What furnace brand do you use in your rental properties?

[Stephen Solano]

Hi all,

Currently undergoing extensive renovations on a triplex I purchased two months ago. I am looking to purchase and install two new furnaces and keep one of the existing furnaces in place. Looking for cost effective recommendations for what brand furnaces to install for a rental in Upstate NY?

[Marcus Auerbach]

We install "low-efficiency" furnaces whenever possible. Those are the chimney vented as opposed to high efficency types vented out to the side through PVC pipes. Why? Because they don't have electronics, very few parts and are easy to repair. Extra 5-10% efficiency doesn't make or break the bank on the monthly bill for a small to medium size house.

We end up with Goodman most of the time, because they are easy to get. IDK if anyone can give you qualitative data on long term performance. All brands are getting more and more "value-engineered" with a specified (shorter) design life. I guess we will know in 20 years!