Best Bryant High-Efficiency Gas Furnace Models of 2025: Our Top 5 Picks

Bryant

Summary

  • Bryant is a trusted name in high-efficiency gas furnaces, known for balancing quiet performance, energy savings, and reliable heat.
  • High-efficiency furnaces have AFUE ratings of 95% or higher, meaning they use almost all the fuel to generate heat, significantly reducing waste.
  • The top-rated Bryant Evolution 987M offers the highest efficiency at 98.3% AFUE and features a modulating gas valve for precise temperature control.
  • Bryant’s lineup includes models suitable for various needs, from the budget-friendly Legacy 915S to the compact Evolution 880TA for space-restricted installations.
  • Each furnace model is designed to cater to specific homeowner preferences, whether it's maximizing energy savings, minimizing noise, or ensuring comfort.

Want Lower Bills and a Quieter Home? Start Here.

If you’re shopping for a high-efficiency gas furnace, Bryant is one of the most trusted names out there—and for good reason. Their lineup balances quiet performance, smart energy savings, and reliable heat.

But with so many models offering 95%+ AFUE ratings, which one’s right for you?

Here’s a breakdown of Bryant’s top 5 high-efficiency furnaces, ranked by features, performance, and value.

First, What Makes a Furnace “High-Efficiency”?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The higher the percentage, the more heat your furnace delivers per dollar of fuel.

  • Standard furnaces: ~80% AFUE (20¢ of every dollar goes out the flue)

  • High-efficiency: 95–98% AFUE (almost no wasted fuel)

What helps push efficiency higher:

  • Modulating burners that adjust heat output in small increments

  • Variable-speed blowers that fine-tune airflow

  • Sealed combustion and secondary heat exchangers that recover more heat

Bryant furnace high-efficiency models

🥇 #1: Bryant Evolution 987M

  • Efficiency: 98.3% AFUE

  • Comfort Level: Top-tier

  • Ideal for: Smart homes, zoning systems, cold climates

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This is Bryant’s most advanced gas furnace. It delivers ultra-consistent heat using a modulating gas valve—adjusting in 1% increments for pinpoint comfort. It also runs so quietly, you’ll barely notice it’s on.

Best for homeowners who want luxury-level comfort and control.

🥈 #2: Bryant Evolution 986T

  • Efficiency: 96.7% AFUE

  • Comfort Level: Excellent

  • Ideal for: Homeowners wanting premium performance without full modulation

This two-stage model is a fan favorite for balancing performance with simplicity. It runs most of the time on a quiet, low setting, switching to high only when needed.

You’ll get quieter heat cycles and better airflow, especially when paired with a Connex™ thermostat.

🥉 #3: Bryant Preferred 926T

  • Efficiency: 96.5% AFUE

  • Comfort Level: High

  • Ideal for: Energy-savvy buyers upgrading from single-stage systems

This is the “just right” furnace in Bryant’s mid-tier lineup. Two-stage heat, a variable-speed blower, and strong reliability—without requiring a proprietary thermostat.

A smart value if you want premium comfort without a full smart-home setup.

#4: Bryant Legacy 915S

  • Efficiency: 96.2% AFUE

  • Comfort Level: Standard

  • Ideal for: Budget-conscious upgrades

This single-stage furnace keeps things simple: one heat setting, one speed, very dependable. It’s Bryant’s most affordable way to get into the high-efficiency club.

Great for smaller homes or tight budgets where every bit of efficiency counts.

#5: Bryant Evolution 880TA

  • Efficiency: 96% AFUE

  • Comfort Level: Compact but solid

  • Ideal for: Smaller homes, townhomes, or attic installs

Need a high-efficiency furnace that doesn’t take up much space? The 880TA is part of Bryant’s Evolution line but sized for tight installs. It offers two-stage comfort and a multi-speed blower in a compact cabinet.

Perfect for unique layouts or space-restricted HVAC closets.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Model AFUE Heat Control Blower Type Best For
987M 98.3% Modulating Variable-speed Smart homes, zoning
986T 96.7% Two-stage Variable-speed Quiet, consistent heat
926T 96.5% Two-stage Variable-speed Best value mid-tier option
915S 96.2% Single-stage Fixed-speed Budget installs
880TA 96% Two-stage Multi-speed Compact installs, tight spaces
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Final Thoughts

Every furnace on this list earns its spot for different reasons. Whether you’re focused on maximizing energy savings, cutting down on noise, or getting the best comfort-per-dollar, there’s a Bryant model to match.

If you want smart, whisper-quiet heat in 2025—start with one of these.

More on Bryant – Here

Kelsey Neff
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