Choosing the best gas furnace for home heating starts with matching the unit to your home, fuel supply, ductwork, and local code requirements—not simply picking the highest BTU rating. The options below include 80% and 96% AFUE models, different airflow layouts, and single- or two-stage heating. Have a licensed HVAC professional confirm the right size and installation details before you buy.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | AFUE | Heating capacity | Configuration | Notable details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACiQ 60,000 BTU 80% AFUE Gas Furnace | 80% | 60,000 BTU | Upflow or horizontal | Single-stage heat, 9-speed ECM blower, metal flue |
| ACiQ 80,000 BTU 96% AFUE Propane Furnace | 96% | 80,000 BTU | Upflow or horizontal | Single-stage heat, 9-speed ECM blower, PVC venting |
| ACiQ 80,000 BTU 80% AFUE Gas Furnace | 80% | 80,000 BTU | Downflow or horizontal | Single-stage heat, 9-speed ECM blower, metal flue |
| Goodman 60,000 BTU 96% AFUE Furnace | 96% | 60,000 BTU | Upflow or horizontal | Single-stage heat, Low NOx natural gas |
| Goodman 100,000 BTU 96% AFUE Furnace | 96% | 100,000 BTU | Upflow or horizontal | Two-stage heat, multi-speed ECM, Low NOx natural gas |
Our Picks: Best Gas Furnace For Home Heating reviews
ACiQ 60,000 BTU 80% AFUE: Flexible Upflow or Horizontal Fit
This ACiQ furnace is a 60,000 BTU, single-stage model designed for upflow or horizontal installation. Its 80% AFUE rating means it converts 80% of the fuel’s energy into heat, with the rest lost through the exhaust. A 9-speed ECM blower provides multiple airflow settings for the system installer to configure.
The 80% efficiency design uses metal flue venting, unlike the PVC venting required by the 96% ACiQ option below. That difference matters when replacing an older furnace: your existing vent route and local requirements may make one type of unit a better fit than another. This model is listed for natural gas or propane, but confirm any required fuel conversion parts and setup with the seller and installer.
One important limitation is its stated emissions compliance: the product information says it does not comply with California and Colorado Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx regulations. It also has a 60,000 BTU capacity, which is not enough information by itself to determine whether it can heat your home. The supplied listing currently indicates the product is unavailable, so check its status before planning a purchase.
Pros:
- Upflow and horizontal installation options
- 9-speed ECM blower
- Metal flue venting
- Warranty coverage includes a lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year unit replacement, and 10-year parts coverage with timely registration, according to the product description
Cons:
- 80% AFUE is lower than the 96% models in this comparison
- Does not meet the stated California and Colorado Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx requirements
Verdict: Consider this ACiQ if a 60,000 BTU, 80% AFUE unit fits your professionally determined needs and your location’s emissions rules allow it.
ACiQ 80,000 BTU 96% AFUE: High Efficiency with PVC Venting
This 80,000 BTU ACiQ is the higher-efficiency choice among the brand’s listed options. Its 96% AFUE rating means the product information attributes 4% of the fuel’s energy to operating losses. It uses single-stage heating and a 9-speed ECM blower, with an upflow or horizontal cabinet orientation.
Unlike the 80% models, this furnace requires plastic or PVC flue venting. That can affect replacement plans, since a home with an existing metal flue may need venting changes to support this unit. The description says it can use natural gas or propane and includes an LP kit; have a qualified installer verify the required fuel setup before installation.
The product information states that it complies with California and Colorado Low NOx rules, but not Ultra-Low NOx requirements. It also lists a lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year unit replacement, and 10-year parts warranty with timely online registration. The supplied listing indicates it is unavailable at present, so confirm availability before making this your preferred option.
Pros:
- 96% AFUE rating
- Upflow or horizontal installation
- 9-speed ECM blower and included LP kit, according to the listing
- Listed Low NOx compliance for California and Colorado
Cons:
- Requires PVC or plastic flue venting
- Does not meet the stated Ultra-Low NOx requirement
Verdict: This ACiQ is worth considering when an 80,000 BTU, 96% AFUE furnace suits your home and your installer confirms the fuel and PVC venting requirements can be met.
