Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11“Gas restoration systems” is not a standard HVAC product category in the U.S. This guide uses the phrase to mean upgrading or replacing a residential gas furnace. The main choices are a more efficient gas furnace, an air-source heat pump, or a dual-fuel system that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The right option depends on your home, climate, utility rates, and installation conditions—not the equipment label alone.
When should you consider replacing a gas furnace?
Age and symptoms are reasons to arrange an assessment, not automatic proof that a furnace needs replacing. ENERGY STAR suggests considering a change when a furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, repairs are frequent while energy bills rise, rooms are unevenly comfortable, the home has humidity or dust problems, or the system is noisy. Its guidance also says that duct problems, poor insulation, leaky ducts, or equipment operation may cause some of those symptoms.
Before choosing a replacement, ask a qualified contractor to check the furnace, ducts, airflow, and home envelope. Sealing air leaks or improving insulation may improve comfort and reduce the heating capacity the home needs. ENERGY STAR describes a correctly installed certified heating or cooling unit as potentially saving up to 20% on heating and cooling costs, and says an ENERGY STAR furnace is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. Those are agency-wide guidance claims, not a forecast for an individual home.
Which upgrade options should you compare?
| Option | How it works | What to assess for your home |
|---|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR certified gas furnace | Replaces the existing furnace with a qualifying gas-fired unit. | Current regional certification criteria, local gas rates, venting and condensate needs, sealed-combustion installation, installed cost, and duct compatibility. |
| Air-source heat pump | Provides heating and cooling; it may replace a furnace or work alongside another heat source. | Winter design temperatures, verified cold-weather heating capacity, duct condition or a ductless layout, electrical work, local electricity and gas prices, backup needs, installed cost, and available incentives. |
| Dual-fuel heat-pump-and-furnace system | Uses a heat pump and retains a gas furnace, with controls determining when each heat source runs. | Furnace condition, heat-pump sizing, switchover controls, local energy prices, cold-weather performance, added installation cost, and service complexity. |
There is no dependable single installed-price or payback figure for an individual home in the available U.S. agency guidance. Compare itemized bids for the complete installation and estimate operating costs with your actual heating load and local utility rates; AFUE or an advertised savings figure alone is not enough.
#1 Best Overall
- GR9S800803BN Replaces the following older furnace model numbers: GMES800803BN,GM9S800803BN
- Upflow/Horizontal installation-CANNOT be installed as a downflow. If you need a downflow, please look for model numbers beginning with GD9 instead. Please contact us with any questions.
- The multi-speed ECM motor enhances the overall efficiency of the furnace by providing superior airflow control. This feature not only improves heating performance but also reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both comfort and efficiency.
- Aluminized Steel Primary Heat Exchanger
- Accessories such as linesets, thermostats, LP (Liquid Propane) conversion kits, sold separately
Replacing the furnace with a higher-efficiency gas model
ENERGY STAR lists separate certification thresholds by U.S. region: at least 95% AFUE in the North and at least 90% AFUE in the South. Check its current regional criteria and certified-product finder when shopping because the applicable list can change. AFUE describes seasonal fuel-use efficiency; it does not tell you the installed cost, how well the system fits your home, or your eventual bill.
ENERGY STAR’s regional furnace guidance reports that qualifying Southern models can be up to 16% more efficient, with average annual energy-cost savings of $60, and Northern models can be up to 18% more energy efficient, with savings of $160 a year. The page does not state the year for these figures, and neither is a household-specific estimate. Separately, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) gives modeled lifetime energy-cost savings of $549 for its Southern-region example and $1,345 for its Northern-region example, each against a less efficient example over a 21-year model. FEMP updated that guidance in December 2024; it describes procurement examples based on assumptions, not a homeowner quote.
Rank #2
- CERTIFIED ACiQ SELLERS: Everything you need for reliable HVAC solutions!
- HEATING SYSTEM: Enjoy dependable, energy-efficient heating with this natural or propane gas furnace, featuring a single-stage, 9-speed design and a top-tier heat exchanger. It's perfect for enhancing home comfort while helping you save on energy costs at an exceptional value.
- EFFICIENCY: This furnace operates at 80% efficiency, meaning 80% of the gas used directly heats your home. Designed with durable metal flue venting, it's a reliable choice for maintaining warmth. Please note that this furnace DEOS NOT comply with California and Colorado Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx regulations.
- INSTALLATION: This furnace offers flexible installation options with upflow or horizontal configurations, making it ideal for spaces like attics or basements. Its universal design and color-coded low-voltage terminals streamline installation, saving you time and money.
- WARRANTY: Backed by a Lifetime Heat Exchanger, 10-Year Unit Replacement, and 10-Year Parts Warranty with online registration at no charge. Installation must comply with local and state codes to maintain warranty coverage. (Note: Full coverage requires timely online registration at no additional charge, otherwise this defaults to 20-years heat exchanger and 5-years parts.)
