KeepRite Furnace Review

A complete KeepRite furnace buying guide and review, including top models compared, AFUE ratings, features, price ranges, warranty info, and more. Get a free quote quickly & easily!

Today’s furnaces are more technologically advanced than ever before, and consumers have more choices today than in the past in terms of makes and models.

If you’re looking to buy a new KeepRite furnace, the task might seem a bit daunting with all the options out there.

The good news is that picking the right furnace doesn’t have to be difficult, and this KeepRite brand review will help you invest in a furnace that will work for your home.

The review will cover information about KeepRite’s gas furnace models, energy efficiency ratings, warranty certificate, performance, design elements, and any special features or technology they offer.

Also Read: The Best Furnaces for Canadians

Review of KeepRite’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Reputation for dependable, quality furnaces
• Good selection of models
• Economical brand
• Most high-efficiency models are ENERGY STAR® certified
• Ultra-low NOx models available
• Highly efficient models available in their affordable entry-level tier
• Furnaces are compatible with air purifiers and humidifiers
• Units are dual fuel compatible
• Mid-range and top-tier models are backed by an excellent warranty
• Most furnaces have secondary heat exchangers for condensing operation
• Cabinets are insulated and have noise-reducing features
• Feature fuel-saving silicon nitride igniters
• Units are tested for performance
• Furnaces are powered by durable rigid press joint heat exchangers

Weaknesses

• KeepRite doesn’t have any special features or novel technologies
• Entry-level furnaces only come with a standard warranty

The Bottom Line

KeepRite has something to suit just about any home or budget. Need a less efficient but more affordable entry-level unit with single-stage operation? Looking at high-efficiency models that are pricier but have more features and modulating gas valves? Want something in between with dependable two-stage operation? KeepRite should have a model that suits your needs!

Most of their furnaces come with a great warranty, and they all have excellent design elements for improved efficiency, quiet operation, and lasting performance.

KeepRite doesn’t have some of the novel features and special technologies that some other brands offer, but they do make reliable and relatively affordable furnaces with some attractive design features.

KeepRite Customer Reviews

The homeowners we’ve heard from have great things to say about KeepRite furnaces. They like that the units are quiet, run well, and are reliable. People are also happy with the warranty coverage and how efficient the furnaces are. What's more, homeowners who got multiple quotes really like that KeepRite models come at a lower price point compared to other brands.

➤ Get the BEST Prices on KeepRite furnaces: Fill out a free quote request here

Keeprite Furnace Model Series Overview

The grades are based on our proprietary algorithm which compares a variety of criteria to make it easy to compare models across brands. Note that models with lower grades aren’t necessarily a bad choice, as lower cost models tend to have more basic features, warranty coverage, or efficiency ratings, which lowers the grade relative to more expensive models.

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KeepRite Furnace Models and Prices

KeepRite’s Entry-Level Furnaces

Average price for an entry-level Performance furnace: $3,800 to $4,800

Models

Performance 92 - N92MSN: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with an AFUE of 92.1%. This is KeepRite’s most basic and affordable entry-level furnace. It will operate well in milder climates, but in colder climates like Canada, this is no longer considered a high-efficiency furnace and may not be available.

Performance 95 - N95ESU: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with an AFUE of 95%. This is an ultra-low NOx emissions furnace. That means it has an additional component that premixes fuel and oxygen before combustion, making the perfect ratio for clean burning with fewer emissions, better efficiency, and a lower environmental impact.

Performance 96 - N96MSN: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with an AFUE of 97%. Like other KeepRite furnaces, this model is dual fuel compatible. That means you can install it with a heat pump and the system will automatically switch between gas heat and electric heat depending on the temperature to maximize energy savings.

Performance 96 - N96VSN: Single-stage, variable-speed furnace with an AFUE of 97%. This furnace has KeepRite’s special rigid press joint heat exchanger. It has a design that makes it more resistant to heat, so it transfers heat better, is less likely to crack, and is more efficient.

