2017-2018 Guide to High Efficiency Heating

Sept. 8, 2017
Based on responses to our call for entries, here are the newest furnace products available to HVAC contractors.

Be ready for those ‘no heat’ calls, with our 2017-2018 guide to high-efficiency heating products.

This guide is provided as a sales tool. Use it to make simple furnace brand comparisons with your residential customers.

Read about the various brands below, and click through the gallery above to view product photos.

We hope your heating season is successful, with many productive comfort solutions for your customers!

American Standard has launched the S9X2 furnace, which can be fueled by either fuels or propane gas. This 2-5 ton furnace is compatible with both single and two-stage outdoor AC/HP products and has a heating capacity of 40-120 MBtuh. The S9X2 is a two-stage, constant torque electronically commutated motor (ECM) furnace up to 96% AFUE and features 3 and1 poise convertibility with multiple venting options in every poise. S9X2 is 34-in. tall and supports the AccuClean Whole Home Air Filtration System, one and five-inch media filters and humidifiers. It comes with stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers, as well as our patented Vortica™II blower system. It is certified one percent air tight and has an easy to use menu driven IFC. Includes a seven-segment LED display on the Integrated Furnace Control (IFC) for quick diagnostics, full length rails on the heat exchanger, and circulating blower for easy removal, inspection, and re-installation of the components. All models offer an ECM motor with 9 discreet speeds for multiple applications and a registered lifetime heat exchanger warranty and a 10 year parts warranty. americanstandard.com

For its improved Bryant condensing gas furnace for residential or light commercial applications, Bryant has invested in serviceability enhancements designed to improve the contractor
experience. These enhancements include a door booklet airflow set-up guide, transparent condensate trap, and low-profile door switch. These enhancements are the first releases in a larger serviceability upgrade planned for 2017.

The Bryant condensing gas furnace has an AFUE of up to 98.3%.

Select technical support materials immediately available to contractors include wiring
diagrams, installation/operation/maintenance manuals, parts list, and troubleshooting guide. 

This furnace is compatible with Bryant air cleaners, and most thermostats. Bryant offers reduced set-up time with the airflow configuration guide. Improved door fit is made possible with a low-profile door switch. Time saving drain trap design eliminates need to remove drain trap to check for debris.

Five year parts limited warranty. Ten years with registration. bryant.com

Carrier has been investing in serviceability enhancements designed to improve the contractor experience. These include a door booklet airflow set-up guide, transparent condensate trap, and low-profile door switch. These
enhancements are the first releases in a larger serviceability upgrade planned for 2017. 

AFUE for this furnace is up to 98.5%, and it has a heating capacity of 26,000 to 140,000 Btu/h.

Select technical support materials immediately available to contractors include: wiring diagrams, Installation, operation, and maintenance manuals, Parts list, troubleshooting guide, specification sheets, startup instructions, owner’s manual, and submittal data sheets. Compatible with Carrier air cleaners. Reduced set-up time is made possible thatnks to the airflow configuration guide. Improved door fit with low-profile door switch. 

Time saving drain trap design eliminates need to remove drain trap to check for debris. Five year parts limited warranty. Ten years with registration. carrier.com

The DMVM97MC from Daikin is a high-efficiency gas furnace with modulating gas valve and variable-speed blower, providing outstanding efficient and economical heating performance. Unlike single-stage gas furnaces that operate ‘all on’ or ‘all off,’ a Daikin modulating, variable-speed gas furnace minimizes energy use by running at the lowest possible fan speed, and producing just the right amount of heat to keep a steady, comfortable temperature in the home.

Up to 98% AFUE, this gas furnace converts up to 98 cents of every energy dollar into indoor comfort in a home.

Variable-speed motor provides quiet system startup and shutdown with highly efficient performance.

Modulating gas valve operates between 35%-100% capacity, providing the ultimate in comfort and precise efficiency.

