Imagine this: a chilly evening arrives, and you step into a warm, cozy home. That wonderful feeling of comfort is often thanks to your home’s heating system. For many people, a natural gas furnace is the heart of this warmth. But when it’s time to choose a new one, the choices can feel overwhelming, right? You want something that keeps your family comfortable without costing a fortune, and figuring out which furnace is best can feel like a puzzle.
This is where understanding your natural gas furnace becomes super important. Choosing the right one isn’t just about buying a box; it’s about making sure your home stays toasty all winter, your energy bills don’t skyrocket, and you can relax knowing your system is reliable. We know it can be tricky to know where to start, with all the different sizes, efficiency ratings, and features out there. What does AFUE even mean?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a clearer picture of what makes a great natural gas furnace. We’ll break down the jargon, explain the important features, and give you the confidence to make a smart choice for your home and your budget. Let’s dive in and get your home ready for the cold!
Our Top 5 Natural Gas Furnace Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Goodman 96% AFUE | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Goodman 80 | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Goodman 3.5 Ton 13.4 SEER2 80 | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Goodman 100 | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Goodman 96% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 100k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (21 wide) (GR9T961004CN) | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Natural Gas Furnace Detailed Reviews
1. Goodman 96% AFUE
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your home’s heating system with the Goodman 96% AFUE, 80,000 BTU/h Capacity, Upflow/Horizontal Configuration, Single-Stage Natural Gas Furnace. This powerful furnace is designed for efficiency and comfort, ensuring your home stays warm all winter long. It comes as a convenient bundle, including the GM9S960803BN furnace and a thermostat to get you started.
What We Like:
- High Energy Efficiency: With a 96% AFUE rating, this furnace saves you money on your energy bills by using less fuel to produce heat.
- Quiet and Efficient Operation: The nine-speed ECM blower motor runs quietly and adjusts its speed for optimal air circulation and energy savings.
- Durable Construction: The furnace features a Silicon Nitride igniter for longer life and a heavy-duty aluminized-steel heat exchanger for reliable performance.
- Flexible Installation: Its upflow/horizontal configuration allows for versatile installation in various home layouts.
- Complete Bundle: The included thermostat makes installation easier and ensures you have everything needed to control your home’s temperature.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: A 10-year parts limited warranty provides peace of mind, as long as installation is done by a qualified professional and the product is registered.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sizing Consideration: Homeowners need to determine the correct system size based on factors like square footage, insulation, and climate, which requires some research or professional advice.
- Potential Model Variations: While manufacturers strive for improvement, slight differences in received models may occur, meaning the exact unit might vary slightly from what is pictured or described.
This Goodman furnace offers a smart and efficient way to heat your home. Its robust build and energy-saving features make it a solid choice for any homeowner looking for reliable comfort.
2. Goodman 80
Rating: 8.9/10
The Goodman 80,000 BTU 80% Efficiency Furnace (GR9S800803BN) is a solid choice for many homes. It’s designed to be efficient and provide reliable heat. This furnace is R32 ready, meaning it’s prepared for future refrigerant standards. It can be installed nationwide, except in California. The cabinet is a compact 17.5 inches wide, which can be helpful for fitting into different spaces. It replaces older Goodman models like the GMES800803BN and GM9S800803BN.
What We Like:
- The multi-speed ECM motor helps control airflow for better heating and quieter operation.
- It features an aluminized steel primary heat exchanger for durability.
- Nationwide installation is available, making it accessible for many homeowners.
- The furnace is R32 ready for future compatibility.
- It’s designed for upflow and horizontal installations, offering flexibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- This furnace cannot be installed as a downflow unit. If you need a downflow model, you’ll need to look for a different series (GD9).
- Accessories like linesets and thermostats are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- LP conversion kits are also sold separately if needed.
- Installation is not available in California.
This Goodman furnace offers good efficiency and quiet operation for its class. Remember to check if the upflow/horizontal installation meets your home’s needs.
