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Goodman Furnace Review & Buying Guide
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15,000+
Goodman
4.6
Average Rating By Homeowner
$5,500
Average Price Including Installation
Goodman Furnaces At a Glance
Strengths
Room for Improvement
Goodman Furnace Review
Your complete 2024 guide to Goodman furnaces, updated with the latest details on top models, energy efficiency (AFUE) ratings, exclusive features, warranty coverage, and more. Get a free quote quickly and easily!
If you’re considering a high-efficiency Goodman furnace for your home, this review will help you decide if it’s the right fit. We’ll walk you through a detailed model comparison to make choosing the perfect furnace easier.
This guide offers a thorough overview of Goodman’s brand reputation, warranty options, price ranges, and unique features. You’ll also find insights from HVAC professionals and fellow homeowners, giving you a well-rounded perspective.
We’ll cover essential details like AFUE ratings and pricing so you can select a furnace that suits your home, budget, and environmental goals.
Known in the HVAC industry for producing reliable, affordable furnaces with strong warranty backing, Goodman is a popular choice for many homeowners. If you’re shopping for a new furnace, this review provides everything you need to make an informed decision about whether Goodman is right for you.
Also Read: The Best Furnaces for Canadians
The Bottom Line
Goodman gas furnaces are among the most affordable options available, yet they maintain reliable performance and solid build quality.
While the brand may not showcase many advanced features or cutting-edge technologies, their furnaces deliver dependable, energy-efficient heating at a budget-friendly price.
Goodman’s excellent warranty coverage adds peace of mind and reflects their strong confidence in the durability of their products.
Overall, when stacked against competitors, Goodman offers impressive value and efficiency that’s hard to surpass.
Goodman Furnace Model Series Overview
Goodman offers a wide selection of gas furnaces ranging from entry-level to high-efficiency premium models. To help you compare across the lineup, we’ve graded each model based on a proprietary algorithm that considers factors like energy efficiency, key features, warranty coverage, and value for money.
💡 Note: A lower grade doesn’t necessarily mean a poor product—it may simply reflect fewer advanced features or a more basic warranty compared to higher-end models.
| Model | AFUE Efficiency | ENERGY STAR® Certified | Overall Grade | Warranty Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMVM97 | 98% | ✅ Yes | A+ | A- |
| GCVM97 | 97% | ✅ Yes | A+ | A- |
| GMVC96 | 96% | ✅ Yes | A | A- |
| GCVC96 | 96% | ✅ Yes | A | A- |
| GM9C96 | 96% | ✅ Yes | A | A- |
| GC9C96 | 96% | ✅ Yes | A | A- |
| GMVS96-U | 96% | ✅ Yes | A- | A- |
| GM9S96 | 96% | ✅ Yes | A- | A- |
| GC9S96 | 96% | ✅ Yes | A- | A- |
| GM9S96-U | 96% | ✅ Yes | A- | A- |
| GMVC80 | 80% | ❌ No | B | A- |
| GCVC80 | 80% | ❌ No | B | A- |
| GM9C80 | 80% | ❌ No | B | A- |
| GC9C80 | 80% | ❌ No | B | A- |
| GM9S80 | 80% | ❌ No | C | B+ |
| GMVS80-U | 80% | ❌ No | B- | A- |
| GC9S80 | 80% | ❌ No | B- | A- |
| GM9S80-U | 80% | ❌ No | C | B+ |
Key Takeaways:
- Premium Models (GMVM97 & GCVM97): Top-tier modulating furnaces with the highest energy efficiency and comfort features.
- Mid-Range Options (GMVC96, GCVC96, GM9C96): Two-stage furnaces with ENERGY STAR® certification, offering a great balance of price, performance, and efficiency.
- Entry-Level Units (GM9S80, GC9S80): Basic single-stage models designed for budget-conscious homeowners, though they lack ENERGY STAR® certification and some advanced features.