Ideal For

KeepRite has some great and highly efficient furnaces in their entry-level tier, but even still, all their Performance furnaces are single-stage, so they're going to work best in milder climates or smaller spaces. These furnaces are great for homeowners with a smaller budget looking for a basic furnace with quality features but without special technologies.

KeepRite’s Mid-Range Furnaces

Average price for a mid-range QuietComfort furnace: $4,300 to $5,300

Models

QuietComfort® 96 - G96VTN: Two-stage, variable speed furnace with an AFUE of 96.7%. This furnace is equipped with a variable-speed ECM blower motor. That means the blower can make incremental adjustments to the airflow, delivering more consistent temperatures, lower energy use, quieter comfort, and better humidity management.

Ideal For

Even though this furnace is marginally less efficient than some of the Performance models, it will still perform better in larger spaces and colder climates. That’s because the two-stage operation is better at handling cold temperatures efficiently and effectively. This is also a great option if you're looking for better warranty coverage.

KeepRite’s Top-Tier Furnaces

Average price for a top-tier Ion furnace: $4,800 to $5,800

Models

Ion™ 95 - G95CSU: Single-stage, variable-speed furnace with an AFUE of 95%. This is another ultra-low NOx furnace that’s great for places like California. Even though it’s part of KeepRite’s top-tier Ion series, it’s actually similar to their entry-level models in terms of specifications and design. The main differences are that this model has slightly better warranty coverage and it’s compatible with the brand’s smart thermostat.

Ion™ 96 - G96CTN: Two-stage, variable speed furnace with an AFUE of 96.7%. This furnace is similar to KeepRite’s mid-range model, with the main differences being better warranty coverage and compatibility with the Ion System Control. That’s a smart thermostat that gives you access to more sophisticated features and better control over your comfort settings.

Ion™ 98 - G97CMN: Modulating, variable-speed furnace with an AFUE of 98%. This is KeepRite’s only modulating furnace. That means the furnace can make incremental adjustments to the heat output, resulting in the most precise and consistent temperature. Furnaces like this are the quietest and most efficient on the market.

Ideal For

KeepRite’s top-tier models are all over the place in terms of specifications, so they can be great for smaller homes in milder climates all the way up to large homes in cold climates with long winters. KeepRite is more of an economy brand, so you can still get a top-tier furnace for a decent price, and with that you'll get smart thermostat compatibility and an excellent warranty.

Recently Discontinued KeepRite Furnaces

• Performance Series - N95ESN
• Performance Series - N9MSE
• ProComfort™ Deluxe Series - G9MAE
• ProComfort™ Deluxe Series - G9MVE
• ProComfort™ Deluxe Series - G96VTN
• Performance Series - N92ESN
• Performance Series - N9MSB

Exclusive Features from KeepRite

Feature 1 – Ion System Control

How KeepRite describes it: A communicating system control that promises an easy and intuitive way to manage the comfort settings in your home using the full-colour touchscreen display, voice commands, or the Ion Home mobile app.

What it is in plain language: The Ion System Control is a proprietary smart thermostat, and it does have some really great features. This Wi-Fi device lets you control the temperature, humidity, fan speed, and ventilation settings throughout your house. Even if you’re on the other side of the world, you can still control your home comfort settings to maximize energy savings.

The smart thermostat comes with a user-friendly touchscreen display that provides statistics on energy use, maintenance reminders, and local weather updates. It can even be used for zoned temperature control in up to eight zones or used to manage a dual fuel system.

You can also program the thermostat for up to seven days. What's more, you can program multiple settings throughout each day, such as away, sleep, and home modes

Is it more than just hype? Smart thermostats have indeed been shown to improve efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs. By enabling you to program different temperature and comfort settings depending on your needs and activities, the Ion System Control can help to further reduce your winter heating bills.

Beyond that, this smart thermostat has some great capabilities that can make you more comfortable throughout the winter by making sure that every inch of your house is customized to your preferences.

Although the Ion System Control has some great potential benefits, it certainly isn't a unique feature. A number of other furnace brands also have their own exclusive smart thermostats.

