Best Furnace Brands for Minnesota

Best Furnace Brands for Minnesota Homes

Minnesota’s winters are among the harshest in the United States, with long stretches of sub-zero temperatures and heavy heating demands lasting for months. Selecting the right furnace is essential for comfort, efficiency, and long-term reliability. This guide highlights the top furnace brands specifically chosen for Minnesota’s extreme conditions, with rationale both at the brand level and the model level.

1. Trane: Best for Extreme Cold Performance

Minnesota winters can push equipment to its limits, and Trane furnaces are consistently rated for their thick-gauge steel heat exchangers and tight assembly tolerances that hold up in harsh cold. Trane is widely regarded for durability, making it one of the best options for Minnesota homeowners seeking long-term reliability in sub-zero conditions. Modulating and variable-speed units also help maintain stable indoor temperatures during long freeze cycles.

Read Modernize’s full Trane furnace review

Recommended Model: Trane XC95m

The Trane XC95m offers exceptional cold-climate performance due to its fully modulating gas valve and variable-speed motor, which allow it to deliver precise, consistent heating even during long runs in below-zero temperatures. In Minnesota’s climate, furnaces often run continuously for extended periods, and the XC95m’s design minimizes cycling, reducing wear and tear.

It also features a durable stainless steel heat exchanger, engineered to withstand significant thermal stress from Minnesota’s extreme temperature fluctuations. With a 95–97% AFUE rating, it helps homeowners reduce heating costs throughout the long winter season.

Read Modernize’s full Trane XC95m furnace review

2. Lennox: Best for Maximum Energy Efficiency

Minnesota’s long heating season means high-efficiency furnaces can significantly cut annual costs. Lennox offers the highest AFUE ratings on the market and is a strong match for homeowners focused on reducing their energy bills while maintaining exceptional indoor comfort. The brand is also known for quiet operation and advanced variable-capacity technology that performs well in cold climates.

Read Modernize’s full Lennox furnace review

Recommended Model: Lennox SLP99V

The Lennox SLP99V is one of the most efficient furnaces available, with up to 99% AFUE. This is especially beneficial in Minnesota, where heating costs accumulate rapidly due to sustained cold. Its variable-capacity heating technology adjusts output with extreme precision, preventing temperature swings that older Minnesota homes often experience. The SLP99V also features advanced sound reduction technology, offering whisper-quiet operation even during long heating cycles. Because Minnesota homeowners frequently run their systems for many hours at a time, the comfort, efficiency, and noise reduction offered by the SLP99V are particularly advantageous.

Read Modernize’s review of the Lennox Signature Collection SLP99V furnace

3. HEIL: Best Mid-Priced Reliability for Harsh Winters

HEIL, part of the Carrier family of brands, offers cold-climate designs without premium pricing, making it popular throughout the Upper Midwest. These furnaces are well regarded for robust engineering and strong performance in low temperatures, while providing more affordable price points compared to premium brands. Their heat exchangers and control systems are optimized for durability in harsh climates.

Read Modernize’s full HEIL furnace review

Recommended Model: Heil QuietComfort® Deluxe 98
The Heil QuietComfort Deluxe 98 offers premium performance and cold-weather capabilities at a more accessible cost. It features a fully modulating gas valve and variable-speed blower that help maintain stable temperatures despite Minnesota’s extreme outdoor conditions. Its sturdy heat exchanger construction is designed to handle constant expansion and contraction during harsh winter cycles. With efficiencies reaching up to 98% AFUE, this model provides Minnesota homeowners with excellent energy savings without sacrificing performance or reliability.

4. Thermo Pride: Best for Rural & Northern Minnesota Homes

Thermo Pride is known for producing exceptionally durable furnaces, particularly oil-fired models, which continue to be popular in rural Minnesota where natural gas access is limited. Their equipment is engineered with heavy-duty components and long-term durability in mind, making it especially well suited for northern Minnesota’s toughest winters and limited service availability.

Recommended Model: Thermo Pride OL6 Series

The Thermo Pride OL6 Series is built with one of the most durable heat exchangers in the industry, featuring thick stainless steel designed for exceptional longevity. This makes it ideal for rural and northern Minnesota homes that need a furnace capable of enduring extreme cold with minimal maintenance. The OL6 Series is also engineered for ease of service, an important consideration for homeowners in remote regions. Its reliability during continuous long-cycle operation makes it a standout choice where furnace failure could leave residents vulnerable in severe winter conditions.

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5. Carrier: Best All-Around Comfort and Technology

Carrier’s modulating Infinity series performs extremely well in bitter cold while offering industry-leading comfort control. Minnesota homeowners benefit from Carrier’s strong dealer network and advanced systems that can maintain steady temperature and humidity levels during long heating cycles.

Read Modernize’s full Carrier furnace review

Recommended Model: Carrier Infinity 98
The Carrier Infinity 98 is an outstanding furnace for Minnesota due to its Greenspeed Intelligence, which continuously adjusts heating output to match real-time demand. This provides exceptional comfort during prolonged cold spells and reduces unnecessary fuel consumption. Its fully modulating gas valve reduces temperature fluctuations, even in older homes with uneven insulation. The Infinity 98 is also engineered for very quiet operation, a major benefit during Minnesota’s extended heating season when furnaces may run many hours each day.

Read Modernize’s Carrier Infinity 98 furnace review

Minnesota Climate Considerations

Minnesota’s extreme cold and long heating season place unique demands on furnace systems. Homeowners should prioritize:

• High AFUE ratings (96–99%)
• Modulating or variable-speed technology for even heat
• Thick, corrosion-resistant heat exchangers
• Proven cold-weather field performance
• Brands with strong statewide service networks
• Equipment designed to minimize cycling in extreme cold

These factors directly influence comfort, reliability, and yearly operating cost.

Methodology: How Modernize Chose These Furnaces For Minnesota

To determine the best furnace brands for Minnesota, Modernize applied a weighted scoring system based on the factors most relevant to Minnesota homeowners.

1. Cold-Climate Performance — 40%. Cold performance is the most critical factor due to Minnesota’s long, severe winters. This includes heat exchanger reliability, modulating performance, and real-world field durability.

2. Energy Efficiency (AFUE) — 30%. High-efficiency furnaces dramatically reduce annual heating costs. Furnaces with 95–99% AFUE received top scoring.

3. Installer & Service Network Strength — 15%. Strong dealer coverage is essential in a climate where furnace failure can be dangerous. Brands commonly installed and supported in Minnesota scored higher.

4. Warranty Quality — 10%. A robust warranty—especially on heat exchangers—is important because Minnesota’s climate places heavy stress on components.

5. Cost & Long-Term Value — 5%. Although cost matters, Minnesota’s climate prioritizes performance and durability over upfront savings.

Read Modernize’s guide to Minnesota furnace costs

Next Step for Minnesota Homeowners

Request quotes from licensed Minnesota HVAC professionals to compare installation costs and find the right furnace for your home. You can explore furnace installers in Minnesota by viewing our directory.

Modernize can also do the work for you. Click the button below and answer a few questions about your project to be matched with up to four contractors near you.

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