Any noticeable noise in the listening room is undesirable. If you live where AC is a necessity in the summer, and you don't have a silent source, the problem is compounded. Electric heat is impractical cost-wise, unless you live where electric rates are less than $0.10/kwh. I heat with wood that comes from my land; other than my labor, it's free and quiet. In summer, I use the AC as little as necessary, turning it off for serious listening. There is no easy answer.
I just installed new furnance and AC
I just installed new furnace and AC. It is high efficiency pulsating burners type that lowers blower speed when set temperature is met. At full speed it is louder than dumb furnace I had before but after that is pretty much silent (blower at 300cfm). I wish I could afford electric heating but this furnace is the best I can do. Silence is relative term but music now seems to be more engaging. What is your experience? Is your furnace loud? Does it bother you?