A furnace’s efficiency rating matters, but it cannot make up for the wrong size or an installation that does not fit your home. This roundup compares 10 gas furnaces across 60,000 to 120,000 BTU input ratings, with 92% and 96% AFUE options.
Use it to narrow your choices by heating capacity, airflow orientation, and single- versus two-stage operation. Then have a qualified HVAC contractor verify the load calculation and installation requirements before you buy.
Best 10 High Efficiency Gas Furnaces Picks for 2026
Compact Upflow Pick
Goodman GR9S 80,000 BTU Furnace
- 80,000 BTU; 96% efficiency
- 17.5-inch-wide cabinet
- Upflow or horizontal only
Best For: 80,000 BTU upflow or horizontal installations outside California
Higher-Capacity Pick
ACiQ 100,000 BTU 96% AFUE Furnace
- 100,000 BTU; 96% AFUE
- Nine-speed ECM blower
- 21-inch upflow/horizontal cabinet
Best For: Specified 100,000 BTU upflow or horizontal systems
Downflow Installation Pick
Goodman GD9S 80,000 BTU Furnace
- 80,000 BTU; 96% efficiency
- Downflow or horizontal only
- 21-inch-wide cabinet
Best For: 80,000 BTU downflow or horizontal installations outside California
Minimal-Specs Option
Goodman GM9S Nine-Speed Furnace
- 96% AFUE listing
- Nine-speed ECM blower
- Single-stage design
Best For: Buyers who can verify GM9S960403AN installation specifications
High-Output Pick
Goodman 120,000 BTU Two-Stage 96% Furnace
- 120,000 BTU; 96% efficiency
- Two-stage valve and multi-speed ECM blower
- Upflow or horizontal installation only
Best For: Homes needing high-output natural-gas heating
Low-NOx Pick
Goodman 60,000 BTU 96% Single-Stage Furnace
- 60,000 BTU; 96% AFUE
- California low-NOx compliant
- 17.5-inch cabinet; upflow or horizontal
Best For: Buyers prioritizing low-NOx compliance
Compact-Cabinet Pick
Goodman 60,000 BTU 92% ECM Furnace
- 60,000 BTU; 92% efficiency
- 17.5-inch-wide cabinet
- Multi-speed ECM motor
Best For: Narrow upflow or horizontal installations outside California
Best with Extra Features
Goodman 96% AFUE Two-Stage 100K BTU Furnace
- 96% AFUE; ENERGY STAR certified
- Two-stage heat and multi-speed ECM airflow
- 21-inch cabinet; upflow or horizontal only
Best For: Homes needing 100K BTU natural gas heat
Single-Stage Pick
Goodman 92% AFUE 80K BTU Furnace
- 92% AFUE; 80K BTU rating
- Single-stage heat with multi-speed ECM motor
- 17.5-inch-wide upflow/horizontal cabinet
Best For: Buyers seeking straightforward 80K BTU heating
Compact Two-Stage Pick
Goodman 96% AFUE 80K BTU Furnace
- 96% AFUE; two-stage heating
- Multi-speed ECM motor; low-NOx design
- 17.5-inch cabinet; no downflow installation
Best For: 80K BTU needs with two-stage heating
Compact Upflow Pick – Goodman GR9S 80,000 BTU Furnace
Among high efficiency gas furnaces, the Goodman GR9S960803BN pairs an 80,000 BTU rating and 96% efficiency with a 17.5-inch-wide cabinet. Its upflow or horizontal configuration makes installation direction the first thing to check.
Best For: Homes needing an 80,000 BTU upflow or horizontal furnace with a 17.5-inch cabinet, outside California.
Pros:
- 96% efficiency rating.
- Multi-speed ECM blower provides airflow control and can reduce noise.
- Supports upflow or horizontal installation.
Cons:
- Cannot be installed in a downflow configuration.
- Listing excludes California installation; LP conversion kits and other accessories are sold separately.
This is a practical match when its cabinet width and airflow direction fit the existing system. Confirm local installation requirements and budget for any needed accessories before ordering.
Higher-Capacity Pick – ACiQ 100,000 BTU 96% AFUE Furnace
For shoppers comparing high efficiency gas furnaces at a 100,000 BTU rating, this ACiQ model offers 96% AFUE, a nine-speed ECM blower and a 21-inch-wide cabinet. It is designed for upflow or horizontal installation.
Best For: Homes specified for a 100,000 BTU upflow or horizontal furnace where the 21-inch cabinet fits.
Pros:
- 96% AFUE with a nine-speed ECM blower.
- Upflow or horizontal mounting offers placement flexibility.
- Listed warranty includes a lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year unit replacement and 10-year parts coverage with timely online registration.
Cons:
- Requires plastic/PVC flue venting.
- Complies with California and Colorado Low NOx rules, but not Ultra-Low NOx rules.
