I need to replace a furnace, which brand is "best" value?

Question

I need to replace a 25 year old furnace with a bad heat exchanger. Service man saw stains in the PVC vent pipe and confirmed the heat exchanger is leaking.

Now what? Many choices on the market. Location is northwestern Pennsylvania. I do not pay utilities so a 90% efficient seems appropriate.

Does anyone have experience that leads to a suggestion on brand?

Robert M. · Answer

@Michael Campbell@Richard Dunlop@Kelly N.@Pat L.@Peter Fisk@Eric Harris

Thanks everyone,

WOW, GOODMANS IT IS!

Not very often you get unanimous recommendation on a brand.

Pat L. · Answer

we buy hi eff Goodmans from acwholesalers & install them ourselves. So far no issues & we have done several in the last couple of years.

Michael Campbell · Answer

I'd just recommend getting quotes from at least 3 HVAC contractors and compare them side by side.

Peter Fisk · Answer

I also like Goodman.  The one in my personal home is 10 plus years old and zero problems.  They don't advertise like the brands that you have heard of.  They are sold by more of the small mom and pop HVAC shops.  If you are a do it your self kind of person they are easier to come by compared to the other brands.  There are vendors on Ebay selling them.

Kelly N. · Answer

My husband's family is in the trades, they all recommend Goodman so that's what is in our home and what we will put in any rental that needs a furnace.  We've had ours for 7 years and only issue was one blown fuse which I replaced myself.

Richard Dunlop · Answer

I do like Goodman also but because I have a familiarity with them and have found them easy to work on.  They are cheap.

I do not think they are the most dependable!

Eric H. · Answer

As with most things in life you get what you pay for. I would say dont go cheap but you dont have to go crazy expensive either. As for brands I like Trane/American Standard. I have also experienced success with Goodman.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

E. Harris