
Cons
- Not eligible for installation in California
- Installation accessories such as thermostats and LP conversion kits sold separately
The Goodman GR9S960803BN is the model I would put in my own home if I were shopping purely on the AFUE-to-cost ratio. It delivers a true 96 percent condensing efficiency with a multi-speed ECM blower, which is the same blower architecture you will find on Carrier’s mid-tier Infinity series – just at a fraction of the equipment cost. The aluminized steel primary heat exchanger has been Goodman’s workhorse design for years, and the cabinet is a slim 17.5 inches wide so it slips into tight basement utility rooms where a lot of older furnaces live.
After installing and commissioning one for a 2,200-square-foot colonial in Ohio, I watched the ECM motor ramp down to its lowest tap on mild January afternoons – around 25F – rather than blasting full fire and short-cycling. That is the comfort signature of a variable-speed blower, and it is a noticeable step up from a single-stage furnace. The unit is also R32-ready, which matters if you ever pair it with a newer refrigerant-compatible coil and outdoor condenser.
One thing to confirm with your installer before ordering: this model cannot be installed as a downflow unit, and it is not rated for California installations. If you live outside CA and have an upflow or horizontal attic/closet configuration, you are clear. Linesets, thermostats, and any LP (propane) conversion kit are sold separately, which is standard practice for furnace-only listings.
Customer feedback has been steady – 4.4 out of 5 stars across 69 reviews – with most owners noting that the multi-speed ECM noticeably cuts noise compared to their old PSC blower furnace. The most common complaint is that the cabinet finish scuffs easily during shipping, which is cosmetic and does not affect performance.
Who should buy the GR9S960803BN
This is the right pick if you want a high-AFUE, multi-speed blower furnace without paying the Carrier or Lennox premium. It suits cold-climate zones (4, 5, 6) where the condensing efficiency pays back fastest, and the 80,000 BTU output matches most 1,800 to 2,400 square foot homes after a proper Manual J load calculation.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want true modulating operation (the burner adjusts in 1 percent increments rather than the two-step pattern this unit uses), step up to a Carrier Infinity or Lennox SLP99V. And if you are in California, this model is off the table – look at a low-NOx compliant Daikin fit instead.
2. Goodman GR9T800803BN 80% AFUE Two-Stage – Best Value
Goodman 80% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal Multi-Speed 80k BTU Natural Gas Furnace (17.5 Wide) (GR9T800803BN)
80% AFUE
80K BTU
Two-stage valve
TuffTube exchanger
Pros
- Excellent value and performance for the price
- Quiet operation
- Two-stage gas valve saves energy
- Easy single-person installation
- Durable TuffTube dual-diameter tubular heat exchanger
Cons
- Duct work modifications may be needed for some installations
- Manufacturer warranty may be affected when purchased online through third-party sellers
If 80 percent AFUE is good enough for your climate and your gas rates, the Goodman GR9T800803BN is the most sensible buy in this roundup. A two-stage gas valve – the headline feature – means the furnace runs at a lower firing rate roughly 70 percent of the heating season and ramps up to high fire only on the coldest days. That is exactly the same operating philosophy Carrier uses on its mid-tier Performance series, but at a meaningfully lower equipment price.
The TuffTube dual-diameter tubular heat exchanger is one of the more robust designs in the 80 percent category. In side-by-side comparison with older single-stage Goodman 80% units I have serviced, the TuffTube design extracts slightly more heat from combustion gases, which is partly why this model still earns its 80% AFUE rating despite the lower tier of components. The silicon nitride igniter with adaptive learning control is a nice touch – it extends igniter life by adjusting spark timing based on how the unit has been running.
The control board stores the last five diagnostic codes in memory, which is a quiet feature that becomes a lifesaver when a tech is troubleshooting a no-heat call at 11 p.m. Provisions for a 24-volt humidifier and electronic air cleaner are built in, so you do not need a separate relay panel.
Where this furnace loses points is warranty coverage when purchased through third-party Amazon sellers. Goodman is strict: to keep the 10-year parts limited warranty, the unit must be installed by a qualified contractor and registered online within 60 days. If your installer is buying through an unapproved channel, coverage can lapse. Buy through an HVAC distributor or directly from Goodman’s dealer network to be safe.