Looking to find the best Goodman furnace for your home? We can help! Fill out our online form to get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified local installer.
Goodman’s Entry‑Level Furnaces
Average price: $3,750 – $4,750
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
| GM9S96‑U | Single-stage, multi-speed, 96 % AFUE, ultra-low NOₓ with premixed fuel/air combustion. |
| GC9S96 | Single-stage, multi-speed, 96 % AFUE, insulated cabinet (<2% leakage) ensures quiet, efficient operation. |
| GM9S96 | Single-stage, multi-speed, 96 % AFUE, durable aluminized steel heat exchanger with wrinkle‑bend design. |
| GMVS96‑U | Single-stage, variable-speed, 96 % AFUE, ultra-low NOₓ for low emissions—ideal for environmentally regulated areas. |
Ideal For:
Budget-conscious households in small to mid-sized homes or mild climates; entry-level performance with quiet operation, efficiency, and strong warranties. Ultra-low NOₓ models meet air-quality standards, especially in stricter regions.
Goodman’s Mid‑Range Furnaces
Average price: $4,250 – $5,250
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
| GC9C96 | Two-stage, multi-speed, 96 % AFUE, silicon-nitride igniter replaces standing pilot for improved reliability. |
| GM9C96 | Two-stage, multi-speed, 96 % AFUE, self-diagnostic board with LED error codes for simplified troubleshooting. |
| GCVC96 | Two-stage, variable-speed, 96 % AFUE, includes secondary heat exchanger for maximum fuel efficiency. |
| GMVC96 | Two-stage, variable-speed, 96 % AFUE, app-compatible with communicating features via ComfortBridge. |
Ideal For:
Medium to large homes in cooler regions—these furnaces balance energy savings and comfort with valuable mid-tier features at a reasonable price.
Goodman’s Top‑Tier Furnaces
Average price: $4,750 – $5,750
| Model | Key Features |
|---|---|
| GCVM97 | Modulating, variable-speed, 97 % AFUE, compatible with CoolCloud HVAC app for remote diagnostics and service. |
| GMVM97 | Modulating, variable-speed, 98 % AFUE, flagship model with ComfortBridge system enabling advanced furnace–thermostat communication. |
Ideal For:
Large homes or those in cold climates seeking maximum efficiency, quiet operation, and top-tier performance. These furnaces deliver precise temperature control, cost savings, and robust warranties—perfect for buyers wanting premium comfort at an accessible price.
Recently Discontinued Goodman Furnaces
- GMEC96
- GCEC96
- GMES96
- GCES96
- GMES96-U
- GMES92
- GMSS96 (Limited Inventory)
- GCSS96 (Limited Inventory)
- GCSS92 (Limited Inventory)
- GMSS92 (Limited Inventory)
Exclusive Features from Goodman
Feature 1 – ComfortBridge™ Technology
What Goodman says:
A factory-installed, smart technology designed to improve energy efficiency and optimize system performance by learning and adapting to your home’s heating and cooling needs.
What it really means:
ComfortBridge™ is a communication system built into Goodman furnaces. Think of it like Bluetooth for your furnace. It allows the thermostat to talk directly to the furnace’s internal components. The furnace sends performance data to the thermostat, which then adjusts settings like heat output and fan speed automatically. The goal? Greater comfort and lower energy bills.
Is it worth it?
Yes—especially for an economy brand like Goodman, this is a strong offering. ComfortBridge ensures your furnace is always operating efficiently based on your home’s needs. It also puts Goodman on par with premium brands like Amana (who also use ComfortBridge), Trane (ComfortLink™ II), and American Standard (AccuLink™), making this a standout feature in the budget-friendly category.
Feature 2 – CoolCloud™ HVAC App
What Goodman says:
A smart diagnostic tool for HVAC professionals that simplifies troubleshooting and service calls—no more crawling into tight spaces to manually inspect components.
