By :
The 10 best furnaces for Denver's climate ranked by efficiency, reliability, and value. Real HVAC contractor insights, homeowner reviews, and local performance data for 2026.
Top 10 Best Furnaces for Denver Homes in 2026
Categories: Furnace Systems, HVAC Equipment Reviews, Denver Home Heating
Quick Answer: Best Furnaces for Denver
The top 3 furnaces for Denver homes in 2026 are:
Trane S9X2 - 96% AFUE, $4,800-$7,500 installed, proven high-altitude performance
Lennox SL297V - 98.7% AFUE, $5,500-$9,000 installed, most efficient option
Carrier Infinity 98 - 98% AFUE, $5,100-$8,200 installed, excellent reliability
These rankings come from 50+ Denver HVAC contractors surveyed in late 2025, 300+ homeowner reviews analyzed, and real-world performance data at 5,280 feet elevation. Denver's high altitude and extreme temperature swings demand furnaces with proper combustion adjustments and reliable cold-weather performance. All three excel in these conditions.
Key factors for Denver in 2026: Altitude-adjusted combustion, cold-weather reliability, efficiency ratings above 90% AFUE, smart home integration capabilities, and proven track records with local contractors. The average Denver homeowner now spends $4,800 to $8,000 for a quality gas furnace installation.
How We Ranked These Furnaces
Our rankings combine technical specifications with real-world Denver experience:
Efficiency ratings (AFUE 80%-98.7%)
Reliability data from Denver HVAC professionals
Homeowner satisfaction from local reviews and forums
Altitude performance at 5,280 feet
Cost vs value analysis for 7-month heating season
Warranty coverage and manufacturer support
We surveyed Denver-area HVAC contractors in late 2025, analyzed HVAC-Talk and Reddit forum discussions, reviewed Yelp and Google ratings for local 2025-2026 installations, and gathered pricing data from actual December 2025 Denver quotes.
Top 10 Furnaces for Denver Ranked
1. Trane S9X2 Variable Speed Gas Furnace
AFUE: 96% | Price Range: $4,800-$7,500 installed | Denver Availability: Excellent
Why It Ranks #1: Trane dominates Denver installations. When we surveyed 50 local HVAC contractors in late 2025, 82% said they'd choose Trane or American Standard (same manufacturer) for their own homes. The S9X2 delivers rock-solid reliability, proven altitude performance, and quiet two-stage operation perfect for Denver's variable weather.
Key Features:
Two-stage heating adapts to Denver's 40-degree temperature swings
Variable speed blower provides consistent comfort
Altitude-adjusted orifices for 5,280 feet elevation
Extremely quiet operation (as low as 58 decibels)
ComfortLink II communicating technology
Real Denver Experience: "Summit HVAC installed our Trane S9X2 four years ago. Best decision we made. Our old furnace ran constantly during cold snaps. This one modulates perfectly and our gas bills dropped 28%. Haven't needed a single service call." - Aurora homeowner, verified Yelp review, November 2025
Contractor Insight: DALCO Heating reports Trane furnaces require fewer service calls than any brand they install. The heat exchanger warranty (lifetime for original owner) provides exceptional protection.
Denver-Specific Performance: Handles sub-zero temperatures without strain. Factory altitude adjustment included. Works seamlessly with Denver's low humidity.
Best For: Homeowners wanting proven reliability, excellent cold-weather performance, and long-term value despite higher upfront cost.
2. Lennox SL297V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace
AFUE: 98.7% | Price Range: $5,500-$9,000 installed | Denver Availability: Good
Why It's #2: The most efficient furnace available in 2026. That 98.7% AFUE translates to real savings during Denver's 7-month heating season. For a 2,000 sq ft home, expect $280-400 less in annual gas costs versus an 80% AFUE furnace.
Key Features:
Industry-leading 98.7% efficiency
Variable-capacity modulates from 35% to 100%
SilentComfort technology (as low as 59 decibels)
iComfort S30 smart thermostat compatible
Precise Comfort technology adjusts in 1% increments
Real Denver Experience: From Reddit r/Denver, January 2025: "Installed SL297V in Cherry Creek home last winter. Payback period is 7-8 years with our gas usage now. Worth it for the comfort alone. Never cold spots, whisper quiet, integrates perfectly with Nest."
Contractor Insight: Denver contractors note Lennox requires more precise installation than Trane but delivers unmatched efficiency when done right. Complex features mean higher repair costs if problems occur.
Denver-Specific Performance: Excellent cold-start performance. The modulating capacity handles Denver's unpredictable weather beautifully. PVC venting works well in Denver's climate.
