These are the best gas furnaces available in Canada, according to the installers at Afterglow.

We install and service furnaces across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph, so this list is based on what holds up in real homes through a real Canadian winter: comfort, reliability, parts we can get fast, and warranties that actually mean something.

Every new gas furnace sold in Canada has to be at least 95% AFUE (Natural Resources Canada's minimum), so efficiency alone doesn't separate a good furnace from a great one. What does is how the furnace runs: a modulating or two-stage burner, a variable-speed blower, and how quietly and evenly it heats your home.

Top honours go to the Carrier Infinity 98 for its finely modulating burner and the most even, quiet heat we install.

Top 5 Furnaces in Canada at a Glance

Rank	Furnace	Burner	Efficiency	Price
1	Carrier Infinity 98 (59MN7)	Modulating	Up to 98.5% AFUE	$$$$$
2	Daikin DM97MC	Modulating	Up to 98% AFUE	$$$$
3	Trane 96 Modulating (formerly XC95m)	Modulating	Up to 97.3% AFUE	$$$$
4	Carrier Performance 96 (59TP6)	Two-stage	Up to 96.7% AFUE	$$$
5	Trane S9X2	Two-stage	96% AFUE	$$

Efficiency varies slightly by size. We'll confirm the exact rating for the model we quote you.

The Top 5, Ranked

1. Carrier Infinity 98 (59MN7)

Why we like it: The modulating gas valve adjusts in tiny 1% steps, so the furnace runs low and steady instead of blasting on and off. That means fewer cold spots, less noise and less gas.
Efficiency: Up to 98.5% AFUE
Burner: Modulating, with a variable-speed blower
Best for: Homeowners who want the best comfort money can buy, especially with Carrier's Infinity smart thermostat
Price rating: $$$$$

2. Daikin DM97MC

Why we like it: A modulating, variable-speed, communicating furnace with excellent efficiency and one of the strongest warranty packages in the business, at a lower price than the Carrier.
Efficiency: Up to 98% AFUE
Burner: Modulating, with a variable-speed blower
Warranty: Lifetime limited heat exchanger warranty, plus long parts coverage. We'll walk you through the current Canadian terms.
Best for: Premium comfort and peace of mind without the top-tier price
Price rating: $$$$

3. Trane 96 Modulating (formerly XC95m)

Why we like it: Trane's flagship furnace runs anywhere from 40% to 100% of its capacity to match the weather outside, with a variable-speed blower and Trane's reputation for toughness.
Efficiency: Up to 97.3% AFUE
Burner: Modulating, with a variable-speed blower
Good to know: Trane recently renamed this furnace, so you may see it quoted as either the XC95m or the 96 Modulating Variable Speed
Best for: Larger or drafty homes where steady, even heat makes the biggest difference
Price rating: $$$$

4. Carrier Performance 96 (59TP6)

Why we like it: The sweet spot for most homes. A two-stage burner runs on low most of the winter and only goes to high on the coldest days, with a quiet multi-speed blower.
Efficiency: Up to 96.7% AFUE
Burner: Two-stage
Best for: Most average-sized homes that want a real comfort upgrade over a basic furnace
Price rating: $$$

5. Trane S9X2

Why we like it: A solid, dependable two-stage furnace at a great price. It's the one we recommend when budget matters but you still want better comfort than a single-stage unit.
Efficiency: 96% AFUE
Burner: Two-stage
Best for: Replacing an older furnace on a budget, rental properties and smaller homes
Price rating: $$

Modulating vs Two-Stage vs Single-Stage

Single-stage furnaces are either fully on or fully off. They're the cheapest, but they heat in bursts, so rooms swing between warm and cool.
Two-stage furnaces have a low setting for mild days and a high setting for the cold ones. Most of the winter they run on low, which is quieter and more even.
Modulating furnaces adjust in small steps to match exactly what your home needs. They give the steadiest temperatures, the quietest operation and the lowest gas use.

For most Waterloo Region homes, a two-stage furnace is a big step up from single-stage, and a modulating furnace is worth it if comfort is your top priority or your home has rooms that are always too hot or too cold.

How We Picked These Furnaces

Comfort: How evenly and quietly the furnace heats, which comes down to the burner and the blower.
Efficiency: All five beat Canada's 95% AFUE minimum.
Reliability: Brands and models we've seen hold up year after year in local homes.
Parts and support: Carrier, Daikin and Trane all have strong parts networks in Ontario, so a January breakdown doesn't turn into a week without heat.
Warranty: Long heat exchanger and parts coverage, backed by manufacturers that will still be around to honour it.

Furnace FAQs

How long does a gas furnace last?

A well-maintained gas furnace typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Annual maintenance, regular filter changes and correct sizing all help it reach the top of that range.

Is a 98% furnace worth it over a 96%?

The efficiency gap is small, so the gas savings alone rarely pay back the difference. The real reason to choose a modulating furnace like the Infinity 98 is comfort: steadier temperatures, quieter operation and better humidity control.

What size furnace do I need?

It depends on your home's heat loss, not its square footage alone. An oversized furnace short-cycles, wastes gas and wears out faster. We do a proper heat-loss calculation before recommending a size.

Should I get a heat pump instead of a furnace?

Many homes are a great fit for a hybrid system: a cold-climate heat pump for most of the year, with a gas furnace that takes over in the deepest cold. Rebates may help with the cost. See our guide to Ontario heat pump rebates.

Have hot water heating instead of forced air?

Then you need a boiler, not a furnace. See our top 5 residential boilers in Canada.

Furnace Installation in Waterloo Region

Afterglow has been installing and servicing furnaces in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph for over 30 years. Carrier, Daikin and Trane are all among the heating brands we install, and we service most other makes too.

Want help picking the right furnace? See our furnace installation and repair services, or reach out for honest advice and a free quote.

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Afterglow. Water, warmth, well-being.

Top 5 Best Gas Furnaces in Canada