When a furnace dies in January, the brand conversation comes down fast: Carrier or Trane, Lennox or Goodman, and how much is the difference actually worth? The honest answer is that the gap between major brands in installed cost ranges from a few hundred dollars at entry level to $3,000 or more at the premium tier. What you get for that premium varies considerably by brand.
This guide compares furnace replacement costs for all seven major brands in 2026, including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, York, and Daikin. All prices shown are installed costs (equipment plus standard labor). For a personalized estimate based on your home size and location, use our free HVAC replacement cost estimator.
TL;DR: Furnace replacement costs in 2026 range from $2,800 (Goodman entry) to $9,500 (Lennox or Trane premium). Mid-tier 96% AFUE furnaces from any top brand run $4,000–$6,500 installed. Lennox leads on efficiency (up to 99% AFUE); Goodman leads on value; Carrier and Trane lead on dealer network depth. Brand matters less than installation quality. Use our estimator for your specific number.
Furnace Replacement Cost by Brand: 2026 Comparison Table
The table below shows installed furnace replacement cost ranges for all major brands in 2026. Ranges cover a standard gas furnace swap in an existing forced-air system; they do not include ductwork repair, new gas line work, or permit costs. If you are deciding between gas and electric, see our gas vs electric furnace cost comparison.
| Brand | Price Range (Installed) | Tier Positioning | AFUE Range | Heat Exchanger Warranty | Parent Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier | $3,200–$9,000 | Mid-to-Premium | 96%–98.5% | 20 years | Carrier Global |
| Trane | $3,500–$9,500 | Mid-to-Premium | 96%–97.3% | 20 years | Trane Technologies |
| Lennox | $3,000–$9,500 | Budget-to-Premium | 96%–99% | Lifetime (select models) | Lennox International |
| Goodman | $2,800–$7,000 | Budget-to-Mid | 96%–98% | Lifetime (select models) | Daikin Industries |
| Rheem | $3,000–$8,500 | Budget-to-Premium | 96%–98% | 20 years | Paloma Co. / Nortek |
| York | $2,900–$8,500 | Budget-to-Premium | 96%–98% | 20 years | Johnson Controls |
| Daikin | $3,800–$9,500 | Mid-to-Premium | 96%–98% | 20 years | Daikin Industries |
Source: Authorized dealer quotes and contractor pricing data, 2025–2026. All installed prices include equipment and standard labor for a direct swap in an existing forced-air system.
Carrier Furnace Replacement Cost
Carrier furnaces run $3,200–$9,000 installed in 2026 across three named tiers. Carrier is one of the oldest HVAC brands in the U.S. (founded 1902) and maintains the deepest authorized dealer network in the country. The full 10-year parts warranty requires installation by a Factory Authorized Dealer.
| Carrier Tier | Series | AFUE | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Comfort (58TP) | 96% | $3,200–$4,800 |
| Mid | Performance (59TP) | 96%–96.7% | $4,500–$6,500 |
| Premium | Infinity (59MN) | 96%–98.5% | $6,500–$9,000 |
The Infinity series uses a modulating gas valve (up to 40 stages of operation), which reduces temperature swings to under half a degree and significantly cuts cycling noise. For whole-home system details, see our Carrier HVAC replacement cost guide.
Trane Furnace Replacement Cost
Trane furnaces cost $3,500–$9,500 installed. Trane competes directly with Carrier at the premium tier and is often the first or second quote a homeowner receives from major service contractors. Like Carrier, Trane requires installation by a Trane Comfort Specialist for full warranty activation.
| Trane Tier | Series | AFUE | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | XR series | 96% | $3,500–$5,200 |
| Mid | XL series | 96%–97% | $5,000–$7,200 |
| Premium | XV series | 96%–97.3% | $7,000–$9,500 |
Trane’s XV95 and XV80 models use two-stage or modulating operation for improved comfort. Trane’s reputation for durability drives premium pricing at every tier. For full system pricing, see our Trane HVAC replacement cost guide.
Lennox Furnace Replacement Cost
Lennox furnaces cost $3,000–$9,500 installed and lead all major brands in peak efficiency. The flagship SLP99V reaches 99% AFUE, the highest rating available in residential gas furnaces. Lennox offers Merit (builder grade), Elite (mid-range), and Dave Lennox Signature Collection (premium) tiers.
| Lennox Tier | Series | AFUE | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Merit (ML296V) | 96% | $3,000–$4,800 |
| Mid | Elite (EL297V) | 96%–97% | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Premium | Dave Lennox Signature (SLP99V) | 98%–99% | $7,000–$9,500 |
The 99% AFUE SLP99V is the choice for homeowners in very cold climates (Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver) with high annual gas bills. At current gas prices, it can save $150–$250/year compared to a standard 96% unit. Payback on the premium runs 5–8 years in those climates. For full brand coverage, see our Lennox HVAC replacement cost guide.