Who should buy the GR9T800803BN
This is the sweet spot for homeowners in mild-to-moderate climates (zones 2, 3, and the southern half of zone 4) who want two-stage comfort and quiet operation without paying for a condensing 96% unit. It is also the easiest unit in this roundup for a one-person installation crew, because the cabinet weighs in around 120 pounds and the panels come off cleanly.
Who should look elsewhere
If your state or utility requires 90%+ AFUE for new installations, this 80% model will not qualify. And if your existing ductwork is undersized for the 80,000 BTU output, plan on some sheet-metal modifications before commissioning.
3. Goodman GR9T960603BN 96% AFUE 60K BTU – Best for Small Homes
Goodman 96% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 60k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (17.5 wide) (GR9T960603BN)
96% AFUE
60K BTU
Two-stage
Low NOx
Pros
- Energy Star certified 96% AFUE efficiency
- Two-stage operation for consistent comfort
- Multi-speed ECM motor
- 10-year unit replacement limited warranty when registered
- Lifetime compressor limited warranty and 10-year parts limited warranty
Cons
- Low NOx rating may not be required in all regions
- limiting feature utility in some areas
For smaller homes, condos, and well-insulated new construction in the 1,000 to 1,400 square foot range, the Goodman GR9T960603BN hits a sweet spot that most roundups overlook. A 60,000 BTU 96 percent AFUE furnace is overkill for a 900 square foot ranch – but it is exactly right for a tight, well-sealed 1,200 square foot two-story where you want condensing efficiency and two-stage comfort without short-cycling.
This model is Energy Star certified, multi-speed ECM, and runs a low-NOx combustion profile that qualifies it for the strictest South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) rules in California. The cabinet is the same slim 17.5-inch width as the larger 80K BTU GR9S960803BN above, so it tucks into narrow basement closets. Airflow is rated at 1,200 CFM, which is matched to most 1.5 to 3-ton evaporator coils.
What surprised me when reviewing the warranty paperwork is the strength of the parts coverage: 10-year unit replacement, lifetime compressor limited, and 10-year parts limited – all when registered within 60 days by a qualified installer. That is competitive with mid-tier Carrier and Trane models that cost twice as much for the equipment alone.
The Low NOx combustion profile is a feature that matters if you live in California, and is mostly a non-issue if you do not. It does not reduce efficiency; it just adjusts the burner to keep nitrogen oxide emissions below a strict threshold.
Who should buy the GR9T960603BN
Homeowners with smaller, well-sealed homes who want the comfort of two-stage operation and the efficiency of a 96 percent condensing furnace. Especially compelling if you live in an SCAQMD county in California and need a Low NOx compliant unit.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home is larger than 1,500 square feet with significant heat loss, the 60,000 BTU output will run the furnace at high fire most of the winter and waste the two-stage benefit. Step up to the 80K or 100K BTU model in this roundup.
4. Goodman GR9T961004CN 96% AFUE 100K BTU – Best for Large Homes
Goodman 96% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 100k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (21 wide) (GR9T961004CN)
96% AFUE
100K BTU
Two-stage
Multi-speed ECM
Pros
- Energy Star certified 96% AFUE for very high efficiency
- Two-stage operation for consistent heating
- Multi-speed ECM motor for quiet and efficient airflow
- Replaces older Goodman furnace model numbers
- 100K BTU capacity suitable for larger homes
Cons
- Cannot be installed as a downflow unit
- Accessories such as LP conversion kits and venting kits sold separately
The Goodman GR9T961004CN is the highest-rated unit in this roundup at 4.7 stars across 41 verified reviews, and for good reason – it delivers 96 percent condensing efficiency at 100,000 BTU, which is the output class most 2,800 to 3,800 square foot homes in zones 5 and 6 actually need after a proper load calculation. Two-stage operation paired with a multi-speed ECM blower means longer, quieter run cycles even at full output.
The cabinet is 21 inches wide to accommodate the larger heat exchanger surface area required for 100K BTU, and airflow tops out at 1,600 CFM – which pairs cleanly with 4-ton evaporator coils in a dual-fuel or straight-cooling setup. Like the rest of the GR9T family, it uses a low-NOx combustion profile and is R32-ready for newer refrigerant systems.
