what furnace would you purchase if you were buying one?

Question

we are looking at new furnaces and heat pumps, and i am wanting opinions on different models. thanks

Answer 1

We just has our heating and cooling system replaced last year. We had a Ruud put in and it works great. Just remember that the higher the SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, the the more efficient it will be. It will cost more up front, but will really save you in the long run. Since we put our new system in we are saving about $50-$60 per month on our electric bill.

Answer 2

My answer would depend on a bunch of factors:
1. What is currently installed in your house? If you currently have a boiler, I'd stick with a boiler. If you currently have ductwork installed for a central air conditioner, you can use the same ductwork for a furnace or a heat pump. If you are happy with the central air conditioner that's already installed, I'd lean towards a furnace, unless....
2. Are your primary HVAC needs heating in the winter, cooling in the summer, or a mix of both? How cold does it get in the winter? If it rarely gets colder than 40 degrees F in the winter, you're probably better off with a heat pump.
3. How long are you staying in your current house? If you plan to move in the next few years, you probably can't payback the extra cost of a high-efficiency furnace in energy savings.

Once you've answered some of these basic questions, we can get into specific models. There are a couple of websites that collect consumer reviews of hvac equipment. FurnaceCompare.com lists the most brands. ConsumerSearch.com is a bit dated, but has a good summary of reviews across the web.

Best of luck!
-Jeff

Answer 3

I know several people who bought the new high efficency furnaces and they have had nothing but trouble and in about 5 years they rust out because of moisture. Buy one with a standing pilot light even if it is a little less efficient. You don't save anything replacing a furnace every 5 years. Also a heat pump is good.

Answer 4

My suggestion would be that if you could afford it, go for a geothermal system. Not only are they WAY more efficient than any standard furnace, they are also electric based, allowing you to get away from the rising costs of gas.

We just bought one and we absolutely love it. It rarely runs (compared to our old gas furnace) and our electric bill is only a little bit higher than what it was before and we have completely eliminated our gas bill. It keeps the house nice and toasty!

And, not only are you buying a furnace, you are buying an air conditioner and a hot water heater.

Answer 5

I like Trane and Carrier,which are also American Standard and Bryant respective ly.Rheem is serviceable and less expensive(is also ruud weather king).Heat pumps are now cheaper to run than natural gas,but have capacity limits.Two stage gas furnaces run more comfortably and economically than single stage.I do not recommend varible speed since they break down more and the parts are very expensive.Lennox is very good but they are very proprietary and you may be stuck with limited repair choices in the future.find a dealer you like with one the recommended brands and buy from them.

Answer 6

you can not purchase a standing pilot furnace any more .and in order to boost the seer of a furnace you have electro/mechanial dampers witch are known for problems its just part of the monster the only thing i can tell you is that carriers the most expensive to purchase and to repair stick with Rudd,trane.or American standard.i have heard good things about janitrol since they overhauled their product

Answer 7

When it comes to mechanical systems, I sort of favor the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid) method of selection.

At the same time that you want to keep it simple, however, you also want it to be efficient.

All factors point to a forced-air, 95% AFUE(or better), single-stage burners, multi-stage main blower ( not variable speed), and natural gas (if possible).

Heat pumps are not simple (nor are they economical in price). Exotic systems can be nightmarish for the owners of same. I know of many heat pump owners who went back to the old tried-and true , forced-air systems.

Good luck.

Answer 8

carrier makes a great furnace and heat pump just bought one it is great

Answer 9

Three of the top names are TRANE, Rheem and Carrier. Rheem you can't go wrong as they have been around forever. My dad worked there.

Answer 10

personally Lennox they are easier to maintain.