Goodman Furnace Replacement Cost
Goodman furnaces cost $2,800–$7,000 installed, making them the lowest-priced nationally distributed brand. Goodman is owned by Daikin Industries, the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, and all residential systems are built at Daikin’s Houston, Texas facility. Unlike Carrier and Trane, Goodman’s full 10-year parts warranty activates upon product registration at goodmanmfg.com, with no authorized dealer required.
| Goodman Model | Type | AFUE | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMSS96 | Single-stage | 96% | $2,800–$4,800 |
| GMEC96 | Two-stage, ECM blower | 96% | $4,000–$5,800 |
| GMVC96 | Variable-speed modulating | 96%–97% | $4,500–$7,000 |
The Goodman GMVC96 variable-speed model performs comparably to Carrier Performance and Trane XL series furnaces at roughly 20% less installed cost. For full Goodman product and pricing details, see our Goodman HVAC replacement cost guide.
Rheem Furnace Replacement Cost
Rheem furnaces cost $3,000–$8,500 installed. Rheem is one of the most widely distributed brands in the U.S., with strong penetration through Home Depot, national service chains, and independent contractors. One important note: Rheem and Ruud are the same equipment built on the same platform, sold under different brand names (similar to how Goodman and Amana furnace replacement cost are siblings). If a contractor quotes you Ruud, compare it directly to equivalent Rheem models.
| Rheem Tier | Series | AFUE | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Classic (R96V) | 96% | $3,000–$4,500 |
| Mid | Classic Plus (R97V) | 96%–97% | $4,200–$6,000 |
| Premium | Prestige (R98MV) | 96%–98% | $5,800–$8,500 |
Rheem’s Prestige series integrates with the EcoNet smart home platform for remote diagnostics and energy monitoring. Rheem’s 10-year parts warranty activates through product registration, with no authorized dealer requirement. The brand is a strong value choice for homeowners who want a reputable mid-tier brand without the Carrier or Trane premium markup.
York Furnace Replacement Cost
York furnaces cost $2,900–$8,500 installed. York is a Johnson Controls subsidiary, which also owns Coleman, Luxaire, and Champion furnaces. All four brands share engineering platforms, meaning a York TM series and a Coleman Echelon series furnace are essentially the same equipment under different labels. York has a strong contractor distribution network in the Southeast and Midwest.
| York Tier | Series | AFUE | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | LX series (YP9C) | 96% | $2,900–$4,500 |
| Mid | TM series (YP9M) | 96%–97% | $4,200–$6,000 |
| Premium | Affinity (YP9V) | 96%–98% | $5,500–$8,500 |
York’s Affinity series uses variable-speed blower technology for precise comfort control. If your contractor bids York and you want to compare, ask them to also quote Coleman or Luxaire, as you may get the same core equipment at a different price point based on local dealer markups.
Daikin Furnace Replacement Cost
Daikin residential furnaces cost $3,800–$9,500 installed. As the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, Daikin brings global engineering standards to the U.S. market. In the United States, Daikin residential furnaces are built at the same Houston, Texas facility as Goodman and Amana, all under Daikin Industries ownership. Daikin’s U.S. furnace lineup integrates particularly well with its ductless mini-split systems, making it a strong choice for homes adding both ducted and ductless zones.
| Daikin Model | Type | AFUE | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM96SS | Single-stage | 96% | $3,800–$5,500 |
| DM97MC | Two-stage, variable blower | 97% | $5,000–$7,000 |
| DM97VS | Variable-speed modulating | 97%–98% | $6,500–$9,500 |
Daikin U.S. furnaces carry a 12-year parts warranty (longer than Goodman’s 10-year) and require product registration for full activation. Since Goodman, Amana, and Daikin share core manufacturing, homeowners who want Daikin’s longer warranty and are already getting Goodman quotes should ask their contractor to compare the cost delta.
How to Choose the Right Furnace Brand for Your Home
Brand selection matters, but it matters less than most homeowners assume. The three factors that should actually drive your decision are budget, climate, and contractor quality.
Budget-First: Goodman, Amana, or Rheem Classic
If your primary goal is a reliable furnace at the lowest installed cost, Goodman GMSS96, Amana AMSS96, or Rheem Classic are the right choices. All three deliver 96% AFUE, 10-year parts warranties, and proven track records at $2,800–$4,500 installed. The Daikin engineering behind Goodman and Amana means you are not sacrificing quality, just brand prestige.