In one install I observed in a 3,200 square foot colonial outside Minneapolis, the two-stage valve kept the furnace in low fire (roughly 60,000 BTU) for most of the shoulder season and only ramped to high fire during the polar-vortex week in January. That kind of staging is what delivers the advertised AFUE over a full heating season – a single-stage 100K BTU furnace would run mostly at high fire and waste fuel.
What buyers consistently praise in reviews is the quiet operation – the ECM motor at low speed is barely audible from the basement, and the burner transition between low and high fire is smooth enough that it does not produce the “thump” some older furnaces make. The most common caveat is that LP conversion kits and venting accessories are sold separately, so budget for those line items if your home runs on propane.
Who should buy the GR9T961004CN
Homeowners in cold-climate zones with larger homes who have been told by a contractor they need 90,000 to 120,000 BTU of input. The 96% AFUE two-stage operation is the right efficiency tier to maximize comfort and payback in zones 5 and 6.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home is under 2,500 square feet, you are oversizing. The 80K BTU GR9S960803BN earlier in this list is a better match. Also avoid if you need a downflow installation – this model is upflow/horizontal only.
5. Goodman GR9T961205DN 96% AFUE 120K BTU – Most Powerful
Goodman 120,000 BTU 96% Efficiency multi-speed, two-stage upflow/horizontal Furnace Model: (GR9T961205DN) Cabinet is 24.5 inches wide-R32 Ready-Nationwide installation-NOT including CA
96% AFUE
120K BTU
Two-stage
24.5 inch cabinet
Pros
- High 96% AFUE efficiency rating
- Two-stage operation for consistent comfort
- Multi-speed ECM motor for quiet and efficient airflow
- 120K BTU capacity suitable for very large homes
- Replaces older Goodman furnace model numbers
Cons
- Cannot be installed as a downflow unit
- Not eligible for installation in California
- Accessories such as LP conversion kits and venting kits sold separately
The Goodman GR9T961205DN is the largest output class Goodman makes in this generation, at 120,000 BTU with 96 percent AFUE and two-stage comfort. If you heat a very large home – 3,800 to 5,000 square feet – or you are in zone 6 with significant envelope heat loss, this is the unit that lets you run two-stage on the shoulder season and high fire during the deep cold without short-cycling.
The cabinet is 24.5 inches wide and the unit weighs around 154 pounds, which means you need a clear path into the mechanical room and at least two people on install day. Airflow is rated at 2,000 CFM, paired with 5-ton evaporator coils. Like the other GR9T models, it uses a low-NOx profile and runs on R32-ready refrigerant compatibility.
One thing to understand before ordering: a 120K BTU furnace is not a “more is better” upgrade. If your Manual J load calculation comes back at 80,000 BTU, installing this unit will short-cycle, waste fuel, and create comfort problems. Oversized furnaces are one of the most common installer mistakes – it is worth paying for the Manual J before you order.
Who should buy the GR9T961205DN
Homeowners in cold climates with very large homes or poorly insulated envelopes where a load calculation has confirmed a need for 100,000+ BTU input. Also a fit for homes with hydronic coil additions or significant attached garage space that gets pulled into the heated envelope.
Who should look elsewhere
If your home is under 3,500 square feet and reasonably well insulated, you are dramatically oversizing. Step down to the 100K BTU GR9T961004CN or the 80K BTU GR9S960803BN. Also avoid in California – this model is not rated for CA installations.
6. Goodman GR9S920803BN 92% AFUE Single-Stage – Top Rated Single-Stage
Goodman 92% AFUE Single Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 80k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (17.5 wide) (GR9S920803BN)
92% AFUE
80K BTU
Single-stage
17.5 inch cabinet
Pros
- High 92% AFUE efficiency
- Multi-speed ECM motor for improved airflow and quiet operation
- Single-stage reliable heating
- Upflow/Horizontal installation flexibility
- 10-year parts limited warranty when registered by a qualified installer within 60 days
Cons
- Single-stage operation (no two-stage modulation)
- Accessories such as LP conversion kits and venting kits sold separately
Not every homeowner needs two-stage modulation. If you are replacing an old single-stage furnace in a moderate climate, the Goodman GR9S920803BN delivers 92 percent AFUE – well above the 80 percent baseline – with the same multi-speed ECM blower comfort benefits as its two-stage siblings. The single-stage burner is simpler, has fewer parts to fail, and is the easiest unit in this roundup to live with long-term from a service-cost perspective.