3. Goodman 3.5 Ton 13.4 SEER2 80
Rating: 9.1/10
The Goodman 3.5 Ton 13.4 SEER2 80,000 BTU Gas Package Unit is a powerful all-in-one system that keeps your home or business comfortable all year. It cools and heats, making it a great choice for any season. This unit is designed for efficiency, helping you save money on energy bills while keeping you cozy or cool. It’s also built tough to last a long time.
What We Like:
- Combines heating and cooling into one easy system.
- Energy efficient with a 13.4 SEER2 rating and R32 refrigerant to save you money.
- Quiet operation for a peaceful environment.
- Simple thermostat with a clear, easy-to-read screen.
- Built with strong galvanized steel for durability.
- Comes with a 10-year parts warranty if installed by a professional and registered.
What Could Be Improved:
- The thermostat is not programmable, which might be less convenient for some users.
- Requires professional installation for the warranty to be valid.
This Goodman unit offers a solid, reliable solution for your home’s heating and cooling needs. Its durable build and energy-saving features make it a smart investment for consistent comfort.
4. Goodman 100
Rating: 8.6/10
This Goodman furnace is a powerful and efficient heating solution for your home. With 100,000 BTUs, it can handle large spaces. Its 80% efficiency means it saves energy, which can lower your heating bills. The multi-speed blower provides comfort by adjusting airflow. This furnace is designed for upflow or horizontal installations, meaning it can be placed in different ways to fit your home’s layout. It’s also R32 ready, a step towards future environmental standards. This model comes with a 21-inch wide cabinet, making it a compact option. Remember, installation is available nationwide, but not in California.
What We Like:
- It comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty, a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty, and a lifetime compressor limited warranty when installed by a qualified professional and registered online.
- The stainless steel tubular, dual-diameter primary heat exchanger is built for durability.
- It offers flexibility with upflow and horizontal installation options.
- The multi-speed blower helps maintain consistent comfort.
- It’s designed with future environmental standards in mind as R32 ready.
What Could Be Improved:
- It cannot be installed as a downflow unit; you need to look for specific GD9 models for that.
- Accessories like LP conversion kits and venting kits are sold separately and add to the overall cost.
- Nationwide installation is offered, but it specifically excludes California.
This Goodman furnace offers strong performance and excellent warranty coverage for peace of mind. It’s a solid choice for homeowners seeking reliable and efficient heating.
5. Goodman 96% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 100k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (21 wide) (GR9T961004CN)
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your home’s heating system with the Goodman 96% AFUE Two Stage Upflow/Horizontal multi-speed 100k BTU Low NOx Natural Gas furnace (21 wide) (GR9T961004CN). This furnace is designed for efficiency and comfort. It can replace older Goodman furnace models like the GMEC961004CN and GM9C961004CN. The aluminized steel primary heat exchanger ensures durability. This furnace is ideal for upflow or horizontal installations. It cannot be installed as a downflow; for that, you need models starting with GD9. Always check compatibility and contact us if you have questions.
What We Like:
- High energy efficiency (96% AFUE) saves money on heating bills.
- Two-stage heating provides consistent comfort and reduces temperature swings.
- Multi-speed ECM motor offers excellent airflow control for quiet operation and better performance.
- Low NOx emissions are better for the environment.
- Durable aluminized steel primary heat exchanger.
- Can replace several older Goodman furnace models.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation is limited to upflow or horizontal positions only; downflow is not supported.
- Accessories like LP conversion kits and venting kits are sold separately, adding to the total cost.
This Goodman furnace offers a solid blend of efficiency and quiet operation. It’s a smart choice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s comfort and reduce energy costs.
Your Guide to Choosing a Natural Gas Furnace
A natural gas furnace is a fantastic way to keep your home warm and cozy during those chilly months. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you understand what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
1. Efficiency (AFUE Rating)
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) tells you how much of the fuel your furnace burns actually becomes heat for your home. A higher AFUE means more savings on your energy bills.
