Bryant HVAC, a brand operating under its well-known parent company Carrier, is a familiar face in the HVAC industry. The brand offers an array of affordable, durable, and reliable products, making it a go-to pick for many homeowners.
Compared to its competitors, Bryant’s pricing is reasonable — with some models more affordable than competitor models. Read on to see if a Bryant furnace system is right for your home.
Are you looking for a new furnace? Read our guide on the best HVAC companies to find help for your furnace selection and installation.
4.9
Our Rating
Our Preferred Furnace Brands
Today’s Homeowner recommends a few furnace companies to our readers. Below you’ll see our latest suggestions and their unique superlatives. For more information, you can also explore our list of the best furnace brands.
Our Review of Bryant Furnace
Bryant is a strong contender in the HVAC industry, offering durable, reliable, and affordable equipment to accommodate almost any budget and home need. Given the longevity and durability of these units, Bryant has earned its place as our choice for the Best Durability.
The brand scores highly in nearly every metric, including its product lineup, efficiency options, Energy Star certifications, affordability, reputation, and warranties. It loses points only in its warranties, as they’re slightly shorter than competitor offerings. Overall, it receives an exceptional score of 99 out of 100 — or 4.95 out of 5 — on par with other leading furnace brands.
Pros and Cons of Bryant Furnace Units
Before you replace your furnace with one from Bryant’s lineup, it doesn’t hurt to consider the ups and downs of its offerings. The chart below outlines a few key pros and cons of Bryant gas furnaces to help you decide whether they’re a good fit for your home.
The brand develops and manufactures its products domestically in Indianapolis, so it’s an excellent choice for homeowners who enjoy American-made products.
What Is Bryant Furnace Pricing?
Bryant’s furnaces are surprisingly affordable, considering their models are nearly identical to their parent company’s models in the Carrier lineup. Bryant’s offerings are budget-friendly compared to the cost of Carrier furnaces and other industry-leading brands like Trane and Lennox.
On the low end, most homeowners pay between $2,300 and $4,000 for their Bryant furnaces with installation. Conversely, Bryant has a few premium models in its Evolution lineup, which usually go for between $4,200 and $5,500 with installation.
The chart below shows average price ranges for each Bryant’s furnace lineup tier. Of course, the final cost of your Bryant system is highly dependent on factors specific to your scenario — so you might pay more or less than these estimates.
| Low-end Models | Mid-range Models | Premium Models |
| $2,300 – $4,000 | $3,100 – $4,500 | $4,200 – $5,500 |
Bryant Furnace Models Comparison
Like many HVAC companies, Bryant offers its furnaces in three tiers: Legacy, Preferred, and Evolution. The Legacy line encompasses its budget-friendly models, the Preferred line includes its mid-tier options, and the Evolution line features its premium models.
Bryant offers a whopping 15 furnace models in these three tiers, although some are nearly identical. Given the extensive list of options, there’s something for almost any budget.
While each model has perks, the Legacy 95 Ultra-Low NOx model impressed us with its incredible efficiency ratings at a low cost. In addition, the Preferred 96 Variable-Speed model is another favorite, as it offers an excellent blend of features, value, and efficiency.
Legacy 95 Ultra-Low NOx Gas Furnace (935SA)
The Legacy 95 ultra-low NOx gas furnace is an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners who want a budget-friendly option. This system features Bryant’s ultra-low NOx burner technology, which offers 65% lower NOx emissions compared to standard models.
While this model doesn’t feature any of the high-end perks of Bryant’s Evolution line, it offers exceptional energy efficiency with a rating of up to 95% AFUE. In addition, it features a multi-speed blower for customizable comfort and an insulated cabinet to ensure quiet operation.
- Blower type: Multi-speed
- Efficiency rating: 95% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Legacy 80 Line Fixed-Speed Gas Furnace (800SA)
Bryant’s Legacy Line 80 fixed-speed models come in two varieties. The 800SA model offers the basics, with the PerfectLight ignition to eliminate gas-consuming pilot lights. This model is the base option of the two, featuring the basics and nothing more.
It’s a solid pick for folks seeking a gas furnace that offers solid efficiency without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
- Blower type: Fixed speed
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Legacy 80 Line Fixed-Speed Gas Furnace (810SA)
The 810SA model takes things a step up from the previous model, offering QuieTech for noise reduction and Fan On Plus tech for ultimate control. The Fan On Plus technology offers an extra layer of control, allowing homeowners to adjust air flows instead of working with constant fan airflow.
- Blower type: Fixed speed
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Legacy Line 80 Ultra-Low NOx Gas Furnace (830SA)
Bryant’s Legacy Line 80 ultra-low NOx gas furnace offers many of the same features found in the standard version. It is complete with a single-stage gas valve, up to 80% AFUE ratings, and an insulated cabinet for quieter operation.