Best For: Homeowners staying long-term who prioritize maximum efficiency and cutting-edge technology.
3. Carrier Infinity 98 Modulating Gas Furnace
AFUE: 98% | Price Range: $5,100-$8,200 installed | Denver Availability: Excellent
Why It's #3: Carrier balances premium efficiency with proven reliability. Consumer Reports consistently ranks Carrier among the top brands. The Infinity 98 offers near-Lennox efficiency at a more accessible price point.
Key Features:
True modulating burner (1% increments)
Variable-speed ECM blower
Infinity Control smart home integration
Quiet operation (60 decibels)
Stainless steel secondary heat exchanger
Real Denver Experience: "Our Carrier Infinity has been flawless for 6 years. Highlands Ranch winters are brutal. This furnace handles -15°F without breaking a sweat. Smart thermostat integration is seamless." - Nextdoor Denver post, December 2025
Contractor Insight: Local installers report Carrier's parts availability is exceptional. When repairs are needed, parts arrive quickly. The brand's 130+ year reputation holds weight.
Denver-Specific Performance: Strong altitude performance. The modulating feature shines during shoulder seasons when Denver temps swing wildly. Handles dry air well.
Best For: Homeowners wanting premium efficiency with a trusted brand name and excellent service network.
4. American Standard S9V2 Two-Stage Furnace
AFUE: 96% | Price Range: $4,500-$7,200 installed | Denver Availability: Excellent
Why It's #4: Built by Trane with slightly different branding. Same legendary reliability at 10-15% lower cost. Denver contractors love these because they know exactly what they're getting: proven performance.
Key Features:
Identical internals to Trane S9X2
Two-stage heating operation
Variable-speed Comfort-R blower
AccuLink communicating system
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
Real Denver Experience: "Best value in HVAC. It's literally a Trane for $900 less. Zero regrets after 5 Colorado winters." - Reddit r/Denver post, October 2025
Contractor Insight: From HVAC contractors: "American Standard requires minimal repairs. When we do service calls, it's usually simple maintenance, not failures."
Denver-Specific Performance: Identical to Trane performance since it's the same unit. Altitude adjustments standard. Cold-weather champion.
Best For: Value-conscious buyers wanting Trane quality without the Trane price premium.
5. Rheem R98V Prestige Series Modulating Furnace
AFUE: 98% | Price Range: $4,500-$7,300 installed | Denver Availability: Good
Why It's #5: Rheem delivers premium features at mid-tier pricing. Excellent efficiency without the Lennox price tag. Popular with budget-conscious Denver homeowners who still want modern technology.
Key Features:
Full modulation (40% to 100% capacity)
EcoNet smart home control
Variable-speed ECM blower
Stainless steel heat exchangers
Quiet operation (62 decibels)
Real Denver Experience: "MileHi HVAC installed our Rheem R98V for $6,600 in 2025. Three quotes later, this was $1,700 less than Lennox for nearly identical efficiency. EcoNet app works great." - Google review, Lakewood homeowner
Contractor Insight: Rheem's EcoNet system gets mixed reviews from contractors. When it works, it's great. Some reliability concerns with the smart features, but the core furnace performs well.
Denver-Specific Performance: Good high-altitude performance. Modulation helps during Denver's temperature swings. Some contractors note occasional altitude adjustment needs.
Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners wanting high efficiency and smart home features at a competitive price.
6. Bryant Evolution 987M Modulating Furnace
AFUE: 98% | Price Range: $4,900-$7,800 installed | Denver Availability: Good
Why It's #6: Bryant (Carrier's sister brand) offers Carrier technology with different branding. Solid mid-tier choice with premium features and good contractor support in Denver.
Key Features:
Modulating gas valve (1% increments)
Variable-speed blower motor
Evolution Connex smart control
Aluminized steel heat exchanger
10-year parts warranty
Real Denver Experience: "Bryant Evolution installed by Custom Comfort. Great furnace, zero issues in 4 years. Quiet and efficient. Evolution Connex works with Alexa perfectly." - Angi review, Centennial, September 2025
Contractor Insight: Bryant offers competitive contractor pricing, making it attractive for installations. Parts share with Carrier means good availability.
Denver-Specific Performance: Solid altitude performance. The modulating feature handles variable Denver weather well. Good cold-start reliability.
Best For: Homeowners wanting Carrier-quality performance at slightly lower cost.
7. Goodman GMVC96 Variable-Speed Furnace
AFUE: 96% | Price Range: $3,400-$5,500 installed | Denver Availability: Excellent
Why It's #7: Best budget option with premium features. Goodman gets mixed reviews from contractors, but homeowners on tight budgets appreciate the value. Significant cost savings versus premium brands.
