Short answer: there’s no single best furnace brand in Canada. Trane, Carrier and Goodman all build high-efficiency condensing gas furnaces rated from 96% to 98.5% AFUE. They differ in how many models they offer, staging, communicating controls and warranty terms. Choose the model whose features fit your home and budget, then choose the installer just as carefully: sizing and installation quality affect comfort and lifespan more than the badge.
Lancaster is an authorized dealer for every brand on this page and installs them all across Hamilton, Halton and Niagara. Here’s an honest look at each, using the manufacturers’ own specifications.
Furnace brands compared
| Brand | Standard | Mid-range | Premium | AFUE range | Modulating option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trane | Choice 96 | Priority 96 | Premier 97, Premier 96M | up to 96–97.3% | Yes (Premier 96M) |
| Carrier | Comfort 96 | Performance 96 | Infinity 96, 97, 98 | up to 96.7–98.5% | Yes (Infinity 98) |
| Goodman | GR9S96 | GR9T96, GRVT96 | GRVM97 | up to 97–97.5% | Yes (GRVM97) |
AFUE ratings vary by size. Lancaster labels tiers Standard, Mid-range and Premium within each brand’s own lineup, so a Premium model from one brand isn’t directly equal to a Premium model from another. See every model on our furnaces page.
Trane
Trane is a brand of Trane Technologies, and our lead brand. The lineup:
- Choice 96: single-stage, up to 96% AFUE, constant-torque ECM blower.
- Priority 96: two-stage, up to 96% AFUE, works with most thermostats.
- Premier 97: two-stage, 97% AFUE, variable-speed blower and draft inducer.
- Premier 96M: modulating, up to 97.3% AFUE, ComfortLink II communicating.
Trane’s two-stage models use stainless steel primary and secondary heat exchangers in a 34-inch cabinet that suits tight spaces. Warranty: lifetime limited heat exchanger and 10-year limited parts with registration (residential).
Suits: homeowners who want a durable, straightforward furnace with a clear upgrade path from single-stage to modulating.
Carrier
Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation. It has the deepest premium tier of the brands we carry:
- Comfort 96: single-stage, up to 97% AFUE, 18-speed ECM blower.
- Performance 96: two-stage, up to 96.7% AFUE, InteliSense remote diagnostics.
- Infinity 96 and Infinity 97: two-stage, communicating variable-speed blower.
- Infinity 98: modulating from 40% to 100% in 1% steps, up to 98.5% AFUE, the highest rating on this page.
Infinity furnaces pair with the Infinity System Control for zoning and whole-home humidity management. Warranty: 10-year limited parts and lifetime limited heat exchanger with registration within 90 days (5 years and 20 years if not registered).
Suits: homeowners who want maximum efficiency, zoning or a fully connected system. For a closer look at the top two, read our Trane vs Carrier furnace comparison.
Goodman
Goodman belongs to Daikin Comfort Technologies North America. Its lineup:
- GR9S96: single-stage, up to 97% AFUE, multi-speed ECM blower.
- GR9T96: two-stage, up to 97% AFUE, multi-speed ECM blower.
- GRVT96: two-stage, up to 97.5% AFUE, variable-speed blower, ComfortBridge communicating.
- GRVM97: modulating, 97% AFUE, variable-speed blower, ComfortBridge communicating.
ComfortBridge models are set up and diagnosed through the CoolCloud app over Bluetooth, and work with the GTST Connected Thermostat. Warranty: 5-year unit replacement, 10-year parts and 20-year heat exchanger limited warranties, with online registration within 60 days.
Suits: homeowners who want reliable comfort and strong warranties at an affordable price.
What matters more than the brand
The same furnace can perform very differently in two homes. Before you compare badges, make sure your quote covers:
- A heat-loss calculation to size the furnace, rather than copying the old unit.
- Ductwork that can carry the airflow a variable-speed blower needs.
- Venting, condensate and gas done to code and the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Commissioning: gas pressure, temperature rise and airflow checked and recorded.
- Registration and maintenance to keep the warranty valid. A service plan covers yearly furnace service.
Which should you choose?
- Best value with strong warranty coverage: Goodman GR9S96 or GR9T96.
- Compact cabinet for a tight utility room: Trane Priority 96 or Premier 97, both 34 inches tall.
- Quietest, most even heat: a modulating furnace, such as the Trane Premier 96M, Carrier Infinity 98 or Goodman GRVM97.
- Zoning and whole-home control: Carrier Infinity with the Infinity System Control.
- Propane: Carrier, with its optional propane conversion kit.
Price varies by model and installation, so we don’t list prices in these comparisons. Our furnace cost guide explains what drives the price, and you can check current rebates and financing. If your current furnace just needs attention, see furnace repair.
Get honest advice
We’ll assess your home and show you the right options from every brand we carry, side by side. Learn more about furnace replacement, or request a free quote.