FEMP says ENERGY STAR residential furnace models are condensing furnaces and recommends sealed combustion. Sealed supply, combustion, and flue components help prevent exhaust gases from leaking or back-drafting into living spaces. Condensing equipment may require changes to venting and condensate arrangements and typically costs more to install than standard-efficiency equipment.
Replacing or supplementing the furnace with a heat pump
An air-source heat pump can provide both heating and cooling, but suitability depends on the unit’s capacity at the temperatures your home actually experiences, the home’s heat loss, and the electrical and ductwork conditions. ENERGY STAR says its certified cold-climate heat-pump testing reaches 5°F under requirements stated as effective January 1, 2023, and recommends considering backup heat at lower temperatures. A certification test point is not a promise that a particular unit will cover every home’s load at that temperature; request verified low-temperature capacity data for the proposed equipment.
Rank #3
- This comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty provided it is installed by a qualified installer and registered online with 60 days of installation
Ask whether the existing ducts can deliver the heat-pump airflow and whether electrical upgrades are needed. If your home is not well suited to a fully electric system in the local climate, a dual-fuel arrangement may retain the gas furnace as a backup or alternate heat source. Its changeover settings should be selected around the equipment’s performance, home needs, and local utility prices rather than a generic temperature rule.
ENERGY STAR’s air-source heat-pump guidance describes a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying units purchased and installed from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2032, and notes that utilities may offer additional incentives. Tax-credit law and eligibility requirements can change; confirm current IRS rules and local utility terms before relying on an incentive. This heat-pump credit should not be assumed to apply to a gas-furnace purchase.
Rank #4
- GR9T961205DN Replaces the following older furnace model numbers: GR9T961205DN,GMEC961205DN,GM9C961205DN,GMEC961205DNA
- Upflow/Horizontal installation-CANNOT be installed as a downflow. Please look for model numbers beginning with GD9 instead. Please contact us with any questions.
- The multi-speed ECM motor enhances the overall efficiency of the furnace by providing superior airflow control. This feature not only improves heating performance but also reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both comfort and efficiency.
- Aluminized Steel Primary Heat Exchanger
- Accessories such as LP conversion kits, venting kits etc Sold Separately
How do you get a replacement sized and installed correctly?
- Request an onsite assessment. Have the contractor inspect the existing equipment, ducts, airflow, insulation, and air leakage rather than selecting a new furnace solely from the old unit’s nameplate.
- Ask for a Manual J load calculation. ENERGY STAR recommends that contractors calculate the home’s heating and cooling needs using Manual J. Ask for the calculation and the basis for the proposed equipment size. Oversized conventional equipment can short-cycle and undermine comfort and humidity control.
- Check equipment matching and distribution. Confirm that the indoor and outdoor components, ducts, and controls are compatible with the selected system. ENERGY STAR warns that improper heat-pump installation can reduce efficiency by up to 30%; it also cites up to 30% efficiency loss from poorly sealed ducts. These are agency upper-bound guidance claims, not typical measured losses for every home.
- Get itemized, comparable written bids. Each bid should identify equipment, sizing basis, necessary duct or electrical work, venting and condensate changes where relevant, controls, permits, and installation scope. This makes complete-system costs more comparable than equipment-only prices.
- Verify qualifications and local requirements. Check the contractor’s licensing and insurance, ask about recognized installation credentials such as NATE or ACCA, and confirm permit and code requirements with local authorities. Requirements vary by location.
DOE guidance cautions that efficient equipment may not deliver expected savings if it is poorly installed; oversizing, poor distribution design, and leaky ducts can affect efficiency, comfort, and equipment life. Installation should be handled by a qualified professional. Do not attempt gas-line, combustion, venting, or furnace installation work yourself.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else should be part of the heating upgrade?
A furnace or heat pump is only one part of home performance. Ask whether air sealing, insulation, or duct sealing should be addressed alongside the equipment. ENERGY STAR and DOE guidance identify envelope and duct improvements as ways to reduce heat loss and address uneven comfort; a contractor’s evaluation can show whether they are relevant in your home.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- GR9S800804BN Replaces the following older furnace model numbers: GM9S800804BN,GMES800804BN,GMS80804BN
- Upflow/Horizontal installation-CANNOT be installed as a downflow. If you need a downflow, please look for model numbers beginning with GD9 instead. Please contact us with any questions.
- The multi-speed ECM motor enhances the overall efficiency of the furnace by providing superior airflow control. This feature not only improves heating performance but also reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both comfort and efficiency.
- Aluminized Steel Primary Heat Exchanger
- This comes with a 10-year parts limited warranty if it is installed by a qualified installer and registered online with 60 days of installation. Register your new Goodman unit for enhanced warranty coverage at no cost. Be confident with a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty.
After installation, follow the equipment manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. ENERGY STAR recommends seasonal professional checkups and monthly filter inspections; clean a reusable filter or replace a disposable one when it is dirty. For a replacement furnace air filter, verify the dimensions and compatibility in the furnace documentation. A filter is routine maintenance, not a substitute for correct system design or installation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