What it really means:
The CoolCloud™ HVAC App is a mobile app that licensed technicians can use to wirelessly connect to your furnace’s control board. It lets them diagnose issues faster, access past repair notes, and track system performance without having to physically open up the unit.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely. The app can save time on service calls, which might translate to lower labour costs for you—especially since Goodman’s warranties don’t cover labour. Plus, quicker and more accurate diagnostics can help extend the life of your furnace.
Keep in mind: Goodman shares this feature with sister brands Amana and Daikin (who offers a version for homeowners called the Comfort Control App). While not totally unique, it's still a valuable addition—especially in this price range.
Warranty Analysis
Warranty Coverage Across All Models
Goodman offers highly competitive warranty terms, even for its budget-friendly furnaces. Every model—including entry-level and premium units—shares the same comprehensive coverage:
- Lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger
- 10-year parts warranty
- 10-year unit replacement warranty (if the heat exchanger fails during the coverage period)
Registration Requirement
To access the full warranty, you must register your furnace within 60 days of installation. Registration is quick and easy through Goodman's website. You'll need:
- Your contact information
- Installation date
- HVAC contractor’s name and contact
- Furnace serial number
Failing to register may reduce warranty benefits: the heat exchanger warranty may drop to 20 years, parts coverage may fall to 5 years, and the unit replacement option may be forfeited.
Conditions & Limitations
To maintain warranty validity:
- The furnace must be installed by a licensed HVAC professional—DIY setups will void the warranty.
- Annual maintenance is required—refer to your owner’s manual or warranty booklet for specifics.
How Goodman’s Warranty Stands Out
Goodman rivals—and even surpasses—many premium HVAC brands. While brands like Daikin, Coleman, Armstrong, Ruud, Luxaire, and American Standard also offer lifetime heat exchanger warranties on high-efficiency models, not all include unit replacement coverage.
Some brands (e.g. Trane, Napoleon, Amana, American Standard) offer replacement warranties, but often only on select models. Goodman, in contrast, includes unit replacement across its entire line and backs it with a full decade of coverage.
Goodman Add-ons, Extras & Thermostats
Air Cleaners
Ideal for homes with construction dust, dirt roads, or allergy concerns. Goodman’s media filters include MERV-11 options, and their HEPA systems remove 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 µm. Some units also feature built-in germicidal lights for enhanced air quality.
Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers
Goodman offers a variety of systems—basic, automatic, fan-powered, and steam humidifiers—plus whole-home dehumidifiers and the Clean Comfort Humidity controller, helping maintain optimal indoor moisture levels.
UV Purifiers
Goodman installs UV-Coil purifiers to prevent microbial growth on evaporator coils and produces self-cleaning UV air purifiers that eliminate pathogens, chemicals, and odors.
Heat & Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRVs/ERVs)
These systems continuously bring in fresh air while recovering heat (HRV) or heat and moisture (ERV), improving indoor air quality without added energy costs. Goodman's ERVs are ideal for diverse climates.
About Goodman
Founded in 1975 by Harold V. Goodman, Goodman Manufacturing has grown into a major HVAC brand known for reliable, ENERGY STAR®-qualified products and exceptional warranty support. Backed by decades of HVAC innovation, Goodman continues to deliver dependable systems to Canadian homeowners seeking high-efficiency, affordable solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get the best price on a furnace?
Look for ENERGY STAR and utility rebates—many require pre-purchase registration. Also, compare quotes from at least three licensed installers; cheaper upfront cost may not always include labour or service guarantees.
How much does a Goodman furnace cost?
Installed prices range from approximately CAD $3,000 to $5,500+, depending on model and add-ons—significantly lower than some premium brands that can exceed $8,000.
Are Goodman furnaces high quality?
Yes. With strong warranties and reliable performance, Goodman furnaces often last over 20 years with proper maintenance. Their generous warranty and value make them a standout option in their class.
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