SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) refers to cost of operation. Higher numbers indicate more energy efficiency.
Furnace energy efficiency is rated between 80 to 98%. Consumer Reports quoted "the most expensive furnaces to buy and install tend to have the most frequent repairs due to added complexity. "My recommendation is to purchase furnaces in the 80% SEER rating.
All furnaces produced since 1990 are pilot-less.
Furnaces that incorporate variable speed draft induction and variable speed blowers are quieter and more energy efficient but are more expensive to repair.
Two stage heating is more energy efficient but incorporates more components.
Remember, the higher the energy efficiency, the higher the price tag.
Air conditioning energy efficiency is rated between 13.0 SEER to 23.0 SEER. Like furnaces the most efficient models are expensive and have a higher incident of failure. Two speed air conditioners add more expensive components. Variable speed blowers are more energy efficient but are more expensive to repair.
R22, the common refrigerant used for many years, was phased out
in 2010 in production and in 2020 will no longer be available for service work.
New refrigerants like 410 and Puron are being used to replace R22 and are more
environmentally friendly.
Clients ask which brands I recommend for heating and cooling products. I have listed a few of the most common units. There are many other furnace manufacturers besides the ones listed below.
You will want to get on-site estimates from at least 3 contractors before
purchasing. You should ask the contractor to do a load calculation at your home.
All Brand Service Inc does not sell or install heating or air conditioning equipment.
Replacing your equipment in April or September will be more beneficial since companies that install are not as busy at that time. Work quality will be better and price will be more reasonable. Try to get referrals and use a local company that has been around a while.
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Single Stage Furnace |
2-Stage Furnace |
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Programmable Thermostat Manage energy costs while you're asleep or at work |
2-Stage Furnace |
I recommend using pleated filters in furnaces.
| Brand | Manufacturer | Our Rating & Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Ease | Armstrong | C | |
| American Standard | Trane | B Similar to Trane, lower price | |
| Bryant | United Technologies | A Best Buy, Same as Carrier, lower price | |
| Carrier | United Technologies | A Best Buy | |
| Comfortmaker | InterCity Products | D Builder quality | |
| Frigidaire | Nordyne | C Fair quality | |
| Goodman (Janitrol) | Goodman | E Not recommended | |
| Heil | Inter-City Products | D Builder quality | |
| Lennox | Lennox Industries | C Many specialized parts. Service can be a problem. | |
| Maytag | Nordyne | C Fair quality | |
| Rheem (Ruud) | Rheem | C | |
| Tempstar | Inter-City Products | D Poor quality | |
| Trane | Trane | B | |
| York | York International | C Fair quality |