- Full listed warranty coverage depends on timely registration and code-compliant installation.
The capacity and configuration make this one worth considering for a suitably specified system. Check venting, emissions rules and registration terms before purchase.
Downflow Installation Pick – Goodman GD9S 80,000 BTU Furnace
The Goodman GD9S960804CN fills a specific gap among high efficiency gas furnaces: it is an 80,000 BTU, 96% efficiency model intended for downflow or horizontal installation. Its cabinet is 21 inches wide.
Best For: Homes needing an 80,000 BTU downflow or horizontal furnace outside California.
Pros:
- 96% efficiency rating.
- Multi-speed ECM motor supports airflow control and can reduce noise.
- Accommodates downflow or horizontal installation.
Cons:
- Cannot be installed as an upflow furnace.
- Listing excludes California installation; line sets and LP kits are sold separately.
Choose this model for the specified airflow direction rather than treating it as interchangeable with an upflow unit. Verify the 21-inch cabinet fit and any accessory needs with the installer.
Minimal-Specs Option – Goodman GM9S Nine-Speed Furnace
The Goodman GM9S960403AN is listed among high efficiency gas furnaces with 96% AFUE, a nine-speed ECM blower and single-stage operation. The supplied listing gives few other specifications, so this is a model to verify carefully before ordering.
Best For: Buyers seeking the GM9S960403AN model who can confirm its installation specifications separately.
Pros:
- Listed at 96% AFUE.
- Nine-speed ECM blower.
- Single-stage furnace design.
Cons:
- Supplied details do not state the BTU rating, cabinet dimensions or installation orientation.
- Warranty and accessory requirements are not specified in the supplied notes.
Its stated efficiency and blower type merit a look, but the sparse specifications make model-number and installation-fit confirmation essential.
High-Output Pick – Goodman 120,000 BTU Two-Stage 96% Furnace
For shoppers comparing high efficiency gas furnaces with substantial heating capacity, this Goodman model pairs a 120,000 BTU rating with 96% efficiency. Its two-stage gas valve and multi-speed ECM blower offer more operating flexibility than a single-stage setup.
Best For: Homes needing a 120,000 BTU natural-gas furnace with an upflow or horizontal installation layout.
Pros:
- 96% efficiency rating and two-stage gas valve.
- Multi-speed ECM blower motor.
- 10-year parts limited warranty when installed by a qualified installer and registered within 60 days.
Cons:
- Cannot be installed in a downflow configuration.
- LP conversion and venting kits are sold separately.
Check the 24.5-inch cabinet width against your available space, and confirm the required accessories and warranty steps with your installer before ordering.
Low-NOx Pick – Goodman 60,000 BTU 96% Single-Stage Furnace
Among high efficiency gas furnaces in the 60,000 BTU class, this Goodman model stands out for its 96% AFUE rating and stated compliance with California low-NOx standards. Its 17.5-inch-wide cabinet supports vertical upflow or horizontal installation.
Best For: Buyers seeking a 60,000 BTU low-NOx natural-gas furnace for an upflow or horizontal layout.
Pros:
- 96% AFUE rating.
- Complies with California low-NOx emission standards.
- Multi-speed blower motor and self-diagnostic control board.
- Listed 10-year parts and lifetime heat-exchanger warranties.
Cons:
- Single-stage operation offers fewer firing levels than a two-stage furnace.
- LP use requires conversion.
This is a practical fit when low-NOx compliance and a narrower cabinet matter; verify the installation orientation and any LP conversion requirements before purchase.
Compact-Cabinet Pick – Goodman 60,000 BTU 92% ECM Furnace
If you are comparing high efficiency gas furnaces for an upflow or horizontal installation, this Goodman model offers 60,000 BTU of heating capacity, a 92% efficiency rating, and a 17.5-inch-wide cabinet. Its multi-speed ECM motor provides airflow control in a single-stage furnace.
Best For: Buyers needing a 17.5-inch-wide, 60,000 BTU furnace for an upflow or horizontal layout outside California.
Pros:
- 92% efficiency rating.
- Multi-speed ECM motor for airflow control.
- 17.5-inch-wide cabinet.
Cons:
- Cannot be installed as a downflow furnace.
- Listing excludes California installation.
- Thermostats and LP conversion kits are sold separately.
Consider this model if its cabinet size and installation orientation match your setup, but confirm local installation eligibility and accessory costs before buying.
Best with Extra Features – Goodman 96% AFUE Two-Stage 100K BTU Furnace
For shoppers comparing high efficiency gas furnaces for a larger heating load, this Goodman model pairs a 100,000 BTU heating rating with 96% AFUE. Its two-stage operation and multi-speed ECM motor offer more control over heat delivery and airflow than a single-stage setup.
Best For: Homes needing a 100K BTU natural gas furnace that can be installed in an upflow or horizontal configuration.