For example, the Ion System Control is proprietary to the parent company that makes KeepRite, so it’s also available through sister brands Heil, Comfortmaker, and Tempstar.

Beyond that, many other brands also have their own devices, including Carrier, Armstrong, Heil, Rheem, Ruud, Trane, Lennox, Daikin, York, Coleman, and Luxaire.

Feature 2 – Rigid Press Joint Heat Exchanger

How KeepRite describes it: KeepRite furnaces come with an RPJ primary heat exchanger (they don’t explain what this means).

What it is in plain language: A rigid press joint heat exchanger is a type of clamshell heat exchanger, and that means it doesn’t use welds to keep the joints together.

Welds can pose problems because they can fail. This is especially true if they haven't been done properly. It’s particularly problematic in high-temperature and high-pressure environments like the inside of a heat exchanger.

By eliminating the welds, KeepRite has eliminated the possibility that their heat exchangers will fail because of flawed welds.

Is it more than just hype? RPJ heat exchangers do tend to have a longer life than traditional heat exchangers because they aren't as likely to crack and the joints are less likely to separate.

There are several brands that use RPJ heat exchangers or something similar, including Heil, Tempstar, and Comfortmaker.

Similarly, Lennox uses something called a Duralok heat exchanger in some of their models, and this is a type of clamshell heat exchanger. And Armstrong uses EHX technology in some of their furnaces, and this is a crimped heat exchanger that also doesn’t use welds for the joints.

So while KeepRite isn't exclusive in offering this technology, it’s clear that many brands have adopted these alternative heat exchanger designs because they have benefits not offered by standard heat exchangers.

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Warranty Analysis

The warranty terms

KeepRite has a separate warranty certificate for different models, but the mid-range and premium-tier furnaces have the best coverage. Here's a breakdown of the warranty protection for KeepRite furnaces:

The No Hassle Replacement warranty is KeepRite’s version of a unit replacement warranty. It means that if the primary heat exchanger fails during the coverage period, then KeepRite will replace the entire furnace with the same or a comparable model.

Registration is required

All HVAC companies want you to register a new gas furnace when it’s installed, and the incentive for you is the warranty terms listed above. With KeepRite, timely registration is required within 90 days of installation.

Unregistered furnaces are still protected, but you will lose some coverage. Any lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty will expire after 20 years for unregistered units, and parts warranties will only last for five. And unregistered furnaces aren't eligible for a No Hassle Replacement limited warranty.

Luckily, registering a newly installed furnace is very simple. You can do it through KeepRite’s website. You'll need to provide your contact information, the details of the contractor who installed the furnace, the installation date, and the serial and model number of the furnace.

Conditions and restrictions

Warranty coverage can save you a great deal of money on repair costs, but there are things you'll have to do to keep the coverage valid.

If warranty protection is something that matters to you, then you'll want to read through KeepRite’s terms and conditions.

But most HVAC companies have similar conditions for their warranties, such as requiring registration.

Another thing that most companies require is that you hire a licensed HVAC contractor to install the furnace. Trying to do a DIY installation will result in your warranty being terminated.

You'll also have to get the furnace serviced annually to keep the warranty valid. And make sure to keep the receipts! Moreover, you have to live in and own the house where the furnace is installed to qualify for the coverage.

How the KeepRite warranty measures up to the competition

KeepRite has one of the best warranties in the business for their mid-range and premium-tier models.

This is impressive when you consider the fact that they're an economy brand. In fact, there are several expensive brand name companies out there that charge a lot more for their products and don’t offer warranty protection as good as what KeepRite has. Lennox and Carrier are good examples because they make some of the most expensive furnaces, but neither offers a unit replacement warranty.

KeepRite isn’t the only brand to offer an excellent warranty. York, Comfortmaker, Goodman, and Amana all make relatively affordable furnaces and offer things like lifetime heat exchanger warranties for all their models and unit replacement warranties. Daikin similarly has a great warranty because they have 12-year parts warranties and 12-year unit replacement warranties for some models.

