Quick answer: the 5 high-efficiency furnaces we’d shortlist in 2026
- 1
Lennox SLP99V
(Dave Lennox Signature): modulating, up to 99% AFUE. The most efficient gas furnace on this list.
- 2
Carrier Infinity 98 (59MN7)
Modulating in roughly 1% steps from 40% to 100%, up to 98.5% AFUE.
- 3
Daikin DM97MC
Modulating from 35% to 100% of rated input, up to 98% AFUE, stainless-steel heat exchangers.
- 4
Goodman GMVM97
Modulating, up to 98% AFUE, with Goodman’s lifetime heat exchanger and 10-year unit replacement warranty when registered.
- 5
Trane 96 Modulating Variable Speed
(formerly the XC95m): modulating, up to 97.3% AFUE.
All five use a modulating gas valve and a variable-speed blower, which is the feature that matters most in an Ottawa winter. Efficiency between them differs by less than two percentage points, so price, warranty and installer support should decide.
What changed since our 2024 list
Manufacturers renamed or replaced several models. Lennox’s flagship is now the SLP99V (the SLP98V from our old list no longer appears in Lennox’s current lineup), and Trane renamed the XC95m the “96 Modulating Variable Speed Gas Furnace.” We also dropped the Rheem and York models from the earlier list and added Daikin and Goodman, because those are the brands Ottawa homeowners most often ask us to quote alongside Lennox and Carrier.
The rules changed too. All new gas furnaces sold in Canada must be at least 95% AFUE, so “high efficiency” is now the baseline. The real choice is between single-stage, two-stage and modulating designs.
How we chose these furnaces
We ranked by what makes a measurable difference in an Ottawa house that has to hold 21 °C at a design temperature of about −25 °C:
Modulating burner
Runs at low output most of the winter and only ramps up on the coldest nights, giving steadier temperatures and fewer starts.
Variable-speed (ECM) blower
Quieter, uses less electricity and improves summer dehumidification when paired with an AC or heat pump.
AFUE of 97% or higher
, as published on the manufacturer’s current product page.
Warranty and parts support
In Canada, including registration requirements.
We did not rank by price per model. Installed cost depends far more on your venting, gas line, ductwork and electrical than on the brand. Oria is a Lennox authorized dealer and installs all major brands, so read our pick of Lennox first with that in mind.
2026 comparison table
| Furnace | AFUE (up to) | Burner | Blower | Manufacturer warranty highlights* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lennox SLP99V | 99% | Modulating (variable-capacity) | Variable-speed | 10-year limited on covered components; 20-year or lifetime limited heat exchanger |
| Carrier Infinity 98 (59MN7) | 98.5% | Modulating, 40–100% | Variable-speed | 10-year parts limited and lifetime heat exchanger limited, with timely registration |
| Daikin DM97MC | 98% | Modulating, 35–100% | Variable-speed ECM | 12-year parts and 12-year unit replacement limited, with online registration |
| Goodman GMVM97 | 98% | Modulating | Variable-speed ECM | Registered within 60 days: lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year parts, 10-year unit replacement on heat exchanger failure |
| Trane 96 Modulating Variable Speed (ex-XC95m) | 97.3% | Modulating | Variable-speed | Lifetime limited heat exchanger; 10-year limited internal functional parts |
*Warranty terms are summarized from manufacturer pages and change over time. Canadian terms, registration deadlines and labour coverage vary, so always read the certificate for the exact model before you sign. Manufacturer warranties generally cover parts, not labour.
1. Lennox SLP99V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace
The SLP99V sits at the top of the Dave Lennox Signature Collection and is rated up to 99% AFUE, the highest on this list. It modulates its heat output and pairs with a variable-speed blower, SilentComfort quiet features and a fully insulated cabinet.
It is designed to work with the Lennox S40 smart thermostat, which adds humidity control, an ultra-low continuous fan setting and remote control from your phone. It is also dual-fuel capable, so it can serve as the backup for a Lennox heat pump.
Best for: long-term owners who want the quietest, most efficient system and plan to stay 15+ years. Watch for: some parts are Lennox-specific, so choose a dealer that stocks them.
2. Carrier Infinity 98 Gas Furnace (59MN7)
Carrier’s most efficient furnace is rated up to 98.5% AFUE. Its modulating gas valve adjusts output in roughly 1% steps between 40% and 100% capacity, which keeps temperature swings small.
With an Infinity control, it uses Comfort Heat technology to learn from previous cycles, and its Ideal Humidity System helps manage summer humidity when matched with an Infinity AC or heat pump. It runs on natural gas and can be converted to propane with a kit.
Best for: homeowners who want a full Carrier Infinity system. Watch for: the best features need the matching Infinity thermostat and outdoor unit.
3. Daikin DM97MC Modulating Gas Furnace
The DM97MC is a modulating, communicating furnace rated up to 98% AFUE, with a heating range of 35% to 100% of rated input. It uses a stainless-steel tubular primary heat exchanger and a stainless-steel secondary heat exchanger, plus a silicon nitride igniter and a self-diagnostic control board that stores fault history.
Daikin’s warranty is among the longest in the industry on paper, with 12 years of parts and unit replacement coverage when registered. It pairs with the Daikin One+ thermostat and other communicating Daikin equipment.
Best for: buyers who want premium modulation and a long registered warranty. Watch for: confirm the Canadian warranty certificate and registration deadline with your installer.
4. Goodman GMVM97 Modulating Gas Furnace
The GMVM97 is Goodman’s top furnace: modulating, up to 98% AFUE, with a variable-speed ECM blower. It shares engineering with its parent company Daikin, at a lower installed price than most flagships.
Its warranty is a big reason it makes this list. Registered online within 60 days, it carries a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, 10 years on parts and a new equivalent furnace if the heat exchanger fails within 10 years. The lifetime term applies while the original registered owner lives in the home.
