What’s the Best High-Efficiency Furnace for Calgary?

Calgary’s long heating season makes the choice of furnace important for most homeowners looking to replace an aging or failing furnace.

The cost of a new furnace can feel like a big hit, but the good news is your new unit will run more efficiently than your old one, cutting your energy bills and saving you money over time.

High-efficiency furnaces are ideal for Calgary, offering long-term comfort and reliability, as well as energy savings.

Among the most trusted brands, Lennox furnaces stand out as the premium choice for home heating solutions. Let’s take a look at a few of the best high-efficiency furnaces for Calgary for different budgets…

Best High-Efficiency Furnace for Calgary

Technician in blue uniform kneeling in a basement, servicing a furnace beside a toolbox, with laundry machines in the background.

The best high-efficiency furnaces for Calgary combine the latest variable or two-stage furnace technology with exceptional warranties, adaptability to the harsh climate, smart Wi-Fi capability, and a good return on investment—including the Lennox SLP99V, Lennox EL296V, and the Lennox ML296V.

We will dig deeper into these models shortly…

MAKE THE RIGHT HEATING & COOLING DECISIONS…

For over two decades, Alberta Mountain Air has helped Calgarians solve heating and cooling problems and maintain ideal comfort levels. Get in touch online for a quote.

Summary: The Three Best High-Efficiency Furnaces for Calgary

Before we look closely at these types of furnaces, here’s an at-a-glance overview of the three high-efficiency furnaces we’ve selected as the best for Calgary households based on our decades of experience in installing heating systems across the city… 

FEATURE

LENNOX SLP99V

LENNOX EL296V

LENNOX ML296V

Maximum AFUE

99%

96%

96%

Furnace type

Modular/Variable

Two-stage

Two-stage

Blower type

Variable-speed

Variable-speed

Variable-speed

Upfront cost 

Highest

Mid-to-high

Moderate

Warranty – Parts/ Heat Exchanger

10-year limited/ Lifetime

5-year limited/ 20-year or Lifetime

5-year limited/ 20-year 

Quietness 

Almost silent—insulated cabinet.

Quiet—insulated cabinet.

Quiet

Dual fuel capability

Yes

Yes

Yes

Best fit

Homes where ultimate efficiency, silent operation, and high performance are priorities. 

Homes where efficiency is balanced with a more moderate cost.

Homes where efficiency is important but so is price.

Payback/ROI

Longest—but still impressive if home is well-sealed and furnace is used a lot like in Calgary.

Moderate—good balance between performance and payback.

Faster ROI but less savings potential overall than other models.

What are High-Efficiency Furnaces?

Furnace efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This is not to be confused with SEER ratings, which measure cooling efficiency.

An AFUE rating of 90 percent or higher is considered high-efficiency. This means that the furnace converts at least 90 percent of the fuel it consumes into usable heat. 

High-efficiency furnaces include a secondary heat exchanger that captures additional heat from exhaust gases, sealed combustion that uses outside air, and specialized PVC venting. This not only leads to lower energy bills but also a reduced environmental impact (lower emissions), quieter operation, and improved home safety.

High-efficiency furnace in a clean basement with ducts, water heater, washer and dryer, and a red toolbox on the floor nearby.

Standard furnaces from the 1980s and 1990s generally offered moderate efficiency between 65 and 80 percent.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) regulations require that most new gas furnaces installed in Canada since 2019 have a minimum AFUE rating of 95 percent.

What Else Should You Look for in a Furnace?

Besides the AFUE rating, you’ll need to consider these factors when weighing up the best furnace for Calgary:

  • Type of furnace: Modulating, variable-capacity (multiple-speed) or two-stage furnaces adjust their output to precisely match a home’s heating needs, operating quietly and efficiently, keeping home temperatures stable and comfortable.
  • The brand and dealer: Does the manufacturer have a reputation for reliability, performance, and value, and does the dealer provide trusted advice and service?
  • Warranty: Look for warranty coverage of at least 5 to 10 years.
  • Sizing: Select a furnace that matches the size you require to avoid efficiency or performance issues.
  • Furnace installation and maintenance: Which professionals will install and service the new furnace? 
Logos of top furnace brands including Carrier, Rheem, Lennox, and Trane, displayed on a white background.

Why Do Calgary Homes Need a High-Efficiency Furnace?

Besides complying with the NRCan regulations, Calgary homeowners will find that replacing a 30-year-old furnace with a new, high-efficiency model will have numerous benefits, including:

  • Lower monthly energy bills from the greater efficiency: almost every dollar spent on heating goes into usable heat (little wastage).
  • If the unit is sized correctly, you will enjoy stable and consistent heating throughout the home, even as temperatures plummet past -20C (Note: heat pumps are generally not designed to handle ultra-low temperatures past about -15C).
  • During Calgary’s fluctuating winter temperatures (including on warmer days when the Chinook blows), a new furnace will adapt to the heating needs of the home. 
  • Greater reliability and quieter operation than traditional furnaces.
  • Combined with a whole-home humidifier and regular maintenance/filter changes, a new high-efficiency furnace will improve indoor air quality.
Family relaxing on a cozy couch in winter, sipping drinks and using a tablet, with snowy trees outside the window.