However, while similar, there are a couple of areas where this model differs from the previous ones. Unlike the standard Legacy 80 models, this model features a multi-speed blower for customizable comfort. In addition, it offers ultra-low NOx technology for 65% lower NOx emissions.
- Blower type: Multi speed
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Legacy Line Fixed-Speed 90 Gas Furnace (915S)
As the most efficient model of the Legacy Line, this model is a formidable pick for those seeking a highly efficient and budget-friendly option. This unit delivers efficiency ratings of up to 96.5% AFUE, which rivals some of Bryant’s higher-end models.
The system features a PerfectLight hot surface igniter, which eradicates the gas-wasting pilot light to optimize energy efficiency. Additionally, it has Perfect Humidity technology, which allows it to remove humidity from the air when paired with a matched air conditioner or heat pump.
- Blower type: Fixed speed
- Efficiency rating: 96.5% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Legacy Line Fixed Speed 90 Gas Furnace (912S)
Bryant’s 912S furnace offers many of the same features as the previous model. It features single-stage operation, the PerfectLight hot surface igniter, and an insulated cabinet. The key differences between this model and the previous one are the efficiency and the Perfect Humidity tech.
While the previous model is outfitted with Perfect Humidity tech, this model doesn’t have it. In addition, this model has a slightly lower efficiency rating of up to 92.1% AFUE.
- Blower type: Fixed speed
- Efficiency rating: 92.1% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Preferred 96 Variable-Speed Gas Furnace (926S)
This model offers solid energy efficiency ratings with up to 96.2% AFUE. The cabinet is insulated to dampen operating sounds, ensuring your home remains quiet even as it works. It features Fan On Plus technology, which allows you to select the continuous fan speed for ultimate comfort.
In addition, this furnace pairs well with air conditioning systems. It features Bryant’s SmartEvap technology to offer extra dehumidification in the scorching summer months to ensure your home remains comfortable.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 96.2% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
Preferred 80 Series Variable-Speed Gas Furnace (820SA)
As part of Bryant’s mid-level Preferred series, this furnace is a strong contender — offering efficiency, reliability, and quiet operation. The system employs variable-speed technology to provide steady, reliable, and consistent comfort during the cooler months.
While the energy efficiency rating isn’t as high as other models, this unit utilizes a two-stage operation to provide lengthier, more even heating cycles on low stages to promote energy efficiency.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Preferred 80 Series Variable-Speed Gas Furnace (820TA)
This model offers many of the same features as the previous model and boasts an identical energy efficiency rating. Like the previous model, the 820TA features two-stage operation and an insulated cabinet for longer, more even heating cycles on lower stages.
However, in addition to the basics, this furnace offers Perfect Heat technology for more consistent comfort and Fan On Plus tech for control over the speed of the continuous fan.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Preferred 96 Two-Stage Gas Furnace (926T)
Bryant’s Preferred 96 two-stage gas furnace offers strong heating efficiency with mid-range features for the perfect combination of value and efficiency. The model offers several features found in Bryant’s Evolution line, including its Perfect Heat and Fan On Plus technology for seamless comfort and control.
Its two-stage operation facilitates longer heating cycles, resulting in more consistent temperatures and low-stage operation for superior energy efficiency. The variable-speed blower performs quietly and offers even heating throughout your entire home.
- Blower type: Variable Speed
- Efficiency rating: 96.5% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
Evolution 95 Ultra-Low NOx Gas Furnace (935CA)
Like Bryant’s alternative NOx models, the Evolution 95 ultra-low NOx gas furnace delivers comforting warmth and up to 65% less NOx emissions compared to a standard model. The technology that supports the low emissions design meets California emissions limits in the South Coast Air Quality Management District and San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District.
Despite its low emissions design, the Evolution model still delivers exceptional energy efficiency, with a rating of 95% AFUE. This unit is packed with features common in the Evolution line, including the Perfect Humidity and Fan On Plus tech for ultimate comfort and control.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 95% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Evolution 80 Variable-Speed Gas Furnace (880TA)
This model offers the perfect blend of high-tech features with standard efficiency. It has a standard energy efficiency rating of 80% AFUE, considerably lower than other models in this series. However, it still delivers solid energy efficiency and is complete with multiple Evolution features, including the Perfect Heat, Perfect Humidity, and Fan On Plus technology.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Evolution 80 Variable-Speed Low NOx Gas Furnace (830CA)
Bryant’s 830CA furnace offers several of the same features as its 880TA model. It features Perfect Humidity tech, Fan On Plus tech, and an insulated cabinet for quieter operation. On top of that, this model has an identical energy efficiency rating to the 880TA.