Best for: value-focused buyers who still want modulating comfort. Our Goodman vs Lennox comparison goes deeper on the trade-offs.
5. Trane 96 Modulating Variable Speed Gas Furnace (formerly XC95m)
Trane’s modulating furnace keeps the old XC95m platform under a new name. Trane’s literature rates it up to 97.3% AFUE, the highest in the Trane gas furnace line, with a fully modulating gas valve and a variable-speed blower.
Trane backs its condensing furnaces with a lifetime limited heat exchanger warranty and a 10-year limited warranty on internal functional parts. Full communicating features need a compatible Trane thermostat.
Best for: homeowners loyal to Trane or matching an existing Trane outdoor unit.
Strong two-stage alternatives that cost less
If a modulating furnace is outside your budget, a two-stage, variable-speed furnace gives most of the comfort for less. These are the models we’d consider:
Lennox EL297V
Elite series, two-stage, variable-speed, up to 97% AFUE.
Trane 97 Two-Stage Variable Speed
(formerly S9V2-VS): up to 97% AFUE.
Goodman GMVC96
Two-stage, variable-speed ECM, up to 96% AFUE.
Daikin DM96VC
Two-stage, variable-speed communicating, up to 96% AFUE.
A two-stage furnace runs on low fire (usually about 65–70% of capacity) most of the winter and switches to high fire only when needed. For many Ottawa townhomes and semis, that is the sweet spot between price and comfort.
Is the jump from 96% to 98–99% AFUE worth it?
The fuel savings are modest. Going from a 96% to a 99% AFUE furnace cuts gas use by about 3%, and from 95% to 98% by about 3% as well. The bigger gains come from replacing a 20-year-old, 80% furnace, which can cut heating gas use by roughly 15–18%.
The real payoff of a modulating furnace is comfort: fewer cold spots, quieter operation and less dry, blasting air. A variable-speed blower also uses much less electricity than an old PSC motor, especially if you run the fan continuously for an HRV or air filter. Our guide to AFUE, SEER2 and HSPF2 explains how these ratings work.
What a high-efficiency furnace costs in Ottawa
| Furnace type | Typical installed range (CAD, before rebates) |
|---|---|
| High-efficiency gas furnace, 96–98% AFUE | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| Variable-speed / modulating furnace | Top of that range, up to about $10,500 |
| Furnace + central AC replaced together | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Annual furnace tune-up | $120 – $200 |
The final price depends on your home, the equipment and the venting and ductwork involved. Oria gives free quotes on any equipment purchase, and financing is available from $49/month on approved credit. For a full breakdown, see furnace replacement cost in Ottawa. Rebates may be available; we check current programs for your home on every quote.
Installation matters more than the model
A 99% furnace installed badly will underperform a 96% furnace installed well. Before choosing a model, make sure your contractor will:
- Size it with a room-by-room heat-loss calculation, not the old furnace’s label. See our furnace sizing guide.
- Measure duct static pressure, because restrictive ducts stop a variable-speed blower from delivering its rated comfort.
- Run PVC intake and exhaust venting to code, with a proper condensate drain that won’t freeze.
- Set gas pressure and temperature rise on start-up and register the warranty for you.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas, as required in Ontario.
Oria’s TSSA-licensed technicians handle all of this on every furnace installation. Call (613) 866-1869 or book a free quote, and we’ll quote the models that fit your house and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most efficient gas furnace available in Canada in 2026?
Among the major brands, the Lennox SLP99V is rated up to 99% AFUE, followed by the Carrier Infinity 98 at up to 98.5% and the Daikin DM97MC and Goodman GMVM97 at up to 98%. Ratings vary by size, so check the exact model number’s rating on your quote before comparing.
What AFUE rating should I buy for an Ottawa home?
All new gas furnaces sold in Canada must be at least 95% AFUE, so any new furnace is high efficiency. For most Ottawa homes, a 96–97% two-stage or a 97–99% modulating furnace makes sense. The difference in gas use between 96% and 99% is about 3%, so prioritize staging, blower type and installation quality.
Is a modulating furnace worth it in Ottawa?
Often, yes. Ottawa has long heating seasons with many mild days and a few nights near −25 °C. A modulating furnace runs at low output most of the time, giving steadier temperatures, quieter operation and fewer on-off cycles. It costs more upfront, up to about $10,500 installed, so it suits owners planning to stay long term.
Are the old Rheem R98V and York YP9C still good choices?
They were included on our 2024 list and both brands still make capable high-efficiency furnaces. We replaced them in 2026 with Daikin and Goodman because those are the models Ottawa homeowners most often ask us to compare. If you already have a quote for another brand, we’re happy to review the model number with you.
How long does a high-efficiency furnace last?
A well-installed, high-efficiency gas furnace typically lasts 15 to 20 years in Ottawa. Annual maintenance, regular filter changes, a clean condensate drain and correct sizing all extend its life. Oversized furnaces that short-cycle and furnaces with restricted ductwork tend to fail sooner, regardless of brand or AFUE rating.
Do I need to register my furnace warranty?
Usually, yes. Goodman, Carrier and Daikin all tie their longest coverage to registration, often within 60 days of installation. Goodman, for example, drops from lifetime heat exchanger and 10-year parts coverage to 20 years and 5 years if the unit is not registered. Ask your installer to register it for you and keep the confirmation.
Which furnace brand does Oria recommend?
Oria is a Lennox authorized dealer and also installs Goodman and other major brands, so we recommend the model that fits your house, budget and plans. For long-term comfort, a modulating Lennox or Goodman furnace is a strong pick; for value, a two-stage 96% furnace often makes the most sense. We’ll quote options side by side.
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