I have started an in depth look into my next furnace.

I am looking at forced-air gas unit and want to get the best one available,(our house deserves no less).


1) Gas burning efficiency
2) Electrical blower motor efficiency
3) Reliability
4) Thermostat features

I would like to address all four points based on my limited knowledge....

1) Gas efficiency is self explanatory

2) How would you go about finding the efficiency of the blower????

from what I understand, a lot of savings of a new furnace can be captured from getting the most efficient blower.

3) Consumer reports put out results of a Reliability Survey. I can't paste to the image, but here's a link I've found....
http://petermanhvac.com/blog/wp-cont...er-reports.bmp

Any thoughts as what is THE most reliable maker?

IE Are the most efficient furnaces are less reliable?
Can this truism be tossed out when dealing with a modern furnace?

4) Regarding the thermostat. Do most of the furnace manufacturers offer thermostats with similar features?

I realize that I am asking for subjective thoughts here.

If you have OBJECTIVE DATA (or ways to help me find this data), let me know.

thanks in advance,

thesheet