Payne Furnace Reviews [Models and Prices]

Founded in 1914, Payne is a heating and cooling brand that manufactures air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas furnaces. Like Bryant, Payne is a part of United Technologies Corporation since the company acquired Carrier in 1979.

Today, Payne is available nationally in the United States and Canada, too, with more than 40 distributor locations. Compared to other brands on the market, Payne offers a scaled-down lineup of products that include gas furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ductless systems, and more.

Unlike most other HVAC brands operating today, Payne does not offer a modulating gas furnace. Gas furnaces produced by Payne are limited to single-stage and two-stage. Because other manufacturers offer modulating gas furnaces, they can create higher efficiency units, but for a two-stage unit, the top furnace from Payne is still highly efficient for what it is.

The PG96VAT two-stage variable-speed gas furnace has an AFUE rating of up to 96% and features Energy Star savings. They also offer six other units that range from 80% AFUE to 95.5% AFUE. For their price, they’re a reasonable furnace compared to other two-stage or single-stage systems.

Payne’s Features

Affordable

Unlike other brands, Payne’s scaled back lineup means they can focus on what they know and provide straightforward gas furnaces affordable without much confusion. Low-cost units for use in apartments and small homes can retail for as low as $700 and are a great option if cost is the only factor.

Even for their top, high-efficiency unit, Payne offers competitive pricing for a no-frills alternative to other gas furnaces on the market. This is especially valuable for those looking for a short-term solution rather than a long-term commitment.

For many, there’s no sense in purchasing an expensive, high-quality, high-efficiency furnace if they don’t plan on staying in their current home long. Similarly, if there isn’t much demand from the climate in your area, an inexpensive Payne gas furnace may meet your heating needs just fine.

Sealed Combustion System

To prevent drafts or breezes and allow for a much quieter operation, Payne’s gas furnaces rely on a sealed combustion system that pulls fresh air from outside rather than the air already inside your home. This also means that the furnace won’t be affected by other appliances in the home or the chemicals from laundry that can cause erosion. Furthermore, it means that the furnace won’t use air that you’ve already paid to heat.

Insulated Cabinets

Payne gas furnaces feature a solid pre-painted, steel insulated cabinet with a tight door latch system. This helps prevent sound from escaping the unit and ensures it runs as quiet as possible during operation—an essential for homeowners who prefer not to be bothered by the loud noises typically associated with furnaces.

Types Of Payne Furnaces 

Payne offers a range of options to suit different needs and requirements. When it comes to the gas valve type, you can choose either a single-stage or two-stage furnace. Payne also offers furnaces with fixed-speed, multi-speed, and variable-speed blower motors.

Payne Furnace Models 

When choosing a furnace, it’s important to keep certain factors in mind, including the unit’s AFUE (Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. This rating measures the amount of fuel a furnace consumes to produce heat, effectively measuring efficiency. See below for some of Payne’s top furnace models.

Payne 96 PG96VAT and 95 PG95XAT

Providing consistent comfort at an affordable price, the Payne 96 PG96VAT and 95 PG95XAT furnaces have dual-fuel capabilities and are ENERGY STAR-certified to ensure energy-saving heating performance. The fully insulated cabinet ensures heat is always moving to your ductwork, while compatibility with an air purifier and humidifier enhances indoor air quality. These two-stage furnace models feature high-temperature limit control that prevents overheating as well as sound-reducing features that promotes quiet comfort.

The 96 PG96VAT has a variable-speed blower motor and up to 96% AFUE rating. The similar 95 PG95XAT comes with a multi-speed blower motor and offers up to 95.5% AFUE rating.

Payne 95 PG95S and 92 PG92S

The Payne 95 PG95S and 92 PG92S deliver reliable and impressive performance at an affordable price. These furnaces feature single-stage operation and fixed-speed blower motors to offer even temperature control and consistent comfort. 

Both models work with air purifiers and humidifiers to provide improved home air quality. The dual-fuel capable furnaces help you reduce your energy bills, while the high-temperature limit control feature prevents overheating. These units include a sound-reducing operation that lets you enjoy quiet comfort. While the 95 PG95S has up to 95.5% AFUE rating, the 92 PG92S achieves a maximum of 92.1% AFUE.

Payne 95 PG95ESUA and 80 PG80ESUA

Consider the Payne 95 PG95ESUA and 80 PG80ESUA models if you desire a durable, energy-efficient furnace at a good value. The five-speed blower motor works together with the single-stage gas valve to ensure consistent temperature control for enhanced comfort. 

These furnaces feature a fully insulated cabinet, so heat keeps moving to your ductwork, while dual-fuel capabilities help reduce heating costs. These appliances work with air purifiers and humidifiers and offer quiet performance to help maintain a peaceful home environment. The 95 PG95ESUA achieves up to 95% AFUE and the 80 PG80ESUA has a maximum of 80% AFUE rating.

Payne 80 PG8JVB

The Payne 80 PG8JVB keeps cold out and comfort in. This two-stage heating appliance has a variable-speed blower motor for improved temperature control and comfort. Dual-fuel capability ensures energy-saving heat performance, while the fully insulated cabinet keeps the heat moving to the ductwork. 

Humidity control and compatibility with an air purifier and humidifier deliver improved air quality. This Payne furnace runs quietly to allow for a peaceful environment. With an AFUE rating of up to 80%, this model is energy-efficient.

Payne 80 PG8MAA

The Payne 80 PG8MAA furnace model offers dependable performance. This single-stage furnace has a fixed-speed blower motor so you can enjoy consistent temperatures. Dual-fuel capability helps you save energy, while compatibility with a humidifier and air purifier keeps the air in your home clean and comfortable. In addition to quiet performance, this unit has a maximum of 80% AFUE rating.

Pros And Cons Of Payne Furnaces 

• Payne furnaces have earned a reputation of being affordable, dependable, and energy-efficient heating machines. See below for some advantages of a Payne furnace.
• Generally, these units are affordable, and Payne furnace parts are readily available
• The quiet operation of Payne furnaces helps maintain a peaceful home environment
• Insulated cabinets help prevent sound from escaping the unit
• Before buying a Payne furnace, you should also consider the potential downsides. See below for some considerations.
• As much as the brand offers high-quality products, the products lack innovative features
• Some furnaces include warranties that only last five years.

Payne Furnace Warranties

Payne strives to ensure that consumers enjoy peace of mind by helping protect their home comfort investment. Most registered Payne products include a 10-year parts limited warranty. Furnaces also carry a limited warranty on all functional parts.

Consumer Reviews

Very Satisfied

I have been an HVAC contractor in Mississauga Ontario Canada for 18 years now. For about the first 15 years I was installing only Keeprite furnaces and A/Cs with no major issues whatsoever. Back in 2016, Keeprite raised pricing by almost 25-30% on its equipment. That forced me -thank God- to turn to Payne which is almost identical to Keeprite and of course to Carrier, since both of these brands are owned by United Technologies that also owns Carrier. I have experienced zero issues with these in almost 3 years now and because of their low cost, my sales have been higher than ever.

Very Unsatisfied

Installer put the furnace in last winter, in my barn. Started flashing code 23 within a day. Installer was out here 6 times in 3 months. One time the squirrel cage came off the shaft. Fixed with lock tight. Then the squirrel cage became detached from its own centers. Basically self destructing. I would hope that the installer gets some kind of compensation from Payne because it shouldn’t take 6 trips to make a furnace work.