Is 96% AFUE worth it over a cheaper 80% furnace?

AFUE is the share of fuel that becomes usable heat. A 96% AFUE furnace like this converts about 96% of the gas into heat versus roughly 80% on an older mid-efficiency unit, so more of every bill goes into your home instead of out the flue. We can walk you through that trade-off against the higher upfront cost during your quote.

What size Essential One 96 do I need?

It comes in 45,000, 70,000, 90,000, 110,000 and 135,000 BTU/h inputs. Sizing depends on your home's insulation, windows and layout, not just floor area — an oversized furnace short-cycles and heats unevenly, so we run a proper load calculation before recommending a model.

What does the warranty actually cover?

The heat exchanger carries a limited-lifetime warranty once you register the unit after installation, plus a 10-year limited parts warranty. We handle registration on install day so you get full coverage without extra paperwork.

Does this furnace qualify for an Ontario rebate?

No. Current rebate programs are built around heat pumps and heat-pump water heaters, not standard gas furnaces, so the Essential One 96 isn't rebate-eligible. If lowering bills through a rebate matters to you, ask us about heat pump options instead.

Is Kepler a furnace brand Imperial Heating actually installs?

Yes — Kepler is one of the brands on our regular install list alongside Lennox, Carrier and Goodman. We'll recommend the brand and model that fits your home and budget, not a single default.

Kepler · Furnace

Kepler Essential One 96

Name: Kepler Essential One 96
Brand: Kepler

The Kepler Essential One 96 is a single-stage, 96% AFUE gas furnace built for homeowners who want efficient, no-frills heating without paying for features they won't use. It pairs a high-efficiency constant-torque blower with a heat exchanger backed by a limited-lifetime warranty when registered, and it's ENERGY STAR certified. Five heat-input sizes, from 45,000 to 135,000 BTU/h, let us match it to homes from a small bungalow up to a large detached property across York Region, Durham and the GTA.

96%AFUEENERGY STAR® Certified

Get a Free Quote (647) 852-2359

Kepler Essential One 96 high-efficiency gas furnace

Why Homeowners Choose the Kepler Essential One 96

96% AFUE turns roughly 96 cents of every fuel dollar into heat — a real step up from the 80% units still common in older homes

The constant-torque blower draws up to one-third less energy than a standard PSC motor

The heat exchanger carries a limited-lifetime warranty when registered, plus a 10-year limited parts warranty

Single-stage design keeps the furnace simpler, with fewer parts that can drift out of spec over a long Ontario winter

A Good Fit If

Homeowners replacing an older mid-efficiency furnace who want a straightforward 96% AFUE upgrade

Budget-conscious buyers who'd rather put money into efficiency than into two-stage or modulating features

Small-to-mid-size homes — the five input sizes run 45,000 to 135,000 BTU/h

Anyone who wants long-term coverage on the heat exchanger, the most expensive part to replace if it fails

Manufacturer Specifications

Series: Essential One 96
Efficiency (AFUE): 96%
Heating stage: Single-stage gas valve
Blower motor: Multi-speed high-efficiency constant-torque (up to ⅓ less energy)
Heat input sizes: 45,000 · 70,000 · 90,000 · 110,000 · 135,000 BTU/h
Cabinet (090 model): 21" W × 27¾" D × 33" H (varies by size)
Heat exchanger warranty: Limited lifetime (with registration)
Parts warranty: 10-year limited
Certifications: ENERGY STAR® Certified · Low-NOx models available

Available sizes

Model	Heat input	Cooling	Cabinet
96G1UH045BE12	44,000 BTU/h	3 tons	17½"
96G1UH070BE12	66,000 BTU/h	3 tons	17½"
96G1UH090CE16	88,000 BTU/h	4 tons	21"
96G1UH110CE20	110,000 BTU/h	5 tons	21"
96G1UH135DE20	132,000 BTU/h	5 tons	24½"

Get a free quote on the Kepler Essential One 96 (647) 852-2359

Specifications published by Kepler. View manufacturer spec sheet