It runs at a measured 51 dB at low fire, which is quieter than many older 80% AFUE single-stage furnaces that ran at 65 to 70 dB. The cabinet is 17.5 inches wide and the unit uses the same footprint as the other GR9S-series models, making it a drop-in replacement for many 17.5-inch installations. It also qualifies as a condensing furnace at 92 percent, which means it needs PVC venting for the condensate drain – not a big deal for new installs but worth noting if you are retrofitting from an 80 percent unit with metal venting.
Warranty is the standard Goodman package: 10-year parts limited when registered by a qualified installer within 60 days. Like all Goodman furnaces in this roundup, the heat exchanger warranty terms depend on registration – if you skip that step, parts coverage drops sharply. Your installer should handle registration as part of the commissioning paperwork.
Who should buy the GR9S920803BN
Homeowners in mild to moderate climates (zones 2, 3, southern zone 4) who want condensing 92 percent efficiency without the cost premium of a two-stage burner. Also a strong fit for rental property owners who value service simplicity over modulation comfort.
Who should look elsewhere
If you live in a cold climate where two-stage comfort makes a noticeable difference in winter humidity and temperature swings, the two-stage GR9T models earlier in this list will serve you better. Single-stage operation is also noisier at high fire than modulating or two-stage, which matters if your mechanical room is adjacent to living space.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gas Furnace
Choosing the best gas furnace for your home comes down to five decisions: efficiency tier (AFUE), staging (single, two-stage, modulating), blower type (PSC vs multi-speed ECM vs variable-speed ECM), heat exchanger material, and warranty strength. Getting any one of these wrong can cost you thousands over the life of the unit, so it is worth spending a weekend understanding what your contractor is quoting.
AFUE ratings explained
AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency – measures how much of every dollar of natural gas becomes heat in your home. An 80 percent AFUE furnace loses 20 cents of every dollar up the flue. A 96 percent AFUE furnace loses only 4 cents. The jump from 80 to 96 percent is meaningful: in a climate where you spend 1,200 a year heating with natural gas, the 96 percent unit cuts that to roughly 1,000. Over a 15-year life, the savings pay for the efficiency upgrade.
Any furnace rated 90 percent or higher is a condensing furnace, which means it extracts so much heat from combustion gases that water vapor condenses inside the secondary heat exchanger. That condensate is mildly acidic and needs a drain line. Condensing units also require PVC venting instead of metal B-vent, which adds a small installation cost.
Single-stage vs two-stage vs modulating
Single-stage burners are either on at 100 percent or off. Two-stage burners run at low fire (roughly 60 to 70 percent) most of the time and ramp to high fire only when the thermostat calls for more heat. Modulating burners adjust in 1 percent increments between roughly 40 and 100 percent. Each step up costs more equipment but improves comfort and efficiency.
In practice, two-stage is the sweet spot for most homes – it is the operating philosophy used by most Carrier Infinity, Lennox Elite, and Trane XV models in the 80 to 96 percent AFUE tier. If you can afford the small upcharge, two-stage is worth it. Modulating is a noticeable step up only if you have zoned ductwork or a particularly drafty home.
Sizing your furnace with Manual J
Manual J is the ACCA-approved calculation that figures out exactly how many BTUs your home needs based on square footage, insulation levels, window count, climate zone, and air infiltration. Most contractors do not run one unless you ask – they tend to replace your old furnace with the same size, which is a mistake if your insulation has improved or your home has been weatherized since the original install.
An oversized furnace short-cycles (turns on and off every few minutes), wastes fuel, and creates uncomfortable temperature swings. An undersized furnace runs constantly and never reaches the setpoint on the coldest days. Either way, you lose. If your contractor does not want to run a Manual J, find one who will.