However, unlike the previous model, this furnace features ultra-low NOx burner technology, meaning it delivers 65% lower NOx emissions than a standard furnace.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 80% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: No
- Fuel type: Gas
Evolution 96 Variable-Speed Gas Furnace (986T)
With variable-speed technology, this furnace offers optimal comfort with an impressive efficiency rating. Although it isn’t quite as efficient as the Evolution 98 model, it offers a stellar energy efficiency rating of 96.7% AFUE.
It features many of the same perks as the Evolution 98, including Perfect Heat, Perfect Humidity, and Fan On Plus tech. The insulated cabin ensures the system doesn’t get overly loud as it runs, so it shouldn’t disrupt your day as it cycles.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 96.7% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
Evolution 98 Variable-Speed Modulating Gas Furnace (987M)
Bryant’s furnace lineup doesn’t get any better than the Evolution 98 variable-speed modulating gas furnace. This model offers ultra-quiet performance to ensure it doesn’t disrupt your day, easily providing even, consistent heat to keep you cozy and comfortable.
Its modulating technology ensures the system delivers just the right amount of heat with the best energy efficiency, keeping your utility bills as low as possible without letting the cold in. This model also features Bryant’s Perfect Heat tech, so the system adjusts its operation to accommodate changing conditions. In addition, it comes with Perfect Humidity tech, which removes moisture from the air to ensure your home doesn’t become clammy and humid.
- Blower type: Variable speed
- Efficiency rating: 98.3% AFUE
- ENERGY STAR rating: Yes
- Fuel type: Gas
How Do Bryant Furnaces Compare to Top Competitors?
A Bryant furnace isn’t your only option for ensuring your home remains cozy and comfortable during the chilly winter months, as there are plenty of alternative brands to choose from. The chart below pits Bryant against Carrier and Lennox to help you decide which brand is best for your home. Regarding model offerings, warranties, quality, pricing, and more, Bryant and Goodman furnaces often go toe-to-toe.
| Features | Bryant | Lennox | Carrier |
| Premium Unit Cost | $4,200 – $5,500 | $6,000 – $8,000 | $7,400 – $9,500 |
| Low-end Unit Cost | $2,300 – $4,000 | $2,900 – $5,000 | $2,400 – $3,200 |
| Top Efficiency Rating | 98.3% AFUE | 99% AFUE | 98.5% AFUE |
| Warranty | 10-year limited parts, 10-year unit replacement warranty upon heat exchanger failure | 20-year heat exchanger, 5-10 year compressor, 5-10 year parts | 10-year parts, 20-year on major components (limited to certain models) |
What Are Bryant Warranty Options?
Bryant covers its units with fairly standard warranties. While they’re not the best in the industry, they’re far from the worst. Here is a quick take on Bryant’s warranty options:
- Basic Warranty: 10-year limited parts and 10-year unit replacement upon heat exchanger failure
- Full Extended Warranty: Varies based on the dealer
The basic warranty comes with most of its models, so homeowners don’t need to purchase anything extra to receive coverage. Select Evolution units come with a 10-year Red Shield Unit Replacement Limited Warranty that ensures homeowners will receive a replacement unit if a major component fails within the specified warranty period.
However, homeowners must register the product with Bryant within 90 days of installation to get the full benefits of the warranty. Failure to register the product drops the warranty length from ten years to five, so it’s essential to register it once you buy it.
Additionally, it’s important to note that Bryant’s standard warranty only covers parts necessary for qualifying repairs. The homeowner is responsible for any other costs, such as labor or installation fees.
Some dealers offer additional warranty coverage that can account for stray costs like labor for repairs, but the offerings vary based on the dealer. If you want an extended warranty, consult your local Byrant dealer for more information on available options.
What Are Bryant Furnace Reviews From Homeowners?
Actual customer reviews can be invaluable when searching for your next furnace. Along with Bryant air conditioner reviews, Bryant furnace reviews offer useful insight into real customer experiences, offering a sneak peek of how your process might be. Because of this, browsing through customer reviews is an essential part of the decision process.
We sifted through over 100 customer reviews from sites like Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Bryant, searching for trends and themes throughout the feedback. In many cases, customers only review a product when they are dissatisfied with the product, leading to a skewed perception of the brand’s image.
However, we came across a solid mix of both positives and negatives. Hundreds of satisfied reviewers applauded the company for product quality, reduced heating bills, and quiet operation. Some reviewers even mentioned having excellent experiences with Bryant dealers, although experiences may vary based on the dealer in your area.
Conversely, there is a collection of not-so-happy customers, with the primary complaints stemming from reviews on the brand’s BBB page. Dissatisfied reviewers cited issues with premature failure, excessive technician visits without satisfactory results, and upselling.
Aside from the handful of complaints, though, Bryant’s BBB page is teeming with positive feedback in the reviews section. The company has hundreds of reviews on the page, with many applauding prompt response times, friendly technicians, and excellent customer service.
