How to Choose the Best Furnace for Your Home This Winter

Why Replace Your Furnace Now?

As winter settles over South Bend and the nearby communities of Mishawaka, Granger, and beyond, having a furnace you can count on makes all the difference in staying comfortable and safe. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or out in the suburbs, choosing the right furnace for your home is essential. If you’re considering a furnace replacement, you might be wondering, “How do I choose the best furnace for my home?” At Goff Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you make an informed choice with expert guidance and top-of-the-line Bryant furnaces.

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, frequently needs repairs, or struggles to keep your home consistently warm, it might be time to consider an upgrade. An aging furnace doesn’t just risk leaving you in the cold during Indiana’s tough winters—it could also be driving up your energy bills due to inefficiency. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient furnace ensures reliable warmth, reduces energy waste, and helps you save money over the long term.

In this blog post, we’ll explore key factors to consider when choosing your new furnace, from understanding efficiency ratings and furnace types to finding the right fit for your budget and comfort needs. With the right guidance, upgrading your furnace can be a smooth process that brings lasting benefits to your home.

Understand Your Options: Bryant Evolution, Preferred, and Legacy Series

At Goff Heating, we install Bryant furnaces because they consistently deliver outstanding quality, efficiency, and performance. With three main furnace lines to choose from, there’s a perfect option for every budget and home comfort need.

Bryant Evolution® Series: Premium Performance

The Bryant Evolution® Series represents the pinnacle of furnace technology. According to Bryant, it offers exceptional comfort, quiet operation, and energy efficiency, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking top-tier performance. Features include:

• Efficiency: Up to 98.3% AFUE, so nearly every dollar you spend on heating goes toward warming your home.
• Variable-Speed Technology: Delivers precise airflow adjustments for even temperatures and energy savings.
• Modulating Gas Valve: Adjusts heat output to match your home’s needs, eliminating temperature swings.
• Quiet Operation: Advanced sound-reducing technology keeps the system running whisper-quiet.
• Smart Thermostat Compatibility: Allows for complete control via your smartphone for ultimate convenience.

Bryant Preferred™ Series: High Efficiency Meets Affordability

The Bryant Preferred™ Series strikes an excellent balance between energy efficiency and affordability. Homeowners who want reliable warmth without exceeding their budget will appreciate this option. As noted by Bryant, key benefits include:

• Efficiency: Up to 96.5% AFUE, making it significantly more efficient than older models.
• Two-Stage Heating: Operates at low capacity on mild days and high capacity on colder days for consistent comfort.
• Durable Build: Designed for long-lasting performance backed by Bryant’s dependable engineering.

Bryant Legacy™ Series: Reliable Comfort on a Budget

The Bryant Legacy™ Series is a perfect choice for those seeking straightforward, dependable heating at an affordable price. As detailed on Bryant’s website, the Legacy Series offers:

• Efficiency: Up to 95% AFUE, providing a significant upgrade in energy efficiency compared to older systems.
• Single-Stage Heating: A simple and effective design that operates at full capacity when needed.
• Proven Reliability: Built with the same high standards as Bryant’s premium models, ensuring dependable comfort.

What Do Furnace Stages and Variable-Speed Mean?

Understanding furnace stages and blower technology helps you make the best choice for your home:

• Single-Stage Furnaces: Heat at full capacity whenever they’re running. While affordable, they can cause temperature fluctuations and higher energy usage.
• Two-Stage Furnaces: Provide both a low and high setting, allowing the furnace to run at a lower capacity most of the time, improving comfort and efficiency.
• Modulating Furnaces: Continuously adjust heat output in small increments, maintaining nearly constant temperatures and maximizing energy savings.
• Variable-speed technology applies to the furnace’s blower motor, which distributes air throughout your home. Unlike standard blowers, a variable-speed motor adjusts its speed to match your home’s needs, improving comfort, reducing drafts, and lowering energy use.

(Source: U.S. Department of Energy)

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

When shopping for a furnace, energy efficiency is a key factor. The higher the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, the more efficient the furnace. AFUE indicates the percentage of fuel converted into usable heat. A furnace with a 95% AFUE rating wastes only 5% of its fuel, while older models with 60-70% AFUE waste 30-40%.

• What does AFUE mean in real terms? Think of it this way: if a furnace has a 95% AFUE rating, it means 95 cents out of every dollar you spend on heating goes directly to warming your home, while only 5 cents is wasted.
• How do older furnaces compare? Older furnaces typically have lower AFUE ratings, meaning 30-40 cents of every dollar you spend is wasted. For example, if your monthly heating bill is $200, you could be losing $60 to $80 just because your furnace isn’t as efficient as it could be.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency:

• Lower Heating Costs: High-efficiency furnaces use less fuel to deliver the same warmth, reducing monthly utility bills.
• Environmental Impact: Using less energy decreases your carbon footprint.
• Comfort and Quiet: Advanced systems maintain consistent temperatures and run more quietly than older models
• (Source: Energy.gov)

Investing in a high-efficiency furnace like the Bryant Evolution or Preferred Series pays off in comfort, savings, and sustainability.

Get Multiple Estimates—but Choose Wisely

Shopping around for furnace installation is essential, but be cautious. Some companies lure customers with “free furnace” promotions or high pressure tactics, only to tack on hidden fees or deliver subpar service. At Goff Heating and Air Conditioning, we provide transparent estimates, so you know exactly what to expect.

One of our customers, Jim W., shared on Google Reviews:

“Goff was very thorough and provided great options without trying to oversell a more expensive system than I needed. The installers were very professional and did great work. The equipment from Bryant seems to be very high quality. It was a pleasure dealing with them.”

We encourage you to compare quotes and ask questions about warranties, equipment quality, and service guarantees. You’ll see why Goff Heating and Air Conditioning has been a trusted name since 1937.

Consider Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings

A furnace with a higher AFUE rating will cost less to run over time, even if the upfront investment is higher. Bryant furnaces are known for their energy efficiency, which can save you hundreds of dollars annually on heating bills.

The U.S. Department of Energy highlights the importance of energy-efficient heating systems, noting that up to 50% of a home’s energy use is attributed to heating and cooling.

Partner with a Trusted Local Expert

When you choose Goff Heating and Air Conditioning, you’re not just investing in a furnace—you’re partnering with a trusted, local team dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction. Family-owned since 1937, we’re proud to be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and a 2024 Circle of Champions award winner, delivering exceptional service you can rely on.

Here’s what another customer, Jen C., had to say:

“We love the people at Goff. Everyone you interact with— from the gals on the phone to the fellas servicing the units— is pleasant, knowledgeable, kind, and respectful. They always take amazing care of us and we will continue having them in our home. Thanks for keeping us cool in the summer and warm in the winter!” (Google Reviews)