Best High-Efficiency Furnaces for Calgary

When assessing the best high-efficiency furnaces for Calgary homeowners, we weigh up performance and reliability with all the other relevant factors, such as warranty coverage and the technical specifications (AFUE, materials used, any non-standard features, etc.).

We combine our field experience of installing and maintaining furnaces with customer reviews of the units, feedback from users, and the industry reputation of the brand.

We invariably end up with Lennox models as the top choice for high-efficiency furnaces in Calgary…

Comparison chart of six Lennox gas furnaces showing models, AFUE efficiency ratings, ENERGY STAR status, and price.

Why Lennox?

Lennox is one of the most established names in HVAC in North America, with the company dating back over a century. Known for the quality, efficiency, and durability of its furnaces, the name stands tall today even amongst stiff competition from around the world.

High-end, whole-home, Energy Star-certified gas and oil furnaces with generous warranties are staples of its product range and, as you might expect after over 100 years of manufacturing experience, their products often feature in “best of” lists in the U.S. and Canada.

Lennox furnaces offer three main series of high-efficiency furnaces: Merit, Elite, and the Dave Lennox Signature Collection.

Although Lennox furnaces aren’t the cheapest on the market, they can’t be beaten for quality, efficiency, and dependability in our unpredictable winters.  

So, let’s get into the specifics of a few of the top high-efficiency furnace models for Calgary homeowners to consider…

Three Lennox gas furnaces displayed side by side on an insulated platform against a plain background.

Dave Lennox Signature Collection SLP99V: The Ultimate in Furnace Efficiency

The SLP99V is one of the most efficient furnaces in Canada with up to 99% AFUE. It provides variable capacity to precisely match comfort needs in our unpredictable and extreme climate, with a variable-speed blower motor. These features combine to deliver steady and even warmth with almost silent operation.

The SLP99V integrates seamlessly with smart thermostats for intelligent temperature and air quality control, while a sealed combustion system draws in outdoor air for combustion, improving indoor air quality and efficiency.

The 10-year limited parts warranty covers you for the first decade, and the limited lifetime warranty protects the heat exchanger.

Lennox SLP99V variable-capacity gas furnace, promoted as the quietest and most efficient furnace available.

Summary: Why choose the SLP99V?

  • The highest efficiency available from a furnace in Canada.
  • Variable capacity for precise comfort.
  • Runs almost-silently.
  • Improves indoor air quality.
  • Built for extreme cold and can handle temperature swings.
  • Can integrate with air conditioners and heat pumps for year-round comfort/efficiency.
  • Generous warranty for peace of mind.

Any downsides?

  • High upfront cost with a long payback period.
  • More complex installation needs (certified Lennox dealer required).
  • Variable capacity makes maintenance more demanding.
  • High cost of replacement parts.

Lennox EL296V: Reliable Performance and Value

The Lennox EL296V is a two-stage furnace that adjusts its speed according to the heating needs of the home, handling both the milder and bitterly cold winter days. This helps to ensure comfort, heating consistency, and efficiency for homeowners in Calgary.

Lennox EL296V Elite Series gas furnace, high-efficiency two-stage variable-speed system for reliable home heating.

At up to 96% AFUE, this is still a highly efficient, Energy Star-certified furnace. Its fully insulated cabinet reduces noise levels while running and it can be paired with a heat pump in dual-fuel systems.

The heat exchanger in the EL296V has a limited lifetime warranty, while most essential components are covered by the standard five-year limited warranty or an optional extended 10-year warranty.

This type of furnace is well-suited to midsize homes with a more manageable price point than the SLP99V.

Summary: Why choose the EL296V?

  • High efficiency for fuel savings and lower bills.
  • A two-stage furnace is well-suited to Calgary’s extreme temperature swings.
  • Variable-speed blower to help manage temperatures.
  • Runs almost silently.
  • Can integrate with AC units and heat pumps in dual-fuel systems.
  • Optional extended warranty.

Any downsides?

  • Less efficient than the very top models (though still excellent).
  • More expensive to purchase and install than more basic furnaces.
  • More complex maintenance than basic furnaces.
  • Standard parts warranty does not always cover labor (a separate labor warranty may be required from the installation company).
  • Less variable capacity than SLP99V (two-stage operation).

Best Budget-Friendly High-Efficiency Furnace for Calgary: Lennox ML296V

The Lennox ML296V is another of the best high-efficiency furnaces for Calgary homes, especially if the budget is a little tighter and won’t stretch to the very top models from Lennox.