The DMVM97MC is an upflow/horizontal unit.

daikincomfort.com

Goodman® brand modulating, variable speed gas furnaces are designed to enhance the sales, installation and service experience, while providing homeowners with up to 98% AFUE energy-efficient performance

The tubular, aluminized-steel heat exchanger from Goodman is manufactured to deliver enduring strength and efficient performance. Innovative wrinkle-bend technology not only optimizes combustion air velocity, its design also increases the unit’s durability. With a stainless steel secondary heat exchanger, this is a reliable, high-performing furnace.

The Goodman GMVM97 model includes an internal draintap, which can easily be connected to either side of the furnace, and a vertical gas valve for straightforward field connection. Other contractor-focused highlights include durable silicon nitride ignitors, self-calibrating gas valve  and self-diagnostic control board with constant memory fault code history output to a dual seven-segment display.   goodmanmfg.com

Lennox SLP98V High Efficiency Furnace
Unlike conventional single-stage furnaces that always run at full speed, the SLP98V’s variable speed blower quietly ramps up to speed, so there are no loud blasts of air at start-up or any other point of operation. During warm-weather months like the summer, when the furnace acts as an air-delivery systems the technology helps an air conditioner or heat pump by removing excess moisture, giving homeowners cleaner, more breathable air. The high efficiency Lennox SLP98V gas furnace achieves up to an industry-leading 98.7% AFUE and can save homeowners more than $800 each year on utility bills, compared with an older, inefficient furnace with a 65% AFUE rating. The SLP98V can also increase the efficiency of a cooling system by up to one SEER point, helping homeowners save additional money on their cooling bills. Lennox.com

Nortek Global HVAC (formerly NORDYNE), a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient, HVAC systems, is adding a new 96% AFUE gas furnace to its lineup. Model FG7TE/FG7TN comes with a factory-installed ECM motor and programmable control board. The new furnace meets ENERGY STAR requirements and qualifies for local utility rebates and the U.S. federal tax credit.

The Nortek Global HVAC fixed-torque ECM blower motor is programmable to 16 different speeds for both heating and cooling operation modes, making it extremely adaptable to challenging high-static applications as well a greater range of heating and cooling capacities. Nearly 100 percent of the fuel used to power the unit is converted into useful heating power. The new furnace also features:

• SmartLite® hot surface igniter made of silicon nitride for long igniter life

• On-board jumper shunt for two-stage operation from a single-stage thermostat

• Dehumidification terminal to reduce initial airflow for maximum humidity removal

• Three LED status lights to simplify troubleshooting

Model FG7TE/FG7TN joins the company’s 95% AFUE furnaces, including another model with an ECM motor, a single-stage model with multi-speed non-ECM blower motor and two multi-stage models.

Model FG7TE/FG7TN is available in the Broan®, Frigidaire®, NuTone®, and Westinghouse® brands of HVAC equipment. Similar model MGC2TE/MGC2TN is available in the Maytag® brand.

For more information about innovative Nortek Global HVAC products, contractors and distributors should visit nortekhvac.com

Rheem® has launched the Prestige® Series EcoNet® Enabled Modulating Upflow Gas Furnace. The R98V attains PlusOne® Energy Efficiency of 98%+ AFUE across the entire family and matches the industry high of 98.7% which saves energy and money. The R98V comes with the PlusOne® Diagnostics 7-Segment LED on all units to make it easy to service and diagnose and the PlusOne® Ignition System which includes the Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) for reliability and longevity. This furnace has built-in service and safety features like the PlusOne® Water Management System with patented Blocked Drain Sensor that forces the furnace to shut down if the drain gets blocked. When connected to the Rheem-exclusive EcoNet Control Center, the R98V furnace will display important service and maintenance information that can also be accessed on the homeowner’s smart device.The Rheem Prestige Series family of furnaces have been named the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017). CLICK HERE for additional information.
  

Trane has launched the S9V2 family of furnaces, the first family in the new S-Series furnace platform. Trane’s design engineers collaborated with 12 contractors from across the country to design the new S-Series furnace. The result is a highly advanced furnace designed and exhaustively tested to exceed the most stringent dealer and homeowner
expectations.

