Actually, today's more efficient gas furnaces can save you around $17 for every $100 you spend on fuel - compared with older models.

     According to an article in the December issue of Consumer Reports, a new furnace is, on average, less likely to need repairs.

     The Consumer Reports Survey, asked 32,251 subscribers about furnaces they bought between 2007 and early in 2012. Reliability is especially important because when a furnace failed, more than 85% needed significant work.

     Choosing a brand with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable brand. Models within a particular brand may vary. As stated by Consumer Reports, the top three brands surveyed were Bryant, Trane, and American Standard.

     At Wilson Brothers, we install and service all three of these brands and concur with their reliability. We've reviewed the various products in the Bryant line and have rated them Good, Better, and Best. We hope this is helpful when you need to replace your heating system. In future issues, we will rate Trane and American Standard as well.   

BEST: Combining the Bryant Evolution Extreme Heat Pump with a Bryant Evolution Gas Furnace and Evolution Control creates a Bryant Hybrid Heat Dual Fuel System, which automatically chooses the most efficient fuel source for heating to provide the ultimate defense against unpredictable fuel costs.  

As temperatures drop, the Evolution Heat Pump delivers warm, comfortable heating as needed on cool mornings. When winter arrives the heat pump switches to your whole house heating system. AND in summer, the heat pump provides cooling and humidity control.   

Heats * Cools * up to 20.5 SEER
up to 13.0 HSPF   

BETTER: The Bryant Two-Stage Heat Pump with Evolution 98m Gas Furnace, including Perfect Heat and Perfect Humidity Technologies. This hybrid heat system, like the Bryant Evolution Extreme System, helps you gain control over unpredictable energy costs.

Heats * Cools * 16 SEER * 8.5 HSPF

GOOD:  The Hybrid Heat Dual Fuel Systems by Bryant combines the Plus 95s Gas Furnace with an Evolution series heat pump to provide soothing, superior comfort year round.   

Heats * Cools * 10-13 SEER * xx HSPF