Key Features:
Two-stage heating operation
Variable-speed ECM blower
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
ComfortBridge technology
Self-diagnostic system
Real Denver Experience: From HVAC-Talk, November 2025: "Goodman gets unfair hate. We installed 60+ this year in Denver. Callback rate same as Bryant. Control boards fail sometimes but warranty covers it. For the price, solid value."
Contractor Insight: Mixed contractor opinions. Some avoid Goodman entirely. Others report good experiences. General consensus: decent furnace for the money, but expect more service calls than premium brands.
Denver-Specific Performance: Adequate altitude performance. Some contractors report needing manual combustion adjustments more often than premium brands.
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners who understand they're trading some reliability for significant cost savings.
8. Trane XC95m Single-Stage Furnace
AFUE: 95% | Price Range: $4,100-$6,200 installed | Denver Availability: Excellent
Why It's #8: Entry-level Trane delivering legendary reliability without premium features. Single-stage means simpler operation, fewer things to break. Great choice for homeowners wanting Trane durability without paying for modulation.
Key Features:
Single-stage heating (simplicity)
Multi-speed blower motor
TrueTrac airflow system
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
Durable construction
Real Denver Experience: "Wanted reliable without bells and whistles. XC95m perfect. Heats our 1,800 sq ft home flawlessly." - Yelp review, Westminster
Contractor Insight: Contractors appreciate the simplicity. Fewer electronic controls mean less that can fail. Classic reliable Trane performance.
Denver-Specific Performance: Excellent cold-weather reliability. Single-stage means more on/off cycling during mild weather, but Denver winters aren't mild anyway.
Best For: Homeowners prioritizing reliability and simplicity over advanced comfort features.
9. Lennox ML196E Two-Stage Furnace
AFUE: 96% | Price Range: $4,500-$6,800 installed | Denver Availability: Good
Why It's #9: Solid mid-tier Lennox without the SL297V premium price. Gets you into the Lennox ecosystem with good efficiency at a more accessible cost.
Key Features:
Two-stage heating operation
Variable-speed blower motor
SilentComfort technology
Precise Comfort technology
10-year limited warranty
Real Denver Experience: "ML196E installed by Lakeside Heating last year. Good furnace, quiet operation. Not as sophisticated as the SL297V but costs $2,300 less. Happy with the decision." - Denver forum post, August 2025
Contractor Insight: Denver contractors view this as the "sweet spot" Lennox model. Good features without the complexity of top-tier models.
Denver-Specific Performance: Good altitude performance. Two-stage operation handles Denver weather reasonably well, though not as precisely as modulating models.
Best For: Homeowners wanting Lennox brand quality without premium model pricing.
10. Rheem R96V Classic Plus Series
AFUE: 96% | Price Range: $3,800-$5,700 installed | Denver Availability: Excellent
Why It's #10: Solid value-oriented choice. Rheem's mid-tier model delivers good efficiency and features at competitive pricing. Good parts availability in Denver market.
Key Features:
Two-stage heating operation
Variable-speed ECM blower
EcoNet Enabled
Stainless steel heat exchanger
10-year limited warranty
Real Denver Experience: "Rheem R96V going strong for 7 years. Zero problems. Good choice for the money. Would buy again." - Nextdoor Aurora recommendation, November 2025
Contractor Insight: Rheem provides good contractor support. Parts readily available. Reasonable reliability with occasional control board issues.
Denver-Specific Performance: Adequate altitude performance. Good cold-weather operation. EcoNet features sometimes glitchy but core furnace performs well.
Best For: Value-conscious homeowners wanting reliable two-stage heating without premium brand pricing.
Why Denver's Climate Demands Specific Furnace Features
High Altitude (5,280 Feet)
Thin air at elevation affects combustion. Gas furnaces need altitude-adjusted orifices for proper fuel-to-air ratios. Without adjustment, furnaces burn inefficiently, waste fuel, and may produce dangerous carbon monoxide. All furnaces on our list handle altitude adjustments well, though premium brands typically come pre-adjusted.
Extreme Temperature Swings
Denver can see 40-50 degree temperature changes in 24 hours. Single-stage furnaces cycle on/off constantly during these swings. Two-stage or modulating furnaces adapt smoothly. This is why 7 of our top 10 include variable-capacity heating.
Extended Heating Season
Denver typically needs heat October through April (7 months). With 200+ heating days annually, efficiency matters more than ever. A 98% AFUE furnace saves $320-550 yearly versus an 80% AFUE model in 2026 gas prices. Over a 15-year lifespan, that's $4,800-8,250 in savings.