The S9V2 is a two-stage, variable speed furnace that is 96% AFUE across all models. S9V2 is 34-in. tall, a full 6-in.shorter than legacy furnaces, but is offered in the same depth and widths. 

Redesigned from the ground up, the S-Series Furnace features an industry-first integrated furnace control board that allows faster set-ups and more intuitive diagnostics; a Vortica® II blower that quietly delivers improved airflow; stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers that are more durable and corrosive-resistant than aluminized steel; and a three-way poise feature (up, left or right) and dedicated downflow with multiple venting options in each poise, for installation flexibility. 

All tonnages offer two different venting option in any poise position, with easy reconfiguring and no requirement for poise or venting. All models are certified to air leakage of less than 1% of the design airflow rate according to ASHRAE 193 and are EnergyStar® certified. trane.com

The compact Champion® TP9C unit employs induced combustion, reliable hot surface ignition and high heat transfer aluminized tubular heat exchangers. The units are factory shipped for installation in upflow or horizontal applications and may be converted for downflow applications. These furnaces are designed for residential installation in a basement, closet, alcove, attic, recreation room or garage and are also ideal for commercial applications. All units are factory assembled, wired and tested to assure safe dependable and economical installation and operation.

Modulating heating operation includes: modulating gas valve, inducer and circulating blower; and modulating operation from 100% to 35% input in 100 increments with nearly constant temperature rise. Units are easily applied in upflow, horizontal left or right, or downflow installation with minimal conversion necessary.

Housed in a compact, easy to install, ideal height 33-in. tall cabinet. The units feature ECM variable speed drive for cooling SEER enhancement, improved comfort with optional airflow delay profiles, and continuous fan options for IAQ performance. Electronic Hot Surface Ignition saves fuel cost with increased dependability and reliability. championhomecomfort.com  

Coleman® CP9C furnaces employ induced combustion, reliable hot surface ignition and high heat transfer aluminized tubular heat exchangers. The units are factory shipped for installation in upflow or horizontal applications and may be converted for downflow applications.

These furnaces are designed for residential installation in a basement, closet, alcove, attic, recreation room or garage and are also ideal for commercial applications. All units are factory assembled, wired and tested to assure safe dependable and economical installation and operation. Modulating heating operation includes: modulating gas valve, inducer and circulating blower; and modulating operation from 100% to 35% input in 100 increments with nearly constant temperature rise.

These furnaces are easily applied in upflow, horizontal left or right, or downflow installation, with minimal conversion necessary. They’rehoused in a compact, easy to install, ideal height 33-in. tall cabinet. Electronic Hot Surface Ignition saves fuel cost with increased dependability and reliability.
Colemanac.com

Compact Fraser-Johnston TP9C units employ induced combustion, reliable hot surface ignition and high heat transfer aluminized tubular heat exchangers. The units are factory shipped for installation in upflow or horizontal applications and may be converted for downflow applications.

These furnaces are designed for residential installation in a basement, closet, alcove, attic, recreation room or
garage and are also ideal for commercial applications. All units are factory assembled, wired and tested to assure safe dependable and economical installation and operation. 

  • Modulating heating operation includes: 
  • Modulating gas valve, inducer and circulating blower
  • Modulating operation from 100% to 35% input in 100 increments with nearly constant temperature rise.
  • Easily applied in upflow, horizontal left or right, or downflow installation with minimal conversion necessary.
  • Compact, easy to install, ideal height 33-in. tall cabinet.
  • ECM variable speed drive for cooling SEER enhancement, improved comfort with optional airflow delay profiles, and continuous fan options for IAQ performance.
  • Easy access to controls to connect power/control wiring.
  • Built-in, high level self diagnostics with fault code display.
  • Low unit amp requirement for easy replacement application.  fraserjohnston.com
Luxaire compact furnace units employ induced combustion, reliable hot surface ignition and high heat transfer aluminized tubular heat exchangers. The units are factory shipped for installation in upflow or horizontal applications and may be converted for downflow applications.