However, it should be noted that a couple of KeepRite’s entry-level furnaces only have 20-year heat exchanger warranties, and this is the most basic coverage that any manufacturer offers.

Be a happy homeowner when you purchase a KeepRite gas furnace. Fill out our online form and ask for a free quote.

KeepRite Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats

Air Scrubbers

KeepRite makes the OptiClean™ air scrubber, a stand-alone unit that you can roll into different rooms as needed to purify the air. It has a HEPA filter that’s 99.97 percent effective at eliminating particles that are 0.3 microns and larger. Although the OptiClean air scrubber is highly effective, it’s more suitable for commercial applications, including in hospitals, schools, and offices. For residential applications, KeepRite has other products that would be more appropriate.

Air Purifiers

If you do have concerns about your indoor air quality at home, then KeepRite’s air purifier would be a better solution compared to the air scrubber. The air purifier gets installed on the furnace, so it purifies all the air going through your HVAC system.

Air purifiers can be good for a lot of homes. For example, they can be beneficial if you live on a dirt road, struggle with dust, have recently done construction work or renovations, have pets, or live in a new home.

Alternatively, they can also be really good for people with family members who struggle with allergies, asthma, or other similar health problems.

These devices can also be great if you're concerned with viruses and bacteria and want to limit their spread in your home.

Here's how KeepRite’s air purifier works: the device is electrically charged so that ions can attach to things like pathogens, dust, and pollen, which are then captured on a MERV 15 filter and killed with an electrical charge.

This air purifier is effective at killing 99 percent of certain pathogens, including influenza, common cold viruses, coronavirus, and some streptococcus bacteria. It’s also effective against 95 percent of other particles in the 1- to 3-micron range.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

KeepRite has a number of geothermal heat pumps that can provide your home with a renewable heat and air conditioning source.

Geothermal systems harness the power of the ambient temperature of the ground below the Earth’s surface. This temperature is warmer than the typical air temperature in winter, but also cooler than the average air temperature in summer.

In this way, geothermal systems can provide both heating and cooling for your home without relying on fossil fuels. As a result, these systems can be great for families who are trying to mitigate their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprints.

KeepRite makes systems that can replace traditional furnaces or boiler systems, but they also have ones that can be used in conjunction with a natural gas furnace.

When you install a geothermal heat pump that works with your furnace, the system can switch between the two heat sources to save you as much money as possible. As most KeepRite furnaces are dual fuel compatible, you could pair one of their furnaces with one of their geothermal heat pumps instead of an electric one.

KeepRite also has a hydronic geothermal heat pump system that can provide your home with heating, cooling, and domestic hot water.

Thermostats

We’ve already talked about KeepRite’s Ion System Control, so we won’t go over that again, but they also have other thermostat options.

One is a programmable thermostat with humidity control that can be used to manage a dual fuel system. And you can program temperature schedules for seven days. They also have a more basic programmable thermostat that allows seven-day scheduling, but it doesn’t have the humidity control or dual fuel management capabilities.

If you're leaning toward an Ion furnace paired with the Ion System Control, then there are other devices you can use if you want to take advantage of zoned temperature control.

KeepRite has the Ion Zoning System, which works with the furnace and the thermostat to give you customized temperature control for eight separate zones throughout the house. They also have a smart sensor for the Ion Zoning System that can be used to monitor the temperature in a zone.

KeepRite- About the Company

KeepRite has been in the HVAC business for more than five decades, and in 1981 they were purchased by the American HVAC company International Comfort Products. The brand focuses on quality HVAC appliances, including budget-friendly gas and oil furnaces that deliver reliable comfort.

The company has affordable high-efficiency furnaces that are suitable for many homeowners, and their generous warranties and dedication to customer satisfaction make KeepRite a good choice if you’re looking to upgrade to a newer and better furnace.

Eager to learn more about KeepRite’s high-efficiency natural gas furnace line up? Fill out our online form, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.

Frequently Asked Questions