Armstrong Air (manufactured by Allied Air, a Lennox subsidiary) is widely praised by HVAC professionals and homeowners for delivering premium, Lennox-level technology at a more budget-friendly mid-range price. They are highly regarded for their robust build quality, exceptional energy efficiency ratings, and quiet operation.
Armstrong furnaces are manufactured by Allied Air Enterprises, a subsidiary of Lennox International.
When choosing a furnace, the best brand depends on what you prioritize: reliability, high-end efficiency, or budget-friendly value. Based on industry consensus and consumer ratings, the top three furnace brands are Carrier, Trane, and Lennox.
The average life expectancy of a furnace is 15–20 years. If your unit is nearing the average life expectancy, you'll need to weigh the repair cost against the possibility that more repairs may be needed very soon, or even a complete replacement.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
The best time to buy a furnace is during the off-season, specifically late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October), when HVAC companies are less busy and offer lower prices, rebates, or promotions. Purchasing in these shoulder seasons ensures faster installation times and better negotiating power compared to winter peak season.
However, with the passage of the new budget, homeowners now have until the end of 2025 to take advantage of the HVAC tax credits, which include: $2,000 for a qualified heat pump. $600 for a qualified air conditioner. $600 for a qualified gas furnace.
Yes, Armstrong is a highly regarded and reliable HVAC brand. Manufactured by Allied Air Enterprises—a subsidiary of Lennox International—it offers much of the same core technology and engineering as premium Lennox systems but at a more affordable, budget-conscious price point.
Average Cost to Replace a Furnace
However, the cost of furnaces can range widely depending on their size, type, and efficiency, and homeowners can generally expect a new furnace to cost anywhere between $3,800 and $10,000. If efficiency is important to you, high-efficiency models can reach up to $12,000.
Yes, Armstrong Air furnaces are made by Lennox. They are manufactured by Allied Air Enterprises, which is a subsidiary of Lennox International.
ENERGY STAR certified oil furnaces that use certain fuels are eligible. The equipment must be rated by the manufacturer for use with fuel blends at least 20 percent of the volume of which consists of biodiesel, renewable diesel, or second-generation biofuel.
A furnace with an AFUE rating of 95% will require significantly less fuel (natural gas) to heat your home than a unit with an 80% AFUE rating. While higher-efficiency furnaces tend to cost more upfront, they allow homeowners to save money on heating costs every year.
Electric furnaces generally have the longest lifespan, lasting 20 to 30 years due to fewer moving parts and no combustion. However, if you are looking for a standard forced-air system, gas furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years.
Yes, Armstrong furnaces are considered a very good, highly reliable choice. In Consumer Reports assessments, Armstrong (a brand manufactured by Lennox International) consistently scores among the most reliable brands in the industry, often earning top "Very Good" to "Excellent" marks for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
Below are some of the best furnace brands for different homeowner priorities:
Yes! Armstrong Air is a brand owned by Allied Air Enterprises, a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. While Lennox and Armstrong Air operate as separate brands, they share similar technology and engineering.
The best time to buy a furnace is during the "shoulder seasons" of late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October). During these off-peak months, demand is low, meaning you can score manufacturer rebates, clearance discounts on older inventory, and faster, more flexible installation scheduling.
Yes, you should highly consider replacing a 30-year-old furnace. Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. At 30 years old, your system has likely outlived its expected life. It is operating at a much lower efficiency than modern units and presents a significantly increased risk of catastrophic breakdown or dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
The Rule of 5000 Rule is simple: Multiply the cost of the needed repair by the age of your air conditioner. If the result is greater than 5000, AC replacement is generally the smarter choice. If it's less than 5000, a repair might still be worth the investment. Here's a quick example.
The Lifespan of Armstrong Furnaces
One of the most common questions is, “How long do Armstrong furnaces last?” On average, you're looking at around 15-20 years of reliable service. This longevity is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality.
Armstrong Air furnaces feature an industry-standard 10-Year Parts Warranty and a Limited Lifetime Heat Exchanger Warranty for the original owner in private residences. To receive this extended coverage, you must register your equipment within 60 days of installation; otherwise, the warranty defaults to 5 years on parts and 20 years on the heat exchanger.
Heating Efficiencies
The U.S. government's minimum efficiency level is 78% and the Canadian minimum is 90%, but Armstrong Air furnaces go all the way up to 97%. That means 97 cents of every dollar goes to efficient heating.
How Do I Claim a New Furnace on My Taxes? As a homeowner, you can claim a credit on your energy-efficient furnace by filling out Form 1040 (or 1040NR for non-resident aliens). To determine your credit amount, complete the Residential Energy Credits Form 5695.
For the 2025–2028 tax years, individuals age 65 or older by the end of the tax year can claim an additional $6,000 deduction ($12,000 for married couples) under the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill". This deduction requires a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) below $75,000 for individuals ($150,000 joint) and is available regardless of whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.
If your heat pump is unexpectedly expensive to run, the most common culprits are inefficient auxiliary/backup heat, high local electricity rates, or a system that isn't sized properly.