My daughter's furnace went out this winter. She is looking to buy a new one. She's near Lacrosse, WI. What is the best kind of furnace and does anyone know of a good contractor in that area? --207.118.xxx.xx

First off see if one determine the Btu Capacity of the furnace by taking that off name plate of the furnace. Every furnace has a Btu capacity. Generally for a single family house the capacity should be from 50,000 Btu to 100,000 Btu. Consider a high efficiency furnace as the net output is higher then regular furnace that means a smaller furnace will work. There is no need to use the chimney where the furnace can vented directly through the wall. The most expensive part on a furnace is the heat exchanger. Look for the warranty on the heat exchanger. Look at google reviews on furnaces to see which ones have the least problems. If one knows the Btu capacity then phone around to get some approximate prices of a furnace installation. Higher efficiency furnaces cost more up front but use less natural gas or propane. --74.220.xxx.xxx

Ive had good luck buying furnace on line, mostly e bay, & having a local independent heating guy install it. I save about an avg of $1000 per unit/ course don't get warranty service but I do take a chance on that. May not be for you, works for me. GOOD LUCK! --50.106.xxx.xxx

I've never actually bought a furnace. Hire someone and the bring it, why would anyone buy a furnace and then what install it themselves? ?? --66.87.xx.xx

Find a qualified heating contractor and he will supply the furnace,only way to do it unless you are capable of figuring out what size etc you need --24.92.xx.xx

Find a local HVAC supply company (where HVAC people buy their supplies/parts) and go in ask them for someone. We found a retired HVAC guy that likes cash :) --75.128.xx.xxx

If you are not equipped to make a good install hire it out, you do have several months to find someone. --76.188.xxx.xxx

The last one i got is a Coleman brand. Check consumer reports. --66.87.xx.xx