These furnaces are designed for residential installation in a basement, closet, alcove, attic, recreation room or garage and are also ideal for commercial applications. All units are factory assembled, wired and tested to assure safe dependable and economical installation and operation.

These units — as well as the other JCI brands in this guide — are Category IV, National Fuel Gas Code and may be vented either through side wall or roof applications using approved plastic combustion air and vent piping. Approved plastic combustion air and vent piping include Selkirk Polyflue, Duravent Polypro, & Centrotherm Innoflue polypropylene venting systems.

Modulating heating operation includes:

  • Modulating gas valve, inducer and circulating blower
  • Modulating operation from 100% to 35% input in 100 increments with nearly constant temperature rise.
  • Easily applied in upflow, horizontal left or right, or downflow installation with minimal conversion necessary.
  • Compact, easy to install, ideal height 33-in. tall cabinet.
  • ECM variable speed drive for cooling SEER enhancement, improved comfort with optional airflow delay profiles, and continuous fan options for IAQ performance.
  • Easy access to controls to connect power/control wiring.
  • Built-in, high level self diagnostics with fault code display.
  • Low unit amp requirement for easy replacement application.
  • All models are convertable to use propane (LP) gas.
  • Electronic Hot Surface Ignition saves fuel cost with increased dependability and reliability.
  • 100% shut off main gas valve for extra safety.

 luxaire.com

YORK® YP9C compact units employ induced combustion, reliable hot surface ignition and high heat transfer aluminized tubular heat exchangers. The units are factory shipped for installation in upflow or horizontal applications and may be converted for downflow applications.

These furnaces are designed for residential installation in a basement, closet, alcove, attic, recreation room or garage and are also ideal for commercial applications. All units are factory assembled, wired and tested to assure safe dependable and economical installation and operation.

These units are Category IV, National Fuel Gas Code and may be vented either through side wall or roof applications using approved plastic combustion air and vent piping. Approved plastic combustion air and vent piping include Selkirk Polyflue, Duravent Polypro, & Centrotherm Innoflue polypropylene venting systems.

Modulating heating operation includes:

  • Modulating gas valve, inducer and circulating blower
  • Modulating operation from 100% to 35% input in 100 increments with nearly constant temperature rise.
  • Easily applied in upflow, horizontal left or right, or downflow installation with minimal conversion necessary.
  • Compact, easy to install, ideal height 33” tall cabinet.
  • ECM variable speed drive for cooling SEER enhancement, improved comfort with optional airflow delay profiles, and continuous fan options for IAQ performance.
  • Built-in, high level self diagnostics with fault code display.
  • Low unit amp requirement for easy replacement application.
  • All models are convertable to use propane (LP) gas.
  • Electronic Hot Surface Ignition
  • 100% shut off main gas valve for extra safety.

york.com/for-your-home/furnaces

Featuring a communicating control, the Arcoaire® F9MAE DuraComfort™ Deluxe 98 furnace is built with stainless steel secondary heat exchangers and achieves up to 98% AFUE. A modulating (multi-stage) gas valve allows the furnace to operate on a quieter low-heat setting unless the thermostat calls for more heat. 

Designed for four-way multi-position installation, it is just 35 inches tall and lighter weight than previous counterparts.

The Arcoaire F9MAE DuraComfort Deluxe 98 furnace has a ten-year No Hassle Replacement™ limited warranty. Lifetime heat exchanger and ten-year parts limited warranty to original purchaser with timely registration. 

Parts limited warranty period is 20 years for heat exchangers and five years for parts if not registered within 90 days of installation (see warranty certificate for details and restrictions). GoArcoaire.com

Featuring communicating control and efficiency ratings up to 96% AFUE, the Comfortmaker® G9MVE SoftSound® Deluxe 96 furnace is built with stainless steel secondary heat exchangers. Two-stage heat and two-stage cooling compatible, this furnace has an ECM variable-speed blower motor, is designed for four-way multi-position installation, and is just 35 inches tall. It also meets low NOx emissions standards.

