Best Gas Furnaces Under $2,000 for 2016
In terms of equipment cost, gas furnaces give you an efficiency bang for your buck that heat pumps don’t offer. An efficient heat pump will heat for less, and the extra cost of the equipment can be recouped in a few years to a decade, depending on how cold your climate is.
But for low-cost, high-efficiency heating equipment, a gas furnace is tough to beat. They’re a good choice for any climate due to their relatively low cost. In other words, the cost difference between a good 80% efficient furnace and a 95% furnace isn’t that great, so even where winters are mild, going with a high-efficiency model will pay off in a few short years.
Here are the 2016 best gas furnaces for less than $2000. We give the model, features, efficiency and gas furnace price.
AFUE: The efficiencies for each furnace reflect the Annualized Fuel Usage Efficiency, or AFUE. The number reflects the percentage of heat created by the furnace that is transferred into the ductwork of the home.
The Best Gas Furnaces for Less than $2,000
Note that the AFUE for each model is “up to” that level. Each furnace is manufactured in a range of “sizes” or heating capacities. The AFUE across all sizes for each furnace might vary by up to 1.5%. The AFUE used is the rating for the most efficient size of the model.
1. Rheem Prestige Series R96V Gas Furnace
One of Rheem’s top gas furnaces, this one is built for efficiency and indoor comfort. The two-stage gas valve fires on low most of the time for longer, gentler and more efficient cycles. It’s supported by a variable-speed blower that reduces noise and prevents blasts of cool air at the start of the cycle.
- Up to 96% AFUE efficiency
- 2-stage heating
- Variable-speed blower
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty; 10-year parts warranty
- Rheem R96V starting price: $1,500
2. Carrier Performance 96 59TP6 Gas Furnace
Carrier has a very good track record for durability, and this furnace should provide 20 years of dependable heating with normal care and maintenance. The 2-stage gas valve will operate on low capacity (about 65% capacity) most of the time to be quiet, efficient and comfortable.
- Up to 96.7% AFUE
- 2-stage heating
- Variable-speed blower
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty; 10-year parts warranty
- Carrier Performance 96 starting price: $1,700
3. Goodman GMVM97 Gas Furnace
This is the only modulating furnace on this list, though all of the top brands produce modulating furnaces. Most are quite a bit more expensive, but Goodman has long been the best value in HVAC. The modulating, or variable-capacity, gas valve adjusts in small increments from about 40% heating to 100% capacity. This creates even temperatures and quiet heating. If this furnace’s heat exchanger fails in the first decade, Goodman will replace the entire furnace.
- Up to 98% AFUE
- Variable-capacity heating
- Variable-speed blower
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty including 10-year furnace replacement coverage; 10-year parts warranty
- Goodman GMVM97 starting price: $1,400
4. Amana AMVC96 Gas Furnace
A stainless steel tubular heat exchanger is the key to the 96% efficiency. This is a highly rated gas furnace that is ideal for climates with long, cold winters.
- Up to 96% AFUE
- 2-stage heating
- Variable-capacity blower
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty; 10-year parts warranty
- Amana AMVC96 starting price: $1,600
5. Heil QuietComfort Deluxe 96 Gas Furnace
Heil’s best 2-stage furnace includes a 10-year furnace replacement warranty on the heat exchanger. This is a quiet furnace with communicating technology that can increase the efficiency of system components including a central air conditioner.
- Up to 96.5% AFUE
- 2-stage heating
- Variable-capacity blower
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year furnace replacement warranty; 10-year parts warranty.
Tips for Getting the Best Performance from a High Efficiency Gas Furnace
You won’t be getting maximum energy savings from your new gas furnace if you don’t address these issues.
1. Proper home insulation: Make sure your attic has the right amount of insulation. Add weatherstripping to doors and windows where needed. Insulate around pipes and vents entering your home. Seal cracks and gaps in exposed duct work. When your home is insulated as it should be, you’ll get maximum benefit from your furnace’s high AFUE performance.
2. Use a programmable thermostat: It’s easy to cut energy use by allowing your home to be cooler when you’re away or sleeping. The system can be programmed to warm up your house before you wake up or get home. Installing a Wi-Fi thermostat that can be controlled with a smartphone optimizes energy savings.
3. Have an experienced professional install your furnace: Not all furnace installation is alike. When it’s done improperly, your furnace may not run as efficiently as it should and could be susceptible to mechanical failure. We can help you find a qualified contractor with the experience needed to do the job properly. Choose the Free Estimates button, and fill out the convenient form. That’s all you have to do, and there is no cost or obligation. You’ll receive written estimates from three of the top HVAC companies in your area, and the contractors know they must provide competitive bids to get your business.