Best HVAC Systems in 2026: Good, Better, Best
At BetterTemp Heating & Cooling, we install everything from basic single-stage air conditioners and 80% furnaces to top-of-the-line modulating hydro-furnaces paired with variable-capacity heat pumps. What do those words actually mean? Which of the best HVAC systems belongs in your home? Below is a plain-English breakdown from a licensed HVAC technician and Navien Service Specialist in Jeannette, PA. It covers what each system does, who it's right for, and why one setup outperforms the rest in Western PA winters.
LETS START WITH FURNACES..
80% furnace
An 80% AFUE gas furnace turns 80 cents of every fuel dollar into heat. The other 20 cents go up the chimney. It's the most common furnace in older Westmoreland County homes, and it's still the lowest upfront cost.
Best for homeowners who need reliable heat now on a tight budget, or homes with an existing chimney vent where upgrading venting isn't practical. The trade-off is that it runs at one speed, full blast or off. That means temperature swings, louder operation, and higher gas bills over its lifespan. It's a solid "solve the problem today" choice, but it isn't where the comfort is.
Single Phase Air Conditioner
A single-stage central air conditioner has one speed: 100% on or completely off. It's the standard entry-level system and the most affordable way to cool a whole home.
It cools your house, but because it can't slow down, it cycles on and off often. That can leave rooms uneven and humidity higher than you'd like on muggy Pennsylvania summer days. It works well for budget-conscious installs and rentals. It's also the system most homeowners outgrow once they feel what a variable-speed system does.
Navien Hydro-Furnace + Variable-Capacity Heat Pump
This is the top of the line. The Navien NPF hydro-furnace heats water inside the unit, then blows air across a hot-water coil to heat your home through your existing ductwork. It's installed just like a furnace and delivers the comfort of hydronic heat. A variable-capacity heat pump sits on top of it to handle cooling in summer and efficient electric heating in spring and fall. The system automatically picks the cheapest, most comfortable heat source for the weather outside.
Here's what sets this system apart. Both halves modulate, so they don't just turn on and off. They dial up or down in small steps to match exactly what your house needs.
- 97% efficient gas heat: The hydro-furnace burns gas at 97% AFUE and modulates from 11,000 to 80,000 BTU/h. That's roughly 15% to 100% capacity, so it runs low and steady instead of blasting on and off.
- Heat that doesn't quit: Heat pump output drops in deep cold. The hydro-furnace's supply air temperature can be set anywhere from 95 to 150 degrees, so when it's single digits in January you still get truly warm air, not the lukewarm feel of a heat pump alone.
- Dual-fuel savings: The heat pump carries mild days on electricity, and the hydro-furnace takes over during real Western PA cold snaps.
- Quiet, even comfort: Navien rates it among the quietest furnaces available, with a variable-speed ECM blower. Long, low-speed run times mean fewer temperature swings and better humidity control in summer.
- Built to last: The stainless steel heat exchanger sits outside the airstream, and a registered residential install carries a limited lifetime warranty on that heat exchanger and 10 years on parts.
- Installed by a Navien specialist: I spent years in factory-level Navien technical support before starting BetterTemp. This is the system I know inside and out.
If you plan to stay in your home and want the best comfort money can buy, this is it.
Testimonials
Sue & Butch
"We are beyond happy with our new heat pump. My favorite part is how quite it is and how I can control the heat and cooling through my phone!
Navien Heat Pump Installed in Sep.2026
Patrcia Poore
“ Its hard to pick one thing I like... I'll say this I use keep the temperature in my house low to try and save money plus not hear the loud and clunky furnace....Now that I have a new Hydro Furnace pair with the heat pump six months later I've really noticed a difference in my bill and I cant even tell that its running sometimes. I mean thats how quiet it is! Fantastic !!!”
Navien Hydro Furnace w/ Navien Heat Pump Installed in March 2026
Brittany Gonzalez
"My husband Emilio Installed a Navien Hydro Furnace w/ Navien Heat Pump last year. First thing I noticed is he doesn't Snore when he sleeps anymore. Its more comfortable in our home and our kids allergies are better. He still trying to charge me labor for the job, I keep telling him I am his wife and this was his idea."
Navien Hydro-Furnace w/ Navien Heat Pump Installed January 2025 (Payment still pending 😂)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best HVAC system for a home in Western Pennsylvania?
For homeowners who want top comfort and efficiency, a modulating hydro-furnace paired with a variable-capacity heat pump is the best setup for Western PA. The heat pump efficiently handles mild weather, and the hydro-furnace covers the coldest days without losing output.
What is a hydro-furnace?
A hydro-furnace is a gas furnace that heats water first, then blows air across a hot-water coil to heat your home through ductwork. Unlike a traditional furnace, the flame never touches the air you breathe. The result is steady, even warmth, and it installs like a regular furnace with no separate boiler needed.
Do heat pumps work in Pennsylvania winters?
Modern variable-capacity heat pumps heat efficiently well below freezing, but their output drops in extreme cold. Pairing one with a gas hydro-furnace or furnace backup, called a dual-fuel system, gives you heat pump savings without sacrificing comfort on the coldest nights.
Is an 80% furnace still worth installing?
An 80% furnace makes sense when budget is the priority or when the home's venting doesn't support a high-efficiency unit. Over time, a 96% or modulating system usually costs less to run.
Who installs Navien hydro-furnaces near Jeannette, PA?
BetterTemp Heating & Cooling, a family-owned company in Jeannette, installs and services Navien NPF hydro-furnaces throughout Westmoreland County. Owner Emilio is a licensed HVAC technician and Navien Service Specialist with factory-level experience.