- Look for an AFUE of 90% or higher for good efficiency.
- Some furnaces go up to 98%, which is super efficient!
2. Size (BTUs)
BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure how much heat a furnace can produce. Your home needs the right amount of BTUs. Too small, and it won’t heat well. Too big, and it wastes energy.
- A professional should help you figure out the right size for your home.
- Factors like your home’s size, insulation, and windows matter.
3. Stages of Heating
- Single-stage: The furnace is either on full blast or off. It’s like a light switch.
- Two-stage: The furnace can run at a lower speed most of the time, saving energy. It only goes to full power when it’s really cold.
- Modulating: This is the most advanced. It can adjust its heat output in tiny steps to keep your home at a very steady temperature.
4. Variable-Speed Blower
This part helps move the warm air around your house. A variable-speed blower can adjust its speed. This means it runs quieter and distributes heat more evenly. It also helps improve air quality.
Important Materials
Furnaces are built with strong materials to last a long time. The main parts you’ll hear about are:
- Heat Exchanger: This is where the gas burns and heats up. It needs to be made of durable metal that won’t rust or crack easily. Stainless steel is a good choice.
- Cabinet: The outside shell protects the inner workings. It’s usually made of sturdy steel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Furnace Great:
- Good Brand Reputation: Some companies are known for making reliable furnaces that last.
- Warranty: A longer warranty, especially on the heat exchanger, shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
- Professional Installation: Even the best furnace won’t work well if it’s not installed correctly.
- Regular Maintenance: Just like a car, your furnace needs check-ups to run its best.
What Can Make Quality Lower:
- Poor Installation: This can lead to problems and reduce efficiency.
- Lack of Maintenance: Dirty filters or parts can cause the furnace to work harder and break down.
- Cheaply Made Parts: Some lower-end furnaces might use materials that don’t last as long.
User Experience and Use Cases
People choose natural gas furnaces because they are reliable and provide consistent heat. They are a popular choice for homes that already have natural gas lines. The experience is usually simple: you set your thermostat, and the furnace does the rest.
- Families love them for keeping kids warm and comfortable.
- Homeowners appreciate the lower energy bills with efficient models.
- Anyone living in a **colder climate** relies on them for essential heating.
A well-chosen and properly installed furnace will give you many years of comfortable warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is AFUE?
A: AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It tells you how much of the fuel your furnace uses turns into heat for your home. A higher number means it’s more efficient.
Q: How do I know what size furnace I need?
A: A heating professional will calculate the right size (in BTUs) for your home. They look at your home’s size, insulation, windows, and climate.
Q: What’s the difference between single-stage and two-stage furnaces?
A: A single-stage furnace is either fully on or fully off. A two-stage furnace can run at a lower, more energy-saving speed most of the time, and then ramp up for more heat when needed.
Q: Are natural gas furnaces expensive to run?
A: They can be very cost-effective, especially if you choose a high-efficiency model. Natural gas is often cheaper than electricity.
Q: How long do natural gas furnaces usually last?
A: With proper maintenance, most natural gas furnaces last between 15 and 20 years.
Q: What is a variable-speed blower?
A: It’s a fan that can adjust its speed. This helps move air more quietly and evenly throughout your home, making it more comfortable.
Q: Do I need to do regular maintenance on my furnace?
A: Yes, regular maintenance is very important. It keeps your furnace running efficiently and helps prevent breakdowns.
Q: Can I install a furnace myself?
A: It is strongly recommended to have a qualified professional install your furnace. Improper installation can be dangerous and reduce efficiency.
Q: What are the benefits of a modulating furnace?
A: Modulating furnaces offer the most precise temperature control and are highly energy-efficient because they can adjust their heat output in very small increments.
Q: Where can I buy a natural gas furnace?
A: You can buy them from HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) companies, appliance stores, and some online retailers. Always consider professional installation.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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