ACiQ 80,000 BTU 80% AFUE: A Downflow Option
This 80,000 BTU ACiQ is the only downflow model in this group. It can also be installed horizontally, making it a possible match for homes whose furnace location requires one of those orientations. The unit has single-stage heating, a 9-speed ECM blower, and an 80% AFUE rating.
Its metal flue venting is a key difference from the 96% AFUE models, which require PVC venting. The product description identifies natural gas or propane as fuel options, so confirm whether the correct configuration and any conversion components are available for your setup. The listing also says this model does not comply with California and Colorado Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx regulations.
The stated capacity is higher than the 60,000 BTU options, but a higher number does not automatically make a furnace a better fit. Oversizing can affect system performance, so ask an HVAC professional to calculate the heating load rather than choosing by capacity alone. The supplied listing indicates that this model is unavailable, and its status may change.
Pros:
- Downflow or horizontal installation options
- 9-speed ECM blower
- Metal flue venting
- Warranty includes a lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year unit replacement, and 10-year parts coverage with timely registration, according to the product description
Cons:
- 80% AFUE is below the efficiency of the 96% choices
- Does not meet the stated California and Colorado Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx requirements
Verdict: Choose this model only if a qualified installer confirms that its downflow or horizontal layout, 80,000 BTU capacity, and emissions limits fit your home and location.
Goodman 60,000 BTU 96% AFUE: Compact-Capacity Natural Gas Choice
This Goodman is a 60,000 BTU, 96% AFUE natural gas furnace with a single-stage design. Its title identifies it as a Low NOx model and lists upflow or horizontal installation. That combination may suit a home where the existing furnace orientation and natural gas supply match the unit’s requirements.
The product details supplied for this listing are limited, so confirm important specifications with the seller and installer before ordering. In particular, verify venting requirements, included components, the exact model number, and warranty terms. The listing does not provide those details here, and it should not be assumed that they match the ACiQ models.
Compared with the 80% ACiQ models, this furnace has a higher stated AFUE. Compared with the 100,000 BTU Goodman, it has a lower listed capacity and single-stage heating rather than two-stage heat. The right comparison depends on your home’s heating load and equipment layout—not just efficiency or capacity.
Pros:
- 96% AFUE rating
- 60,000 BTU capacity
- Upflow or horizontal installation
- Identified as a Low NOx natural gas furnace
Cons:
- Supplied product information does not detail venting, blower, or warranty specifications
- Listed for natural gas, so confirm it matches your available fuel
Verdict: This Goodman is a reasonable candidate if you need a 60,000 BTU, 96% AFUE Low NOx natural gas furnace, but verify the missing installation and warranty details before buying.
Goodman 100,000 BTU 96% AFUE: Two-Stage Heating for Larger Loads
This Goodman pairs a 100,000 BTU capacity with 96% AFUE and two-stage heating. The product description says its multi-speed ECM motor provides airflow control and can help reduce operating noise. It is listed for upflow or horizontal installation and uses natural gas.
Two-stage heating gives the system more than one heat output level, unlike the single-stage models in this roundup. That can be useful when the home’s heating needs vary, but the benefit depends on a properly matched system and installation. The 100,000 BTU rating is substantial compared with the other choices, so have a professional check the home’s heating load before deciding this is the right size.
The supplied description says this model cannot be installed as a downflow furnace. It also notes that accessories such as LP conversion and venting kits are sold separately. Check compatibility and required parts before ordering, and confirm the warranty and venting details for the exact model.
Pros:
- 96% AFUE rating
- Two-stage heating
- Multi-speed ECM motor for airflow control
- Upflow or horizontal installation and Low NOx natural gas designation
Cons:
- Cannot be installed as a downflow furnace
- Listed accessories, including venting and LP conversion kits, are sold separately
Verdict: Consider this Goodman if a professional confirms that its 100,000 BTU capacity and upflow or horizontal layout fit your home, and you want the listed two-stage design.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace for Home Heating
Size the Furnace to Your Home
BTU capacity is not a simple measure of the square footage a furnace can heat. Insulation, windows, ceiling height, climate, air leakage, and the home’s layout all affect heating needs. Ask an HVAC professional to calculate your home’s heating load. Avoid selecting a larger furnace just because it appears to offer more heating power.