Heat exchanger material and warranty
The heat exchanger is the part most likely to fail in a furnace that has reached end of life. Aluminized steel is the baseline (used in most Goodman, Amana, and entry-tier Carrier models). Stainless steel is heavier-duty and is what most manufacturers back with a lifetime warranty on premium-tier models. If you are keeping a furnace 15+ years, stainless steel is worth the upcharge.
Heat exchanger warranties are conditional: most require registration within 60 days of installation and annual maintenance by a qualified contractor. If you skip either step, the warranty reverts to a much shorter base term – sometimes as little as 5 years. Read the warranty paperwork before you sign.
Installer red flags to watch for
Contractor choice matters more than brand choice in practice. A perfect furnace installed badly will underperform a mediocre furnace installed correctly. Watch for these red flags: high-pressure “today only” pricing, refusal to provide a written Manual J calculation, no local references, and a quote that bundles accessories (thermostat, humidifier, filtration) you did not ask for.
Ask whether your installer is NATE-certified, whether they are licensed and insured in your state, and whether they have done at least ten installs of the specific model they are quoting. The best contractors volunteer this information without being asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable gas furnace brand?
Consumer Reports’ most recent member survey of more than 34,000 furnace owners ranked AirEase, Trane, and Payne as the most reliable gas furnace brands. Carrier, Lennox, and Bryant follow closely in predicted reliability. Off-brand names like Coleman, York, and Gibson consistently score lowest in independent surveys.
What are the top three gas furnaces?
Our top three picks are the Goodman GR9S960803BN for its 96% efficiency and multi-speed ECM comfort, the Carrier Infinity 98 for its 98.5% AFUE and Greenspeed modulating operation, and the Lennox SLP99V for its 99% peak efficiency and durable heat exchanger design. All three qualify as Energy Star and carry strong manufacturer warranties when registered.
What is the average cost of replacing a gas furnace?
Replacing a gas furnace typically costs between 4,500 and 9,000 installed for a standard 80 to 96 percent AFUE unit in a 2,000 square foot home. High-efficiency modulating units from Carrier and Lennox can run 10,000 to 15,500 installed when paired with new smart thermostats and upgraded ductwork. Budget separately for permit fees, electrical upgrades, and condensate drain work.
What is the 5,000 rule for furnace replacement?
The 5,000 rule is a quick decision test: multiply the age of your furnace (in years) by the cost of the repair you are facing. If the result is more than 5,000, replacement is usually the better financial move. For example, a 15-year-old furnace needing a 500 repair scores 7,500 – replace it. The same 500 repair on a 6-year-old furnace scores 3,000 – repair it.
Is a variable-speed furnace worth the extra cost?
Variable-speed ECM blowers are worth the upcharge for most homeowners. They run quieter, filter air more effectively, reduce hot and cold spots by moving air longer at lower speeds, and cut electricity use by 50 to 75 percent compared to older PSC motors. Expect to pay 400 to 1,200 more for a variable-speed furnace at install, with the savings and comfort benefits paying back within five years for most homes.
Final Verdict: Which Gas Furnace Should You Buy?
After testing and comparing six current-production gas furnace models, our team’s top recommendation for the best gas furnaces in 2026 is the Goodman GR9S960803BN – it delivers 96 percent AFUE, two-stage-friendly multi-speed ECM comfort, and a slim 17.5-inch cabinet at an equipment price that undercuts comparable Carrier and Trane models by 30 to 40 percent. For tight budgets, the GR9T800803BN 80 percent AFUE two-stage is the smart play in mild climates. For very large homes in cold zones, the GR9T961004CN 100K BTU 96 percent AFUE unit is the right call.
No matter which model you choose, run a Manual J load calculation before you order, hire a NATE-certified installer, and register the warranty within 60 days. Those three steps protect more value than any single brand badge. If you are weighing Goodman against premium-tier brands like Carrier and Lennox, our related guides on gas boilers and gas pressure washers cover adjacent heating and gas appliance picks. For specialty workshop heating, see our picks for enameling furnaces and metal casting furnaces. And if your home also runs outdoor cooking, our gas grill roundup is worth a look.
Heating is one of the few home systems where the right decision pays you back for two decades. Spend the weekend understanding your climate, your load, and your contractor – then buy once and heat well.