The Comfortmaker G9MVE SoftSound Deluxe 96 furnace includes a super-quiet, variable-speed ECM motor to minimize operating sound levels. The blower motor is attached with soft-mount rubber grommets that absorb sound and vibration. The furnace also features insulated heat exchanger and blower compartments to muffle sound and absorb vibration noise. GoComfortmaker.com

With efficiency ratings up to 98% AFUE, the Day & Night® G9MAE Constant Comfort™ Deluxe Furnace features a modulating (multi-stage) gas valve which allows the furnace to operate on a quieter low-heat setting unless the thermostat calls for more heat.

When this furnace is connected to an Observer® communicating control, system information will be displayed on a touch screen. The system will self-configure for optimal performance. The furnace features large, one-quarter turn knobs for easy door installation/removal. A super-bright LED makes diagnostic flash codes easier to read. The blower assembly is mounted on rails for easy, upfront installation/removal.

The Day & Night G9MAE Constant Comfort Deluxe 98 furnace can control relative humidity during cooling operation when coupled with a condensing unit and humidity-capable thermostat. It has a dehumidification function in cooling mode and can control a humidifier accessory in heating mode. GoDayandNight.com

With efficiency ratings up to 98% AFUE, the Heil® G9MAE QuietComfort® Deluxe Furnace features a modulating (multi-stage) gas valve which allows the furnace to operate on a quieter low-heat setting unless the thermostat calls for more heat.

When this furnace is connected to an Observer® communicating control, system information will be displayed on a touch screen. The system will self-configure for optimal performance. The furnace features large, one-quarter turn knobs for easy door installation/removal. A super-bright LED makes diagnostic flash codes easier to read. The furnace’s blower assembly is mounted on rails, for easy, upfront installation/removal.

The Heil G9MAE QuietComfort Deluxe 98 furnace can control relative humidity during cooling operation when coupled with a condensing unit and humidity-capable thermostat. It has a dehumidification function in cooling mode and can control a humidifier accessory in heating mode. GoHeil.com

With efficiency ratings up to 95.5% AFUE, the KeepRite® N9MSE Performance 95 furnace features four position installation options, 12 different venting combinations and LED self-diagnostics. 

Sturdy knobs allow service technicians to remove and replace furnace doors with a twist of the wrist. A super-bright LED makes diagnostic flash codes easier to read. This furnace also includes a slide-out heat exchanger and blower assembly.

A special blower mount on the KeepRite N9MSE Performance 95 furnace quiets vibration and cuts sound. Cabinet insulation absorbs sound from the heat exchanger compartment. GoKeepRite.com

Featuring a communicating control, Tempstar® F9MAE SmartComfort® Deluxe 98 furnace is built with stainless steel secondary heat exchangers and achieves up to 98% AFUE. A modulating (multi-stage) gas valve allows the furnace to operate on a quieter low-heat setting unless the thermostat calls for more heat. 

Designed for four-way multi-position installation, it is just 35 inches tall and lighter weight than previous counterparts.

The Tempstar F9MAE SmartComfort Deluxe 98 furnace has a ten-year No Hassle Replacement™ limited warranty. Lifetime heat exchanger and ten-year parts limited warranty to original purchaser with timely registration. Parts limited warranty period is 20 years for heat exchangers and five years for parts if not registered within 90 days of installation (see warranty certificate for details and restrictions). GoTempstar.com

GeoStar introduced an update to its Aston Series, now featuring sophisticated Aurora controls that provide two-way communication with components for superior performance and troubleshooting capabilities.

The Aston Series packaged geothermal heat pump provides forced air heating, air conditioning, and even generates a portion of a home’s hot water – all from a single unit. Available in nine single-speed and five dual capacity sizes from 1 to 6 tons, the system achieves an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 30 and a 4.8 coefficient of performance (COP), and features a variety of advanced technology and components.

Copeland Scroll compressors are mounted on double isolation plates for extra quiet operation. Dual capacity units include Scroll UltraTech compressors for added efficiency and reliability.

