Guide To Buying A New Furnace
When buying a new furnace, the most critical factors to evaluate are the unit's heating capacity (size), AFUE efficiency rating, fuel source, and advanced comfort features like variable-speed blowers. Carrier recommends evaluating four key factors: furnace size, efficiency, fuel type, and comfort features such as blower and heating-stage technology. Balancing your budget with long-term energy savings and brand reliability ensures you invest in a system that delivers consistent warmth for decades.
During the wintertime, your furnace is the silent engine of your home's comfort. While you may be satisfied with your current system, the day will come when buying a new furnace lands squarely at the top of your to-do list. Whether driven by rising energy bills, lackluster performance, or a complete system breakdown, navigating your options is the first step toward reclaiming your home environment.
Kevin Dickson, president of Energy Services Air Conditioning, Heating and Electrical in Naperville, Illinois, notes that homeowners must weigh several variables to select the ideal system.
Homeowners should consider their budget, the size of the unit, the unit’s efficiency, the number of stages of the furnace, and the brand reliability when picking out a furnace for their home.
This guide provides a practical Carrier-focused framework for evaluating the types of furnaces available, the ten essential questions to ask when buying a new furnace, and how to locate a qualified dealer for expert furnace installation and regular furnace tune-ups.
Carrier's 4-Step Guide to Buying a New Furnace
Carrier recommends starting with four fundamental considerations when selecting a new furnace:
1. Choose the correct furnace size. A qualified HVAC professional should perform a load calculation based on factors such as your home's size, insulation, windows, climate, and other characteristics—not square footage alone.
2. Compare AFUE efficiency ratings. AFUE measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into usable heat. Higher AFUE ratings generally mean less fuel is required to produce the same amount of heat.
3. Select the appropriate fuel type. Carrier offers furnace solutions using different fuel sources, including natural gas, oil, propane and electricity, depending on the system and application.
4. Evaluate comfort and control features. Features such as variable-speed blowers, multi-stage heating and modulating gas valves can provide more precise temperature control and quieter operation. Carrier's Infinity® 98 Gas Furnace 59MN7, for example, combines a modulating gas valve with a variable-speed blower and offers up to 98.5% AFUE
Questions to Ask Before Buying a New Furnace
Buying a new furnace is a significant investment in your home's infrastructure. Making the right choice impacts your comfort and energy footprint for years to come. By understanding the pros and cons of repairing versus full furnace replacement, analyzing how much a new furnace costs, and planning for maintenance, you can make a confident decision.
1. Are there different types of furnaces?
Carrier identifies four common furnace fuel types: gas, oil, electric, and propane. While the fundamental operation—heating air and circulating it through your home—remains consistent, your choice largely depends on fuel availability and efficiency goals.
Typically, the most streamlined path is picking a new furnace that utilizes the same fuel source as your current one. Gas furnaces and oil furnaces are traditional choices, while electric and propane furnaces offer alternatives where natural gas isn't available. Learn more about gas vs. electric vs. oil furnaces.
2. How do I compare energy efficiency between different furnaces?
Carrier recommends comparing furnaces using the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, which functions like MPG for a car—the higher the percentage, the more efficient the unit.
All furnaces sold in the United States must display an EnergyGuide label estimating annual operating costs. An 80% AFUE furnace converts about 80% of its fuel energy into usable heat, while Carrier's Infinity® 98 Gas Furnace offers up to 98.5% AFUE.
For the same amount of delivered heat, moving mathematically from 80% AFUE to 98.5% AFUE would require about 18.8% less fuel. Actual household savings will vary based on climate, fuel prices, home efficiency, equipment operation, and other factors.
3. Are there other features I should consider when buying a new furnace?
Carrier recommends considering comfort features such as variable-speed blowers multi-stage heating and modulating technology. These technologies can help provide more consistent temperatures, quieter operation and more precise heating control.
A variable-speed blower can adjust airflow to support more consistent comfort and can also assist with air conditioning and dehumidification when used as part of a compatible system. Multi-stage furnaces adjust their heating capacity to better match heating demand rather than operating only at full capacity. Modulating furnaces can make smaller adjustments to heating output for more precise temperature control. Naturally, the cost of a new furnace will reflect these capabilities, but the long-term comfort dividends are substantial.