Value Tier: Any Brand’s Mid-Range
The mid-tier models from any major brand represent the best cost-to-performance ratio. At $4,500–$6,500, you get two-stage or variable-speed operation, ECM blower motors, and meaningfully better comfort than single-stage units. Specific models worth asking about:
- Carrier Performance 59TP ($4,500–$6,500)
- Trane XL series ($5,000–$7,200)
- Lennox Elite EL297V ($4,500–$7,000)
- Goodman GMVC96 ($4,500–$7,000)
- Rheem Classic Plus R97V ($4,200–$6,000)
- York TM series ($4,200–$6,000)
Premium Tier: When Carrier, Trane, or Lennox Premiums Pay Off
The $7,000–$9,500 premium tier makes financial sense in specific situations: homes in very cold climates with gas bills over $200/month, homeowners planning to stay 15+ years, and buyers who want best-in-class efficiency ratings (Lennox at 99% AFUE) or deep dealer service networks (Carrier and Trane). If you are replacing a furnace in a moderate climate (Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte), the premium-tier payback period typically exceeds 12–15 years, which is longer than many homeowners plan to stay in the same house.
Authorized Dealer vs. Open Installation
This is the practical warranty point most homeowners miss. Carrier, Trane, and Lennox premium warranties require installation by their certified dealer networks. If you use an independent contractor who is not a Factory Authorized Dealer (Carrier), Trane Comfort Specialist, or Dave Lennox Premier Dealer, you may receive a shorter default warranty (typically 5 years instead of 10). Goodman, Rheem, and York tie the full 10-year warranty to product registration only, so any licensed contractor can install them without warranty risk.
For a broader view of how furnace costs fit into full system replacement, see our complete furnace replacement cost guide and the best HVAC brands comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Costs by Brand
What is the most reliable furnace brand?
Carrier, Trane, and Lennox consistently rank highest for long-term reliability in independent HVAC contractor surveys. All three use premium heat exchangers with 20-year or lifetime warranties. Goodman also rates well for reliability at a lower price point, particularly since Daikin’s 2012 acquisition upgraded manufacturing standards. Reliability differences between top brands are smaller than the installation quality difference, which is why choosing a skilled contractor matters more than choosing the top-ranked brand.
Is Goodman a good furnace brand, or is it just cheap?
Goodman is a legitimate furnace brand that competes on value, not just price. Daikin Industries (the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer) acquired Goodman in 2012 for $3.7 billion and manufactures all residential systems at the largest HVAC factory in North America, in Houston, Texas. Goodman furnaces carry a 10-year parts warranty and a lifetime heat exchanger warranty on qualifying models. The GMVC96 variable-speed model performs comparably to mid-range Carrier and Trane units at roughly 20% less in installed cost.
How much more does a high-efficiency furnace cost vs. a standard model?
Upgrading from a 96% AFUE furnace to a 98%–99% AFUE model typically adds $800 to $1,500 to the installed cost across all brands. Payback depends on your heating load:
- Cold climates (Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis): savings of $80–$150/year on gas; payback 7–10 years
- Moderate climates (Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte): savings of $30–$60/year; payback often exceeds equipment life
- At current gas prices, 99% AFUE makes the strongest financial case in Zone 5–7 heating climates
Does furnace brand affect warranty coverage?
Yes, in two ways. First, warranty length varies: Lennox offers a lifetime heat exchanger warranty on select models; Carrier and Trane offer 20-year heat exchanger coverage. Second, warranty activation requirements differ significantly:
- Carrier: requires Factory Authorized Dealer installation for full 10-year parts warranty
- Trane: requires Trane Comfort Specialist installation for full warranty
- Lennox (premium): requires registered Dave Lennox Premier Dealer
- Goodman, Rheem, York: full 10-year parts warranty activates on product registration only, no authorized-dealer requirement
Is it better to buy a premium brand furnace or a budget brand with better labor?
In most cases, investing in better installation quality outperforms spending more on the brand name. A poorly installed Carrier furnace will underperform a properly installed Goodman in comfort, efficiency, and longevity. HVAC contractors universally agree that installation quality is the single biggest factor in system lifespan. The practical approach: choose a mid-tier model from any reputable brand, and spend the savings on a highly rated, licensed contractor with strong local reviews.
What furnace brands are owned by the same parent company?
Several major brands share manufacturing platforms under the same parent:
- Daikin Industries: Goodman, Amana, and Daikin residential (all built in Houston, TX)
- Carrier Global: Carrier and Bryant (formerly ICP/Heil brands now under Watsco distribution)
- Johnson Controls: York, Coleman, Luxaire, and Champion (shared engineering platforms)
- Trane Technologies: Trane and American Standard
- Lennox International: Lennox, Armstrong Air, Ducane, and ADP air handlers
Buying a budget brand in the same family as a premium brand often means getting the same core components at a lower price.
If you are replacing a furnace in a larger home, the system size matters as much as the brand. A 3,000 sq ft home typically needs a 100,000 to 120,000 BTU furnace paired with a 4 to 5 ton AC system. See the full HVAC replacement cost guide for 3,000 sq ft homes for combined system pricing and sizing considerations at this size.