How do furnaces work?

As part of a central heating and cooling system, a furnace converts fuel (gas or oil) into heat, and then uses a blower to circulate warm air throughout your house. In summer, a furnace works with your heat pump or air conditioner to deliver cooled air throughout your home. The main components of a furnace include burners, a heat exchanger, a blower motor, and controls.

What is AFUE and what does it mean for your furnace?

AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This industry rating measures the annual efficiency of a furnace. A higher AFUE means your heating system is more energy efficient. You can learn more about AFUE here .

Is furnace repair or furnace replacement a better solution for me?

Use our Repair or Replace tool to help you make this decision. The answer will be different for every homeowner. We recommend replacing your furnace if it’s 15 years old or more, has an AFUE of less than 80%, needs frequent repairs, is declining in performance or your energy costs are rising. If you do need to replace your furnace, consider the AFUE rating, heating stages, and cost of your new unit.

Why buy a high efficiency gas furnace?

The higher the AFUE, the less fuel you'll need to keep your home comfortable. Trane furnaces with 90 or higher AFUE measurements deliver at least 90% of the heat they create to your home, which exceeds the government’s minimum standard of 80 AFUE for new furnaces. If you have a furnace that is at least 10 years old, it probably has an AFUE between 60 – 70, meaning you could be losing 40 cents of every dollar you spend on heating energy.

What are the major differences between gas furnaces and oil furnaces?

A gas furnace uses natural gas for fuel and distributes heat to your home. Oil furnaces convert oil into heat energy that is then distributed to your home.

How much is a new furnace installation?

Your total furnace replacement cost will vary based on several factors, including heating capacity, heating stages, fuel type, and cost. Our pricing guide and individual furnace model pages can give you additional information.

How long does a furnace last?

An average gas furnace will last 15-20 years . Some furnaces can last longer depending on furnace maintenance and they are quality units to begin with. Some units may not last as long if they are not properly maintained, if you use them 6 or more months out of the year, or if they are a lower-quality unit. Get some maintenance tips to prolong the life of your furnace. Schedule furnace service today.

How do furnaces work?

As part of a central heating and cooling system, a furnace converts fuel (gas or oil) into heat, and then uses a blower to circulate warm air throughout your house. In summer, a furnace works with your heat pump or air conditioner to deliver cooled air throughout your home. The main components of a furnace include burners, a heat exchanger, a blower motor, and controls.

What is AFUE and what does it mean for your furnace?

AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel to heat. In simpler terms, this metric determines how much fuel your furnace is actually turning into heat for your home. Thus, the higher the AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient the system and the more heat entering your home. As a homeowner, you may want a high AFUE-rated furnace because it’s a good thing for the environment, your home, and your wallet.

Is furnace repair or furnace replacement a better solution for me?

The answer will be different for every homeowner. We recommend replacing your furnace if it’s 15 years old or more, has an AFUE of less than 80%, needs frequent repairs, is declining in performance or your energy costs are rising. If you do need to replace your furnace, consider the AFUE rating, heating stages, and cost of your new unit.

Why buy a high efficiency gas furnace?

The higher the AFUE, the less fuel you'll need to keep your home comfortable. Trane furnaces with 90 or higher AFUE measurements deliver at least 90% of the heat they create to your home, which exceeds the government’s minimum standard of 80 AFUE for new furnaces. If you have a furnace that is at least 10 years old, it probably has an AFUE between 60 – 70, meaning you could be losing 40 cents of every dollar you spend on heating energy.

Gas furnace vs. heat pump?

The main difference between the two is how they create heat. A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. A furnace burns fuel to create heat. Because of this, a heat pump will be more energy efficient.

How long does a furnace last?

An average gas furnace will last 15-20 years. Some furnaces can last longer depending on furnace maintenance and they are quality units to begin with. Some units may not last as long if they are not properly maintained, if you use them 6 or more months out of the year, or if they are a lower-quality unit.

What are the major differences between gas furnaces and oil furnaces?

A gas furnace uses natural gas for fuel and distributes heat to your home. Oil furnaces convert oil into heat energy that is then distributed to your home. Which type of furnace is the best choice for you will depend on your home's climate zone, thermostat settings, and resource costs in your area.

Heat pump vs Furnace?

The overall installation cost of your furnace, heat pump, or dual fuel system depends heavily on your home’s compatibility and current system setup. For instance, some homes may not have access to natural gas, making an air conditioner and furnace installation a more expensive alternative to a heat pump system. Alternatively, homes not wired for the supplemental heating associated with a heat pump system may incur additional costs. Under ideal conditions, a heat pump can transfer more energy than it consumes. Heat pumps are powered by electricity so that you can save substantially on fuel consumption. Likewise, they are over 100 percent efficient in various temperate climates and can serve as a heater and air conditioner, while a furnace can only provide heat.

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Furnaces

Stay warm with furnaces that use natural gas, liquid propane, or oil to heat your home. Furnaces are ideal for homeowners who experience extremely cold winters. They can be paired with an air conditioner or heat pump to cool your home in the summer.

What to look for: Energy efficiency, cost, heating stages, ENERGY STAR^®

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Why choose a Trane furnace

Trane is one of the most trusted names in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Over the years, we’ve developed a reputation for innovative technology that results in highly energy-efficient HVAC equipment, including forced air gas furnaces.

Wide selection of gas furnaces

We have a wide variety of natural gas furnaces to fit your needs and budget. If you don’t have natural gas available in your neighborhood, certain furnaces can use propane if your dealer installs a conversion kit.

Two-stage furnaces and single-stage furnaces can both keep your home comfortable in the wintertime. Your Trane dealer can answer specific questions you may have about which furnace is right for your home and climate.

High-efficiency furnaces

High-efficiency furnaces are condensing furnaces, with two heat exchangers to help ensure fuel efficiency. A furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 90 or higher qualifies as high efficiency. Our 96 Modulating Variable Speed Gas Furnace with an AFUE of up to 97.3% is our most efficient furnace.

“A high-efficiency furnace makes sense in regions with colder climates and higher utility costs. These furnaces use less gas to produce the same amount of heat, which translates to lower energy bills for homeowners.”

-Amy Gulas, Furnace Product Manager

Compatible with a dual-fuel heat pump system

In addition to the traditional furnace and air conditioner combination, Trane furnaces are suitable for pairing with a heat pump in a hybrid heating system. The heat pump acts as an air conditioner in the summer and then heats your home until the temperature drops to near freezing. When it gets too cold for the heat pump to heat efficiently, the furnace takes over. This system offers you optimal energy efficiency and comfort.

Reliability

Trane HVAC equipment is built to last and undergoes 5 years of wear and tear in just a few months to ensure durability. With stainless steel heat exchangers, highly reliable hot surface igniters, and automotive-grade gaskets, when well-maintained, a Trane furnace can last 20+ years.