4. What size furnace do I need?
What size furnace do I need? Carrier recommends having a qualified HVAC professional perform a load calculation to determine the appropriate furnace capacity, measured in British Thermal Units per hour, or BTUh. The calculation considers factors such as your home's square footage, insulation, windows and local climate—not just the physical size of the furnace or the home's square footage.
To determine the correct capacity, an installing dealer must perform a load calculation assessing your square footage, window quality, insulation levels, and local climate. An improperly sized furnace can reduce comfort and efficiency and may contribute to unnecessary equipment wear. Always rely on a qualified HVAC professional to perform this assessment.
5. What are the average furnace installation costs?
Carrier currently estimates that a new furnace, including the unit and professional installation, can cost approximately $2,000 and $14,200, covering materials, equipment, and labor (Source: HomeAdvisor).
Variables affecting this price include the fuel type (gas furnaces may cost more upfront than electric), necessary ductwork retrofits, venting updates, and premium features. Since your furnace is often the hub of your central air system, buying a new furnace is also the strategic time to consider replacing your air conditioner or adding a heat pump for a dual fuel heating system. Contact your local Carrier dealer for a precise estimate tailored to your home's needs.
6. How long should my new furnace last?
Carrier states that a well-maintained furnace typically lasts 15 to 20 years, while some high-quality systems that receive professional installation and regular care can perform reliably for up to 30 years.
Routine care, such as changing furnace filters and scheduling annual inspections, is vital to maximizing this lifespan of a furnace. Factors like indoor air quality and personal temperature preferences will also play a role in longevity.
7. Am I better off repairing my old furnace?
Carrier recommends considering the age of the furnace, the furnace repair history, operating costs and expected remaining service life when deciding whether to repair or replace it. IIf your furnace is relatively new and the furnace repair cost is low, fixing it may make sense. However, Carrier notes that homeowners with furnaces around or beyond 15 to 20 years old may want to evaluate replacement options, particularly when repairs become frequent or energy costs increase.
New units come with product warranties and can offer higher efficiency and updated comfort technology that may lower monthly energy bills. .For a detailed breakdown, review our guide on cost of furnace replacement vs cost of furnace repair.
8. Do I need to replace my air conditioner at the same time?
Not necessarily, but replacing both systems simultaneously may allow you to install a matched system and address both heating and cooling needs during one installation project.
If your AC is reliable and well-maintained, it may have years of life left. However, if it struggles to cool, is noisy, or is over 10-15 years old, ask a qualified HVAC professional whether replacing both systems makes sense for your home, budget and existing equipment.
9. What accessories should I consider?
Carrier offers compatible comfort and indoor air quality products that can be considered alongside a new furnace, including smart thermostats, whole-home air purifiers, and humidifiers.
Smart thermostats allow you to optimize temperature schedules from your smartphone, enhancing energy savings. Accessories like a humidifier or UV lights work with your furnace to improve indoor air quality, ensuring you breathe cleaner air all winter.
10. What maintenance is required?
Carrier recommends professional furnace service once a year, ideally before the heating season begins. The most essential homeowner maintenance task is replacing the air filter according to manufacturer instructions—typically every 1 to 3 months, depending on the filter and system.
Beyond filters, annual professional furnace service can include inspecting the heat exchanger, burners, blower and safety controls and checking system operation. Regular furnace maintenance helps maintain efficient operation and can help extend the system's service life.
When you're ready to compare furnace options, a local Carrier dealer can help determine the appropriate furnace size, efficiency rating and comfort features for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to buy is typically in the early spring or early fall (the "shoulder seasons"). During these times, HVAC contractors are less busy with emergency repairs, and you may find better deals or more flexible scheduling for installation.
No, furnace installation requires specialized knowledge of gas lines, electrical wiring, and ventilation safety codes. Professional installation ensures your warranty remains valid and your home remains safe from hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.
Yes, a higher AFUE rating means less fuel is wasted. For example, upgrading from an old 70% AFUE furnace to a 97% AFUE model means 27% more of the fuel you pay for is actually heating your home, leading to reductions in monthly heating bills.
About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Carrier, where he develops informative, straightforward content to help homeowners better understand heating, cooling, and indoor air quality. His writing is focused on empowering homeowners to make confident, well-informed choices about their home comfort systems.
About The Expert Reviewer: Seth Faber is a Product Manager for Residential Furnaces at Carrier Corporation, where he helps develop dependable, high-performance heating solutions that deliver reliable comfort while meeting evolving homeowner needs, energy efficiency standards, and industry regulations.