Which furnace is better, Rheem or Carrier?

Which furnace is better, Rheem or Carrier is Carrier is slightly better for premium reliability and lowest service rates, while Rheem offers better value pricing at 10 to 20 percent cheaper upfront. Carrier furnaces like Comfort 96 59SC6 single stage 96 percent AFUE, Performance 96 59TP6 two-stage 96 percent AFUE, and Infinity 98 59MN7 modulating 98.5 percent AFUE are premium brand owned by Carrier Global, offering excellent reliability with first-year service call rates around 8 to 10 percent lowest in industry according to HVAC dealer surveys, heavy-duty construction, quiet operation at 60 decibels for Infinity modulating versus Rheem at 68 to 72 decibels, Greenspeed modulating technology for ultimate comfort and temperature control within 0.5 degrees, and standard parts that are widely available, costing 4,000 to 8,500 dollars installed for 80,000 BTU, with 10-year parts and lifetime heat exchanger warranty. Rheem furnaces like R92 single stage, R96V two-stage variable speed, and R98V modulating are mid-range value brand made in Fort Smith, Arkansas, offering good value with 92 to 98 percent AFUE efficiency, service rates around 9 to 12 percent slightly higher than Carrier, operation slightly louder, and lower upfront cost of 3,000 to 6,500 dollars installed, about 10 to 15 percent cheaper than Carrier. Both use similar hot surface igniters. For homeowners wanting most reliable with lowest repair rate and staying long term, Carrier is slightly better. For budget-conscious wanting good reliability at lower cost, Rheem offers better value.