  • The Aston Series includes these other design components:
  • Aurora communication offers instantaneous, monthly, or 13-month historical energy monitoring capability at the thermostat.
  • Exclusive FormiShield™ Plus coating on the air coil, which resists corrosion and increases equipment life while improving efficiency and dehumidification during cooling
  • Optional hot water assist to preheat water and deliver it to a home’s hot water heater
  • GeoStart® optional soft starter, which reduces start-up amperage to 30 percent of normal draw, reducing noise, eliminating light flicker and increasing compressor life
  • Standard pleated MERV 11 filter, with an optional pleated MERV 13 available
  • Cabinet with a professional grade finish for long-lasting beauty and protection.

geostar-geo.com

WaterFurnace International, Inc. recently launched the 7 Series, which represents breakthroughs in energy efficiency, integrated technologies, communication capabilities and comfort.

WaterFurnace says the 7 Series 700A11 is the first variable capacity geothermal unit available for homeowners, and the only unit to surpass both 41 energy efficiency ratio (EER) and 5.3 coefficient of performance (COP).This represents efficiencies twice that of traditional air conditioners or heat pumps and 30 percent greater than current geothermal units.

The 700A11 uses WaterFurnace’s InfiniSpeed technology, a soft-start variable capacity compressor, in concert with a variable speed ECM blower and variable speed loop pump. This allows the unit to scale output to exactly the level needed rather than the “high” or “low” speeds found in normal systems. The unit can ramp down to 20 percent of normal operation for ultra-efficient conditioning or up to 130 percent output using SuperBoost™, for periods when extra cooling is needed.

The 7 Series also uses Aurora, WaterFurnace’s next-generation of logic boards, to continuously monitor and optimize operation.

Other features include:
Electronic expansion valves employed for optimal refrigerant control.
The industry’s only unit available with true energy monitoring.
The only variable capacity geothermal unit to integrate with system zoning. • Advanced hot water generation to preheat water and deliver it to a home’s hot water heater.
Aurora Interface Diagnostic port allows service and diagnosis of the unit without having to open it — an industry first, sources say.

waterfurnace.com

Uponor North America has released what it describes as “the next generation in wireless controls for residential hydronic radiant floor heating systems.”

The new Climate Control Zoning System II features an innovative technology called Autobalancing that boasts 25 percent faster reaction times and up to 20 percent greater energy savings for radiant floor heating systems. The new Autobalancing technology in the system calculates the actual energy need of single rooms and adapts the heat output of each loop by controlling the actuator’s on and off cycle.

For example, a short loop might get 20% “on” time while a long loop receives 60% “on” time. This technology allows the system to react to temperature changes faster and offers greater energy savings in the process. uponor-usa.com

Bosch Thermotechnology Corp. has released its first ever air-source heat pump system, employing a high energy efficiency rating that could save homeowners up to hundreds of dollars a year on heating and cooling bills. The new Bosch Inverter Ducted Split Air-Source Heat Pump System with Inverter Drive Technology helps ensure that indoor air remains at the selected temperature, but at a lower cost than traditional HVAC systems, sources report.

By employing variable speed inverter drive technology, the new air-source heat pump is highly energy efficient, achieving a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of up to 18 and a 9.5 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). It accomplishes the high rating by varying operating speeds depending on cooling and heating load rather than simply turning the unit on and off. 

boschheatingandcooling.com

About the Author

Terry McIver | Content Director - CB

A career publishing professional, Terence 'Terry' McIver has served three diverse industry publications in varying degrees of responsibility since 1987, and worked in marketing communications for a major U.S. corporation.He joined the staff of Contracting Business magazine in April 2005.

As director of content for Contracting Business, he produces daily content and feature articles for CB's 38,000 print subscribers and many more Internet visitors. He has written hundreds, if not two or three, pieces of news, features and contractor profile articles for CB's audience of quality HVACR contractors. He can also be found covering HVACR industry events or visiting with manufacturers and contractors. He also has significant experience in trade show planning.