Pros:
- 96% AFUE rating and ENERGY STAR certification.
- Two-stage operation with a multi-speed ECM motor for airflow control.
- Low-NOx design and an aluminized steel primary heat exchanger.
Cons:
- Cannot be installed in a downflow configuration.
- LP conversion and venting kits are sold separately.
The 21-inch cabinet and 1600 CFM airflow capacity make sizing and ductwork compatibility worth checking before purchase. Choose it for the specified capacity and installation orientation, not for downflow applications.
Single-Stage Pick – Goodman 92% AFUE 80K BTU Furnace
Among high efficiency gas furnaces, this Goodman offers an 80,000 BTU natural gas option with a 92% AFUE rating. It combines straightforward single-stage heating with a multi-speed ECM motor in a 17.5-inch-wide cabinet.
Best For: Buyers seeking an 80K BTU, upflow or horizontal furnace with single-stage operation.
Pros:
- 92% AFUE efficiency rating.
- Multi-speed ECM motor.
- 10-year parts limited warranty is available with qualified installation and online registration within 60 days.
Cons:
- Single-stage operation offers fewer heating stages than the two-stage models here.
- The stated parts warranty depends on installation and registration requirements.
This is a practical option if its 80K BTU rating, 17.5-inch cabinet width and upflow or horizontal installation fit your plans. Confirm the required installation and registration steps if the warranty matters to your decision.
Compact Two-Stage Pick – Goodman 96% AFUE 80K BTU Furnace
For buyers considering high efficiency gas furnaces at the 80,000 BTU rating, this Goodman combines 96% AFUE with two-stage heating. Its multi-speed ECM motor provides airflow control, while the 17.5-inch cabinet is narrower than the 21-inch 100K BTU model in this roundup.
Best For: Homes needing an 80K BTU natural gas furnace with two-stage operation and an upflow or horizontal installation.
Pros:
- 96% AFUE rating with two-stage operation.
- Multi-speed ECM motor supports airflow control.
- Low-NOx design and aluminized steel primary heat exchanger.
Cons:
- Cannot be installed as a downflow furnace.
- Line sets and LP kits are sold separately.
The 17.5-inch cabinet and two-stage design distinguish this model from the other 80K BTU option here. Verify both the required heating capacity and installation orientation before ordering.
How We Picked the Best High Efficiency Gas Furnaces
We compared the listed models on their stated AFUE ratings, BTU input, single- or two-stage operation, airflow configuration, cabinet width, and Low NOx designation where specified. Those details help identify potential fits, but they do not establish which furnace is right for a particular house. The selection includes 92% and 96% AFUE models; every model listed meets or exceeds 90% AFUE.
Quick Comparison: 92% Vs. 96% AFUE
AFUE estimates how much fuel a furnace converts to usable heat over a typical heating season. A 96% AFUE model is rated to use less fuel for the same delivered heat than a 92% model, but actual savings depend on climate, gas prices, installation quality, and use. Compare installed quotes—not equipment prices alone—before paying more for a higher rating.
Capacity ranges from 60,000 to 120,000 BTU input across this list. Input is not the heat delivered to your home: approximate rated output is input multiplied by AFUE. For example, an 80,000 BTU input furnace at 96% AFUE has about 76,800 BTU of rated output. Do not use that calculation alone to size the system.
Key Buying Factors for High Efficiency Gas Furnaces
Get the Heating Load Right
Ask an HVAC contractor for a room-by-room heating-load calculation, such as ACCA Manual J. Square footage alone misses insulation, air leakage, windows, and local design temperatures. Oversizing can cause short cycling and uneven comfort; undersizing can leave rooms cold.
Check Configuration and Space
Match the furnace to the required upflow, horizontal, or downflow installation. Verify cabinet width, service clearances, duct transitions, vent routing, and condensate drainage. A 96% AFUE replacement may require changes to venting or drainage, so confirm the complete installation scope in writing.
Choose Staging and Confirm Compatibility
Single-stage models run at one heating output when firing. Two-stage models can operate at a lower output during milder weather, which may improve temperature consistency when properly configured. Check thermostat compatibility, available electrical connections, and whether the furnace can deliver the airflow required by the paired air conditioner or heat pump. A Low NOx label may matter where local emissions rules apply; have the installer confirm the exact model meets local requirements.
Who Should Buy Which High Efficiency Gas Furnaces?
Start with the contractor-calculated heating load, then compare models with suitable output and installation orientation. A home requiring downflow installation should focus on the listed downflow option; an upflow or horizontal setup has more choices here. If both 92% and 96% models fit, weigh the difference in installed cost against expected gas use. Consider a two-stage model if steadier heat is a priority, while a single-stage model may suit buyers seeking a simpler setup. Before ordering, have the installer verify the full model number, fuel type, local code requirements, and warranty terms.