Bryant 986TEvolution™ 96 Two-Stage Gas Furnace
96.7%
Two-Stage
Variable-Speed
High-efficiency two-stage furnace with Hybrid Heat® dual-fuel capability. Ideal for Portland homeowners wanting 96%+ efficiency with variable-speed comfort.
How the Bryant 986T Solves Portland Heating Challenges
Engineered for the Pacific Northwest's unique climate - from mild winters to dual-fuel savings
Portland's Mild Winter Climate
Portland winters typically hover between 35-50°F, rarely needing full heating capacity. The 986T runs on low stage (65% capacity) most of the time, providing consistent warmth while using less gas than single-stage furnaces that cycle on and off.
Low-stage operation 80% of the time means lower gas bills and more even temperatures throughout your home.
Hybrid Heat® Dual-Fuel Systems
The 986T works seamlessly with Bryant heat pumps to create a Hybrid Heat system. In Portland's mild winters, the heat pump runs most of the time, switching to the 986T only on the coldest days. This maximizes efficiency by using electricity when it's cheaper than gas.
Save 30-50% on winter heating costs compared to gas-only systems in Portland's climate.
Balance of Efficiency & Cost
At 96.7% AFUE, the 986T offers near-modulating efficiency at a lower price point. While not as efficient as the 987M, it still saves $500-700/year vs. 80% furnaces, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners wanting high efficiency.
Lower upfront cost than modulating furnaces while still achieving 96%+ efficiency ratings.
Variable-Speed Comfort
The 986T's variable-speed ECM blower adjusts airflow to maintain consistent comfort. Unlike single-speed blowers that blast air then shut off, the ECM runs continuously at low speed, eliminating hot/cold spots in multi-story Portland homes.
Even temperatures throughout your home with whisper-quiet operation and 50% lower fan electricity use.
Professional Heating Services Portland Metro
From high-efficiency furnace installation to emergency heating repair, our team handles all your Portland heating system needs. Factory Authorized Bryant dealer delivering premium service throughout Oregon.
Installation Service
Expert heater installation Portland
Heating Repair
Fast furnace repair services
System Replacement
Upgrade to efficient heating
Maintenance Plans
Keep your furnace running smoothly
Experiencing issues? Check our furnace diagnostic guide or call for immediate no-heat help. Learn aboutselecting a new furnace for your home.
Bryant 986T Key Features
Two-Stage Gas Valve
Operates at 65% capacity for mild weather and 100% for peak demand, providing better efficiency than single-stage models.
Hybrid Heat® Compatible
Pairs with Bryant heat pumps to create dual-fuel systems that automatically switch between electric and gas for optimal savings.
Variable-Speed ECM Blower
Continuously adjusts airflow for consistent temperatures and whisper-quiet operation with 50% lower electrical consumption.
Two-Stage Heat Exchanger
Primary aluminized steel + secondary stainless steel construction extracts maximum heat for 96.7% efficiency.
Evolution Connex™ Compatible
Works with Bryant's smart thermostat for remote control, scheduling, energy tracking, and system diagnostics.
WhisperQuiet™ Design
Insulated cabinet with isolated blower assembly runs as quietly as a modern refrigerator.
Technical Specifications
| Model Number | 986T |
| Efficiency (AFUE) | 96.7% |
| Gas Valve Type | Two-Stage |
| Blower Motor | Variable-Speed ECM |
| Heating Capacity | 60,000 - 120,000 BTU/h |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas / LP Convertible |
| Ignition | Hot Surface Ignition |
| Venting | PVC, ABS, or CPVC (2" or 3") |
| Heat Exchanger | Aluminized Steel Primary + Stainless Secondary |
| Cabinet | DuraGuard Plus™ protection |
Industry-Leading Warranty
Premium protection for premium equipment
- Lifetime Heat Exchanger - Both primary and secondary heat exchangers covered for life
- 10-Year Parts - All functional parts covered for 10 years
- Requires installation by Factory Authorized Dealer
- Product registration within 90 days required
Product Documentation
Official Bryant resources
Access the latest brochures, owner's manuals, installation guides, and warranty information directly from Bryant:
View Official DocumentsOpens Bryant.com - Always up-to-date documentation
Annual Savings vs. Lower Efficiency Furnaces
*Based on Portland average of 2,000 heating hours, $1.30/therm NW Natural gas. Actual savings vary.
Bryant 986T Installation Throughout Portland Metro
Factory Authorized installation, repair, and maintenance service
Central Portland
Downtown, Pearl District, NW, NE, SE Portland, Sellwood, St. Johns
West Side
Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Hillsboro, Tualatin
East Side
Gresham, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Clackamas
What Portland Homeowners Say
See why customers trust us for Bryant furnace installation
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bryant 986T
What is the 986T's Hybrid Heat® dual-fuel capability?
The 986T works with Bryant heat pumps to create a Hybrid Heat system that automatically switches between electric heat pump and gas furnace based on outdoor temperature and energy costs. In Portland's mild winters, the heat pump typically runs when temps are above 35-40°F (cheaper electricity), switching to the 986T furnace only on the coldest days. This dual-fuel approach can save 30-50% on heating costs compared to gas-only systems in our climate.
How does the 986T two-stage gas valve differ from single-stage?
The 986T fires at 65% capacity most of the time (low stage), ramping to 100% only on very cold days. Single-stage furnaces are always 100% on or completely off, causing temperature swings and wasted energy. During Portland's typical 40-50°F winter days, the 986T's low stage provides consistent warmth without overshooting your thermostat setting, resulting in better comfort and 15-20% lower gas consumption than single-stage models.
What's the difference between the Bryant 986T and 987M furnaces?
The 986T is a two-stage furnace (65% or 100% operation) while the 987M is modulating with 60+ firing rates. The 987M achieves 98.5% AFUE vs the 986T's 96.7%. For Portland homeowners, the 986T offers an excellent balance of high efficiency and lower upfront cost—you get variable-speed comfort and 96%+ efficiency without paying for modulating technology that's most beneficial in extreme climates. Both support Hybrid Heat dual-fuel systems.
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Energy Trust of Oregon rebates up to $1,000 + Federal Tax Credits available