The brand responded to the vast majority of reviews on the site, from customer complaints to satisfied reviewers. Overall, the feedback on Bryant and its services seems to be overwhelmingly positive. That said, keeping the critiques in mind doesn’t hurt, as they can be useful in choosing the best-suited company for your heating needs.
Features To Consider for Bryant Furnaces
- AFUE rating: Bryant offers furnaces ranging from 80% AFUE to 98.3% AFUE, so choose a model that best reflects your needs and expectations.
- Blower type: Furnaces in Bryant’s offerings have varying blower types, including fixed-speed, multi-speed, and variable-speed.
- Capacity: Bryant offers its furnaces in varying sizes to accommodate homes of all sizes. So, as you sift through your options, ensure you pick a size that can adequately heat the square footage of your home according to the DOE’s recommendations.
- Heating type: Bryant’s furnace lineup utilizes gas as the primary energy source.
- Physical size: While Bryant’s furnace models are fairly similar in size, it’s important to double-check the measurements of the model you’re considering before purchasing. This is especially important if you work with limited installation space, like a cramped maintenance room or closet.
- Warranty: Bryant offers a 10-year limited parts warranty on all its models and a 10-year unit replacement model on specific models. You can purchase an extended warranty, but availability varies based on your dealer.
So, Is a Bryant Furnace Worth It for Your Home?
Bryant is a strong contender in the HVAC industry, offering affordable, reliable, and durable products with decent warranties. These factors may spell out the perfect fit for some homeowners. However, despite this, it might not be a suitable choice for some homes.
As you sift through your options, you must consider all aspects of your needs and expectations. For example, Bryant’s Legacy Line 95 model might be the perfect fit if you want a high-efficiency model without a staggering price tag. On the other hand, if you appreciate high-end features with high-efficiency ratings, the Evolution 98 might be more your style. Whichever Bryant gas furnace model you choose, ask your local HVAC contractor about any rebates. Ultimately, the choice is yours!
FAQs About Bryant Furnaces
What is the lifespan of a Bryant furnace?
Like most furnaces, a Bryant furnace can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. However, the unit likely won’t last nearly as long without proper care or under heavy usage, so routine upkeep is essential.
What does Bryant mean by “high efficiency?”
When you see the words “high efficiency” on any furnace, including Bryant’s, they refer to the unit’s energy efficiency. For furnaces, this is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) percentage, which measures how efficiently a furnace converts its fuel source to heat.
High-efficiency furnaces convert 90% or more of their fuel source to heat, meaning less than 10% of the fuel is lost in the heating process. So, by “high efficiency,” Bryant is referring to its models with ratings of 90% AFUE or higher. To make your HVAC system even more efficient, use a smart thermostat.
Is a Bryant furnace worth the price?
Ultimately, the answer to this question is up to you. While Bryant furnaces offer excellent value for the quality, they might not be the best choice for every home. That said, Bryant furnaces are quite affordable compared to some industry-leading brands, like Lennox, Trane, or its parent company, Carrier.
How much does a Bryant furnace cost?
The cost of a Bryant furnace hinges on the model you choose. If you choose a lower-end model, you’ll likely pay between $2,300 and $4,000. Mid-range Bryant furnaces usually cost between $3,100 and $4,500, whereas its premium models cost between $4,200 and $5,500. These price ranges include the furnace installation costs.
Methodology: How We Rank Furnace Brands
A furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home. We do the research, talk to experts, and analyze customer reviews, so all you have to do is choose the furnace that best fits your needs and budget.
A company can score a total of 100 points in five categories. This score is then converted into a five-star scale used in our reviews. To develop this methodology, we compared the leading furnace brands in the HVAC industry:
- Products (25 points): We look at what types of furnaces each brand makes, including gas furnaces, oil furnaces, packaged systems, and heat pumps. The more types of furnaces a brand offers, the better it does in this category.
- Efficiency (25 points): Energy-efficient furnaces save you money on energy bills, so our efficiency category accounts for 25 points. The most efficient furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90% or higher. However, if a furnace brand offers models with an AFUE rating of 98% or more, it receives full points in this category.
- ENERGY STAR (10 points): A furnace can be efficient but not efficient enough to earn an ENERGY STAR rating. The furnace brand must offer at least one ENERGY STAR-rated model to score well in this category.
- Affordability (20 points): You shouldn't have to pay too much for a new furnace. That's why we look at how expensive each furnace brand is. Most brands have a range of prices, but to do well in this category, a furnace brand must have at least one model that costs less than $3,000 for the unit alone.
- Warranty (10 points): The best furnace brands offer 10- to 15-year warranties that cover parts, manufacturer defects and, in some cases, replacement of a broken or defective furnace.
- Company Reputation (10): A company's reputation is as important as the quality of its products. We analyze each furnace brand's rating from the Better Business Bureau and rank them based on that rating. The companies with an A+ rating perform the best in this category.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