Lennox ML296V Merit Series variable-speed gas furnace, designed to heat homes evenly and efficiently.

This furnace still provides impressive efficiency, at up to 96% AFUE with Energy Star certification. Its durable build, quiet operation, two-stage gas valve for handling different heating levels, and lower upfront costs make this unit an excellent choice of furnace replacement for many Calgary homes.

Like its more expensive cousins, the ML296V can be paired in dual-fuel systems with a heat pump and is compatible with filters, humidifiers, and advanced thermostat controls. However, its warranty is more limited.

Summary: Why choose the ML296V?

  • Lower upfront costs than other Lennox models.
  • Energy Star certification can help with rebates/incentives to further reduce costs.
  • High efficiency for fuel savings and lower bills.
  • A two-stage furnace is well-suited to Calgary’s extreme temperature swings.
  • Variable-speed blower to help manage temperatures.
  • Runs quietly.
  • Dual-fuel capability (paired with a heat pump).
  • Standard 5-year limited warranty with extended warranty option.

Any downsides?

  • No lifetime warranty for heat exchanger (20-year limited warranty).
  • The standard parts warranty does not always cover labor (a separate labor warranty may be required from the installation company).
  • Higher upfront cost than basic furnaces.
  • More complex installation and maintenance requirements than standard furnaces.

How to Choose the Right Furnace for Your Calgary Home

The very best high-efficiency furnace may NOT be right for your home. To decide, you’ll need to weigh up a few other factors:

  1. Home size and insulation quality: If you have a drafty home and plan to spend top dollar on the highest efficiency furnace like the Lennox SLP99V, it may pay to first improve insulation.
  2. Existing ductwork and venting: Does your home have the right ductwork and venting to support a new, high-efficiency furnace? If not, that may need addressing first.
  3. Budget and long-term savings goals: Your budget will affect your decision of which furnace to select, as will your current energy bills and expected ROI.
  4. Smart thermostat compatibility: Do you need your furnace to be compatible with a smart thermostat setup?
Man adjusting smart thermostat to 72°F inside a warm home while snow falls outside through large windows.

The best way to ensure you choose the right furnace is to book an energy audit (custom load assessment) with an independent HVAC professional. This will assess your home’s precise heating and cooling needs so that you can more accurately match the furnace to the home’s heating requirements.

As an authorized Lennox dealer, the licensed technicians at Alberta Mountain Air can help you choose the right model after considering all the main factors—and we’ll install and maintain it professionally.

How to Reduce the Cost of a New High-Efficiency Furnace in Calgary

There’s no getting away from the significant investment required if you opt for a high-efficiency Lennox furnace in Calgary. However, the main costs can be offset with some smart planning, which our team can help you with:

  • Energy Star models may qualify for federal or provincial energy rebates or incentive programs, such as:
  • The Calgary Clean Energy Improvement Program (Residential CEIP) offers financing options repayable through property tax.
  • The Home Upgrades Program is for low-income households in Calgary, Canmore, and Edmonton.
  • The Natural Gas Rebate Program (Alberta) can help with heating costs.
  • Other Home Energy Plan Rebates or Energy Efficiency Alberta-related programs may be offered at the time of upgrade (ask our team what’s available).
  • Smart payment plans/financing options on new furnaces from your HVAC supplier can also alleviate the financial burden of upgrading your heating system.
Man applying online for an energy rebate on his computer while holding a utility bill, snowy winter scene outside.

FAQs

A high-efficiency furnace typically has an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 90 percent or higher. This means it converts at least 90 percent of the fuel it uses into heat, minimizing waste and lowering energy bills.

If your unit is over 15 years old, frequently needs furnace repairs, and/or energy bills are inexplicably high, it may be time to replace it rather than repair it. If it’s younger and the repairs are minor, repair it.

Today’s high-efficiency furnaces (95–99% AFUE) can save Calgary homeowners 15–35 percent or more on heating costs compared to older systems from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Upgrading often helps to pay back the investment costs with lower monthly bills but this depends on your home’s insulation, thermostat settings, furnace model, etc.

Yes, Lennox furnaces are engineered for extreme cold. Models like the SLP99V and EL296V offer reliable performance, quiet operation, and excellent comfort even during Calgary’s coldest months.

With regular maintenance, a modern high-efficiency gas furnace should last 15–20 years or more. Professional installation and annual tune-ups of Lennox furnaces help extend their lifespan and maintain efficiency.

High-efficiency furnace in a Calgary basement with tools on a mat, water heater, and workbench in the background.

Choose the Best High-Efficiency Furnace for Calgary with Local Knowledge…

All HVAC professionals at Alberta Mountain Air are SAIT-certified and can help you make the right heating and cooling decisions. So, if you’re in Calgary and considering your heating and cooling options, contact us online.

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