5 Types of Gas Furnaces to Keep You Cozy at Home

There are five common gas furnace types to choose from, based on your needs

A father reading a book to his daughters in bed
Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images
A father reading a book to his daughters in bed
Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images
Angela Brown
Written by Angela Brown
Contributing Writer
Updated Sep 23, 2024
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Having the right heating system in your home isn’t just a comfort—it’s a necessity, especially in colder parts of the country. When temperatures dip, staying warm means staying healthy and comfortable. If your furnace is about to give up the ghost, now might be a good time to consider a new system. 

Here’s a look at five gas furnace types and their features.

3 types of gas furnace compared by cost and efficiency, with mid-cost and mid-efficiency being a two-stage furnace

1. Single-Stage Gas Furnace

This standard furnace is a one-trick pony. It only operates on a high fan speed. It’s not the most energy-efficient furnace, and it’s louder than other models. This type of furnace will only suffice in regions with mild winters.

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2. Two-Stage Gas Furnace

The two-stage furnace is quieter than a single-stage furnace and has two fan speeds: high and low. The two-stage furnace has a longer running cycle, allowing the heat to distribute more evenly throughout the home.

3. Two-Stage Variable-Speed Gas Furnace

Even quieter than the previous two gas furnaces on the list, the variable speed furnace helps reduce energy consumption. This type of furnace works well in two or three-story homes.

4. Three-Stage Variable Speed Gas Furnace

This system allows for even more flexibility in home heating. This furnace will automatically switch between a slower and higher speed depending on the temperature outside and inside.

5. Modulating Variable Speed Gas Furnace

The modulating variable-speed gas furnace provides the best energy efficiency. The system operates by making slight adjustments to minimize temperature fluctuations. This type of furnace will help keep your home comfortable. If you live in a colder climate, it will help you save money.

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Considerations When Choosing a Gas Furnace

A technician checking a gas furnace
Photo: GregorBister / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Choosing the type of gas furnace that’s right for you is an important decision. On average, gas furnaces last between 15 and 20 years if they’re properly maintained. An annual furnace checkup will help it last even longer.

You’re making a long-term commitment to the furnace you choose, so taking some time to consider your options is essential.

The most common considerations when choosing a gas furnace include:

  • Cost

  • Size

  • Furnace features

  • Energy efficiency

If you live in a milder climate, a simple heating system may be enough to keep your home warm enough. Harsher climates require a sturdier system. While the cost of a new furnace can be a significant factor, investing in a quality heating system will ensure your home stays warm for years to come. And remember that you can’t install a gas furnace on your own. Always hire a local furnace installer to do the job for you. 

"It's worth spending a bit more money up front to get an HVAC system that is really efficient and reliable. High-efficiency heating will save money over time and decrease your impact on the environment."

— Yashar Mosaferi, President of Klondike AC, British Columbia, Canada

Alternative Heating Options

If a gas furnace isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are many alternative heating options. These options are great for additional heating sources or stand-alone heating.

Alternatives to gas furnaces include:

  • Electric furnace: Operates similar to a gas heater, but using electricity. 

  • Gas pellet stoves: Uses wood pellets made from wood waste to heat rooms.

  • Heat pump: Heat pumps use electricity to move heat between locations.

  • Radiant heating: Heats a room through panels underneath the floor. Homeowners may also install the panels in the walls or ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expect to pay between $3,800 and $10,000 to purchase and install a new gas furnace. The average gas furnace cost is $7,000. A modulating gas furnace costs the most, whereas a single-speed furnace costs the least but is also the least efficient. Gas furnaces with a higher efficiency rating will also cost more. 

A gas furnace is more energy-efficient and works better in colder climates. It’s often a bit less expensive to operate. Electric furnaces are cheaper upfront, easier to maintain, and perform better in warmer temperatures. While both furnace options have their pros and cons, the right furnace will depend on your needs.

One of the easiest ways to determine which type of furnace will work best for your home is to contact a professional in your area. Many HVAC companies offer free consultations to help potential customers determine if they need a new system and which type would work best for their home and the community’s climate.

You may need to replace or repair your furnace if you notice one or more of the following things: your furnace is more than 15 years old, you have higher energy bills than you used to, there’s a noticeable increase in dust or soot particles, you notice loud noises coming from your furnace, there’s visible damage on the unit, the temperature fluctuates in your home, or the flames burn yellow instead of blue. Look into hiring a local furnace repair company if your furnace has any of these issues.

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Learn more about our contributor
Angela Brown
Written by Angela Brown
Contributing Writer
Angela Brown Angela is a freelance real estate and personal finance writer. She's spent most of her adult life living in small apartments, so she's mastered the art of organizing and living in small spaces. She has written for multiple publications including FoxBusiness, Credible, and Lending Tree.
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