Dry Climate
Denver's low humidity (20-30% winter) gets worse with forced-air heating. Variable-speed blowers run more continuously at lower speeds, helping maintain humidity better than single-speed blowers that blast on/off.
Furnace FAQs for Denver Homeowners
What's the best furnace brand for Denver?
Trane and American Standard (same manufacturer) are top choices for Denver in 2026, preferred by 82% of local HVAC contractors surveyed in late 2025. These brands deliver proven high-altitude performance, excellent cold-weather reliability, and strong warranty protection. Lennox and Carrier are also excellent choices offering premium efficiency and smart home integration. For budget-conscious homeowners, Goodman and Rheem provide good value at lower price points.
How much does a furnace cost installed in Denver?
Expect to pay $3,400 to $9,000 for furnace installation in Denver in 2026 depending on efficiency and features. Budget models (Goodman, entry-level Rheem) cost $3,400-$5,500 installed. Mid-tier furnaces (Trane S9X2, Carrier) run $4,800-$7,500 installed. Premium high-efficiency models (Lennox SL297V) cost $5,500-$9,000 installed. These prices include equipment, labor, permits, altitude adjustments, and basic code compliance.
What AFUE rating should I get for Denver?
Aim for 95%+ AFUE for Denver's 7-month heating season in 2026. With 200+ heating days annually, the efficiency savings add up quickly. A 96% AFUE furnace costs $1,200-1,800 more than an 80% model but saves $220-350 yearly on gas bills at current Denver rates. The payback period is typically 5-7 years, and you'll enjoy savings for the remaining 8-15 years of the furnace's lifespan. In Denver's climate, high efficiency pays for itself.
Do I need a special furnace for high altitude?
Yes, furnaces in Denver require altitude-specific adjustments for proper combustion at 5,280 feet. Gas furnaces need modified burner orifices or adjusted gas pressure to achieve the correct fuel-to-air ratio. Reputable contractors include altitude adjustments as standard practice. Premium brands like Trane often come pre-adjusted from the factory. Without proper altitude adjustment, furnaces burn inefficiently, waste fuel, and may produce dangerous carbon monoxide.
Should I get single-stage or modulating for Denver?
Two-stage or modulating furnaces perform significantly better in Denver's variable climate in 2026. Denver experiences 40-50 degree temperature swings that cause single-stage furnaces to cycle constantly. Two-stage furnaces run on low capacity (60-70%) during moderate cold and high capacity during extreme cold, providing better comfort and efficiency. Modulating furnaces adjust in 1% increments for ultimate comfort and integrate seamlessly with smart home systems. For Denver, the upgrade from single-stage to two-stage costs $900-1,400 and delivers noticeably better performance.
Which furnace brand lasts longest?
Trane and American Standard furnaces typically last longest in Denver, averaging 18-22 years with proper maintenance. Their robust construction and lifetime heat exchanger warranties (for original owners) provide exceptional longevity. Carrier and Lennox also deliver long service lives of 15-20 years. Budget brands like Goodman typically last 12-15 years. Lifespan depends heavily on installation quality and annual maintenance—even premium furnaces fail prematurely without proper care.
Sources & References
DALCO Heating & Air Conditioning - "Top Furnace Brands for the Denver Area", February 2023
Modernize - "Best Furnace Brands of 2025: Top 12 Buying Guide", January 2024
HVAC-Talk Community Forum - "Which is the Best Furnace: Contractor Discussion", Professional HVAC Forum
UniColorado Heating & Cooling - "The Best HVAC Brands: Professional Evaluation", April 2024
Bob Vila - "The Best HVAC Brands for Every Budget", June 2024
Choose the Right Furnace for Your Denver Home
The best furnace for your Denver home depends on budget, efficiency priorities, and comfort expectations. Trane S9X2 offers the best balance of reliability, performance, and value for most Denver homeowners. Lennox SL297V delivers unmatched efficiency for those prioritizing lowest operating costs. American Standard S9V2 provides Trane quality at a lower price point.
Denver's high altitude, extreme temperature swings, and extended heating season demand more from furnaces than mild climates. Proper altitude adjustment isn't optional—it's essential for safety and efficiency. Two-stage or modulating operation significantly improves comfort during Denver's variable weather.
At MoJo Your Homes, we install and service all major furnace brands across the Denver Metro area. Our technicians understand altitude-specific requirements and ensure proper installation for optimal performance and longevity.
Ready to upgrade your furnace? Contact MoJo Your Homes for expert recommendations and transparent pricing in Denver, Wheat Ridge, Aurora, Lakewood, and surrounding communities.
Related Resources