want some advice on purchasing a new furnace

[zhoukehu]

Hi, forks,
I just bought a old house and the furnace need to be replaced.
I am not quit familiar with this stuff.
And I have gone fishing lots of brand like lenox frigidaire, carrier and totally puzzled by the performance and price and service provided by the contractor.
some contractor told me high efficiency is better option and another told me that middle efficiency is good. I live in edmont alberta canada. and really need soem advice from gurus.

thank you for your great help in advance.

Zhou

[danglerb]

Just a consumer opinion, but furnaces seem to be made pretty well these days, with problems mostly only on the very cheapest units. I would go with the cheapest high efficiency 90%+, 2 stage (burner has high and low setting), variable speed (blower motor is more efficient, and low speed startup has more comfort) that a good contractor is willing to install and warranty for 5 yrs parts and labor on the whole thing.

[thomefan2579]

the top lines like trane and carrier are also a bit quiter then th cheaper brands

[tigerdunes]

zhoukehu

Look at the Rheem Modulating gas furnace with var speed blower. As far as conventional type systems, the Rheem blows away all the competition for gas furnaces and for your climate should be a very good fit. York also has a modulating furnace that is just being introduced but the Rheem has been around and is tried and true.

IMO

[mjk_na]

It is better for you to look for reliable contractors, ask them to check your HVAC system resuirement using Manual J, and your duct requirement using Manual D.

Get a few bids. A good contractor will match a suitable system for your use.

Sometimes, more efficient systems are not very efficient for your payback .

Somewhat related page:

http://www.air-conditioner-selection...ing-guide.html