Your return grills, or the covers on your vents, could be to blame for your A/C issues. Image: Mile Atanasov/Shutterstock
Goodman Heating and Cooling
Since 1982, Goodman Heating and Cooling has produced quality, American-built home comfort technology, selling reliable air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas furnaces. In 2012, the Daikin Group purchased Goodman to add to their suite of products.
Goodman products
Expanding from air conditioners and heat pumps, Goodman’s products now run the gamut of heating and cooling machinery, including home accessories and temperature-monitoring tools.
Gas Furnaces
Goodman’s gas furnaces fall into two categories: those that are rated 90% AFUE and above and those that are rated 80% AFUE. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; the higher the rating, the more efficient the system.
Systems in the top-rated category include the GMVM97, rated 98% AFUE, and the popular GCVVC96, which boasts 96% AFUE.
The GMVM97 is an upflow horizontal modulating gas model at 60,000-120,000BTU/H, equipped with a heat exchanger constructed with life-tough tubular aluminized steel. This model has CoolCloud capabilities, allowing technicians to diagnose problems and configure systems electronically through an app. It also features ComfortBridge technology, which continuously monitors system performance. The cabinet is fully insulated to minimize noise and air leakage. This unit runs about $2,500.
The GCVC96 is a mid-range model with a downflow horizontal configuration that also features CoolCloud and ComfortBridge technologies. It’s capable of 40,000-120,000BTU/H. It has a two-stage gas valve for efficiency and quiet performance and costs about $2,100.
In the 80% AFUE category, Goodman offers the GMES80-U. This single-stage gas furnace puts out 40,000-80,000 BTU/H and comes with a multi-speed blower motor. It’s compliant with Ultra-Low NOx emissions to minimize a home’s environmental footprint and costs about $1,200.
Goodman Air Conditioners
Just like furnaces, air conditioners are categorized based on output and efficiency, but rather than AFUE, AC units are rated in terms of SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating system tops out at 21 SEER, with a rating of 14.5 SEER or higher necessary to qualify for an ENERGY STAR rating.
At the top end of Goodman air conditioners is the GSXC18. Offering up to 19 SEER, this model is capable of 24,000-60,000 BTU/H. It features Smart Speed technology, which amps up the power for extremely hot days but runs at lower speeds at other times to maximize energy savings. A heavy-gauge, galvanized steel enclosure cabinet protects the unit from the elements, while a sound blanket reduces noise. The unit costs around $3,200.
With a slightly smaller capacity, the 18,000-60,000BTU/H GSX14 offers up 15 SEER. It runs with a single-speed condenser fan motor for consistent and quiet airflow and maximizes temperature transfer with premium copper tubing and aluminum fin condenser coils. This unit costs about $1,600.
Goodman Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can heat and cool homes by extracting warm air from one area and transferring it to another. Goodman’s heat pumps feature louvered coil guards that protect the outside unit from the elements and factory-installed filter drivers that minimize contaminants.
Goodman offers heat pump models that achieve up to 19 SEER, like the GSZC18, which can heat up to 59,500 BTU/H and cool up to 56,500 BTU/H. Equipped with a high-density foam sound blanket on the compressor, the unit is quiet and costs around $3,200.
The GSZ14 offers up to 15 SEER and comes with a single-speed condenser motor and SmartShift technology. It provides heating and cooling capacities up to 60,000 BTU/H and costs around $1,600.
Goodman Packaged Systems
Goodman offers some packaged units, meaning the whole unit is placed outside the home, such as air conditioners. GPC14H, 14M, and GPC15H packaged air conditioners reach 14-15 SEER ratings and offer both horizontal and multi-position installation. They can reach 57,500 BTU/H and range from 2-5 tons, costing around $2,000.
Efficient electric heating can come in a package, too. Goodman’s GPH16M and 16H packaged heat pumps boast ENERGY STAR certification and up to 58,000 BTU/H. Two-stage scroll compressors and multi-speed blower motors provide plenty of power in a compact unit. Prices vary, but the 2-ton GPH1624M41 is available for $3,200.
In climates where both heating and cooling are required, gas-electric furnace/air conditioner packaged units are beneficial. Combining the efficiency and affordability of gas heat with electric cooling power, the $4,400 GPG16M offers up to 16 SEER and 81% AFUE. It’s capable of 58,500 BTU/H cooling and 140,000 BTU/H heating with a downflow or horizontal application.
The GPD14 is a dual-fuel packaged unit that offers efficiency by using gas or electric heating power, depending on what’s most economical. It provides up to 14.5 SEER and 81% AFUE and has multi-position installation capability, all for $3,100.
Goodman Warranties
The length and breadth of Goodman’s warranties vary by unit. For example, the GPG16M comes with a 20-year limited warranty and 10-year parts warranty, while the GPC14H is covered only by a 10-year parts warranty.
The GMVM97 comes with a limited lifetime warranty for the original, registered homeowner. If the heat exchanger gives up within 10 years, Goodman will replace the whole unit. The GMES80-U gas model is also backed by a replacement warranty; if the heat exchanger fails within 10 years, Goodman will cover its replacement.
Goodman Reviews
Reviews offer valuable insight into specific aspects of Goodman’s units. You can find reviews on Goodman’s website at the bottom of each product page, as well as on various online sites selling Goodman products. Reviews offer information on issues like customer support, product longevity, quietness, and effectiveness, helping you make the best choice for your needs.
Goodman’s customers often rave about great warranties, product effectiveness, and longevity, though reviews are mixed when it comes to unit noise.