Compare AFUE Ratings and Venting Needs
AFUE measures how much of the fuel’s energy becomes heat over a typical heating season. The 80% models in this list use metal flue venting, while the 96% ACiQ model specifies PVC or plastic venting. A higher AFUE rating may be attractive, but installation changes can affect the overall project. Confirm what your existing vent system can support and what local codes allow.
Confirm Fuel Type and Conversion Requirements
Some listings identify a furnace as natural gas, while others describe natural gas or propane use and mention an LP kit. Do not assume a unit is ready for either fuel just because the description mentions both. Ask the seller and installer to confirm the exact model, conversion parts, setup, and fuel supply requirements.
Match the Cabinet Orientation to Your Ductwork
Upflow, downflow, and horizontal describe how the furnace is positioned and how air moves through the system. Check the existing equipment and duct layout before you choose. Most models here offer upflow or horizontal installation, while the 80,000 BTU ACiQ is listed for downflow or horizontal use. The 100,000 BTU Goodman specifically cannot be installed as a downflow furnace.
Consider Single-Stage or Two-Stage Heat
A single-stage furnace operates at one heating level when it runs. The 100,000 BTU Goodman is the only two-stage model in this selection. A second heating level may help the system respond differently to changing conditions, but it does not guarantee better comfort in every home. System sizing, controls, ductwork, and installation all matter.
Check Local Emissions Rules
Emissions requirements can vary by location. The ACiQ 80% models are described as not complying with California and Colorado Low NOx or Ultra-Low NOx regulations. The 96% ACiQ model is described as Low NOx compliant in those states but not Ultra-Low NOx compliant. The Goodman listings identify their models as Low NOx. Confirm current local rules with your HVAC contractor before ordering.
Review Warranty Terms and Installation Conditions
The ACiQ descriptions make full warranty coverage dependent on timely online registration and installation that follows local and state codes. The Goodman product information supplied here gives fewer warranty details, so request the applicable terms before purchase. Also confirm who is responsible for installation, startup, and any required accessories.
Plan for Professional Installation
Gas furnaces involve fuel connections, exhaust venting, electrical controls, and integration with ductwork. Have a qualified HVAC professional confirm the model’s compatibility, required permits, venting, and commissioning steps. A product listing is not a substitute for a site-specific installation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 96% AFUE mean?
AFUE is a measure of how much fuel energy a furnace turns into useful heat over a typical heating season. A 96% AFUE rating indicates a higher rated efficiency than an 80% AFUE rating. It does not, by itself, predict your household’s total heating bill.
Is an 80% AFUE furnace a bad choice?
Not necessarily. An 80% model may be a fit when its capacity, venting, fuel type, installation layout, and local code requirements work for the home. Compare the complete installation needs with those of a higher-efficiency unit.
How do I know what furnace size I need?
Have an HVAC professional calculate the home’s heating load. The BTU number alone cannot account for insulation, climate, windows, air leakage, and other conditions that affect heating demand.
Can a natural gas furnace run on propane?
Only if the specific furnace is approved and set up for propane with the required conversion parts. The listings vary: some describe natural gas or propane use, while the Goodman models here are identified as natural gas. Confirm compatibility with the seller and installer before purchase.
What is the difference between upflow, downflow, and horizontal installation?
These terms describe the furnace’s orientation and airflow direction. Your existing ductwork and equipment location help determine which configuration is suitable. Check the model’s listed options carefully, since not every furnace supports every orientation.
Do these furnaces include everything needed for installation?
Not necessarily. The Goodman 100,000 BTU model’s description says some accessories, including venting and LP conversion kits, are sold separately. The other listings also require you to confirm installation components and compatibility for your setup before ordering.
Should I buy a furnace that is listed as unavailable?
The supplied information indicates that the three ACiQ models are unavailable, while the Goodman listings are marked available. Availability can change, so check the product listing before planning a purchase and avoid scheduling installation until the exact unit and required parts are confirmed.
Final Recommendation
For a higher-efficiency single-stage option, compare the 96% AFUE models after confirming capacity, fuel, venting, and local emissions requirements. The Goodman 100,000 BTU model stands apart with two-stage heating, but its capacity and upflow or horizontal-only installation make professional sizing especially important. The best choice is the furnace a qualified HVAC contractor confirms is correctly sized and compatible with your home—not simply the one with the highest efficiency or BTU rating.
