One of the most common questions I get as an HVAC contractor in Sacramento is, “Which gas furnace systems are the best in 2025?” I see a ton of articles online about this topic – many written by people who aren’t even in the HVAC industry! Some compensated blog writer gave you a list of top-rated systems – systems they’ve never even touched. These bloggers are telling people that nationally recognized economy-line systems are better than those that will truly last you a long time.
Best HVAC Systems
Just like a summer post about which AC systems are the best, I have always felt like three manufacturers have had the best reputation for the last few decades. And in no particular order, they are:
American Standard
Carrier/Bryant
Lennox
Best Gas Furnace Systems for 2025
A Special Note
Before I list the rest of the systems, I want to mention that furnace systems come fully assembled at the factory and are ready to work. However, it takes experienced technicians to modify the unit per the manufacturer’s instructions to conform to your specific home’s demands. The last step of installing it “in the field” and adding whatever additional parts to bring it up to the proper building code in your area is up to the contractor you choose.
That’s an important point because buying a Carrier or Lennox includes buying it from a professional, detail-oriented, reliable contractor you trust and are comfortable with bringing it to life. If someone is going to install it for you, but you can’t find them after the installation because they sell systems so cheap they’re out of business, or they simply won’t pick up the phone, that’s not going to help you when you need some follow-up.
You can buy any system, but if the blower settings, gas pressures, static air pressures, high and low voltage wiring, fuse sizes, a precision refrigerant charge, airflow, water drainage, gas piping, intake air, exhaust system, thermostats, and other safety codes aren’t set up correctly, you’ll find your new system not lasting nearly as long as it could have. It can be the difference between your system lasting ten years or 20 years.
With recent updates to California’s Title 24 energy codes and the national transition to higher-efficiency standards like SEER2 and AFUE requirements, having a properly configured and commissioned furnace is more crucial than ever in 2025.
Consumer Reports
As of the most recent available Consumer Reports data (covering systems installed between 2005 and 2021), over 36,000 gas furnace owners were surveyed. Their owner satisfaction ratings are based on the percentage of members who are extremely likely to recommend their gas furnace brand to friends and family.
The manufacturers of today’s residential heating and cooling systems are:
Rheem, who also makes:
Ruud
Daiken, who makes:
Goodman
Amana
Daiken
Janitrol
Bosch, which has become more established in the U.S. since 2023, now makes its own pretty good systems. We sell their inverter split systems and package units.
Nortek, which makes:
Intertherm
Maytag
Frigidaire
Nordyne
Johnson Controls, which makes:
York
Coleman
Luxaire
International Comfort Products (ICP), which makes several brands. The most prominent are:
Day & Night
Tempstar
Comfortmaker
Heil
Keeprite
Lennox, who also makes:
Armstrong
Ducane
Aire-Flo
Concord
Carrier, also makes:
Weathermaker
Isn’t it crazy the limited number of true manufacturers but the 30+ brands we have to choose from? No wonder it’s hard to determine the best gas furnace for 2025!
Top Gas Furnace Brands for Owner Satisfaction (2025 Update)
Note: These satisfaction ratings are based on Consumer Reports data up to 2021 and may not reflect newer product innovations or changes in manufacturer support since then.
Highest Rated for Owner Satisfaction:
American Standard – rated 5/5
Second Tier:
Carrier rated – 4/5
Bryant rated – 4/5
Lennox rated – 4/5
Mid-Tier HVAC Systems:
Rheem rated – 3/5
Ruud rated – 3/5
Armstrong rated – 3/5
Concord rated – 3/5
Ducane rated – 3/5
Amana rated – 3/5
Comfortmaker rated – 3/5
Day & Night rated – 3/5
Heil rated – 3/5
Keeprite rated – 3/5
Tempstar rated – 3/5
Goodman rated – 3/5
Coleman rated – 3/5
Luxaire rated – 3/5
York rated – 3/5
Lower-Tier HVAC Systems:
Frigidaire rated – 2/5
Maytag rated – 2/5
Westinghouse rated – 2/5
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding which gas furnace systems are the best, you have three systems perennially at the top of the list: American Standard, Carrier, and Lennox. While their single-stage and two-stage systems have similar capabilities, efficiencies, and life spans, it’s in their variable-speed and modulating models where you really begin to see enhanced comfort, quieter operation, and lower utility bills.
In 2025, modulating furnaces with ECM (electronically commutated motor) blowers and advanced diagnostics are quickly becoming the gold standard in energy efficiency and comfort. These systems adapt more precisely to your home’s needs and help extend the life of the system by reducing unnecessary wear.
When you start looking for a vehicle, you pretty much have a brand name in mind. You might get a higher or lower-end model with fewer bells and whistles, but maybe you’ve always felt comfortable driving a GMC truck over a Toyota truck. Choosing a furnace is no different – brand familiarity, contractor trust, and proper setup are what truly define value.
In another post, let’s talk about the other heating systems in homes across America – Best Heat Pumps for 2025
Subscribe to our newsletter or check out our YouTube channel for more HVAC tips and product reviews.
Serving Sacramento and Northern California
Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning proudly serves Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, and all of Northern California. If you’re looking to schedule expert HVAC service or a new furnace installation in 2025, give us a call or book your appointment online today!
