When it comes to upgrading your home’s heating system, a 96% AFUE gas furnace hits the perfect balance between comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings. But with so many options out there, homeowners often narrow it down to three trusted brands: Goodman, Amana, and Rheem.
All three are known for reliability and performance — but which one delivers the best overall value for your home and budget?
80,000 BTU 96% AFUE Upflow/Horizontal Single Stage Goodman Gas Furnace - GR9S960803BN
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down each brand’s strengths, warranty coverage, noise levels, efficiency, and real-world ownership costs — so you can decide confidently.
🏠 1. Why Compare 96% AFUE Furnaces in 2025?
Over the last few years, furnace technology has evolved dramatically. The Department of Energy (DOE) updated its minimum efficiency standards, and by 2025, most new systems must achieve at least 95% AFUE in northern states.
That’s why models like the Goodman GR9S960803BN, Amana AM9C960803BN, and Rheem R96T are among today’s most popular upgrades — each offering high efficiency with dependable performance.
What Does 96% AFUE Mean?
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A 96% AFUE rating means 96% of the gas burned becomes usable heat, and only 4% escapes as exhaust.
Compare that to an older 80% furnace, and you’re instantly gaining 16% more heat from the same amount of fuel — and saving hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs.
📖 Reference: Energy.gov — Furnaces and Boilers
⚙️ 2. Meet the Contenders: Goodman, Amana & Rheem
🔹 Goodman
Goodman has become the go-to name for value-driven homeowners who want solid reliability without premium pricing.
Owned by Daikin Industries, Goodman furnaces are American-made, feature strong warranties, and are widely available across the U.S.
Signature Strengths:
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Industry-leading warranty coverage
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Competitive pricing
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Same core components as Amana furnaces
📖 Goodman Manufacturing — About Us
🔹 Amana
Amana is Goodman’s premium sibling brand, also owned by Daikin. It’s built on the same chassis but features upgraded insulation, sound-reduction components, and an exceptional unit replacement warranty — the best in the industry.
Signature Strengths:
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Ultra-quiet variable-speed operation
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Lifetime replacement warranty (not just heat exchanger)
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Sleek cabinet design and advanced airflow technology
📖 Amana Heating & Air Conditioning — History
🔹 Rheem
Rheem has been a trusted HVAC name for over 90 years. It’s known for consistent quality, quiet operation, and innovative engineering, particularly in two-stage furnaces.
Signature Strengths:
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Refined temperature control
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Durable construction and clean design
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Excellent customer support network
📖 Rheem Manufacturing — About Rheem
🔍 3. Performance Comparison: Heating Efficiency & Comfort
Here’s how the three 96% AFUE contenders stack up in technical specs and comfort performance:
| Model Example | AFUE | Blower Type | Stages | Combustion Type | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman GR9S960803BN | 96% | 9-speed | Single-stage | Sealed combustion | Excellent |
| Amana AM9C960803BN | 96% | Variable speed | Two-stage | Sealed combustion | Premium |
| Rheem R96T | 96% | Multi-speed ECM | Two-stage | Sealed combustion | Excellent |
🔧 Key Takeaways:
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Goodman provides stable, dependable comfort with its 9-speed blower and sealed combustion system.
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Amana steps up with a variable-speed motor, minimizing noise and maintaining ultra-consistent airflow.
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Rheem matches that quietness with its two-stage burner and efficient ECM motor for smooth performance.
All three meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards — meaning you can count on top-tier fuel efficiency.
📖 EnergyStar.gov — High-Efficiency Furnaces
💸 4. Cost Breakdown: Purchase + Installation
Let’s get practical — what do these systems actually cost?
| Brand | Average Equipment Cost | Installed Cost Range | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | $1,800–$2,400 | $3,800–$5,000 | Lifetime heat exchanger + 10-year parts |
| Amana | $2,300–$2,800 | $4,200–$5,400 | Lifetime replacement + 10-year parts |
| Rheem | $2,400–$3,000 | $4,500–$5,700 | Lifetime heat exchanger + 10-year parts |
Goodman: Wins for affordability and wide installer availability.
Amana: Costs a bit more but justifies it with its unit replacement warranty — if the heat exchanger fails, you get a brand-new furnace.
Rheem: Slightly higher price point, offset by reputation for whisper-quiet operation and reliability.
📖 Furnace Replacement Cost Guide
🧭 5. Reliability, Parts, and Warranty Support
All three brands perform well under real-world conditions, but support structure matters too.
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Goodman and Amana: Share parts interchangeably. Since they’re both manufactured by Daikin, they benefit from massive parts availability and fast shipping.
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Rheem: Equally reliable but uses more proprietary parts, which can lead to slightly longer repair times in some regions.
🏅 Warranty Breakdown:
| Brand | Heat Exchanger Warranty | Parts Warranty | Unique Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | Lifetime | 10 years | Strong nationwide dealer network |
| Amana | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime unit replacement warranty |
| Rheem | Lifetime | 10 years | Sound reduction & reliability focus |
📖 Consumer Reports — Most Reliable Furnace Brands (2025)
🔇 6. Noise and Comfort Levels
When it comes to daily comfort, noise matters almost as much as temperature.
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Goodman: Uses a multi-speed (9-speed) blower that balances cost with quiet operation. It’s slightly louder than Amana’s variable-speed but still much quieter than older furnaces.
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Amana: Designed with premium insulation and vibration dampening, making it ideal for homes where the furnace is near living areas.
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Rheem: Also known for quiet startup and low hum operation, thanks to its efficient ECM motor and well-insulated cabinet.
📊 Homeowner Tip: Place your furnace in a well-insulated mechanical space and add rubber vibration pads beneath it for maximum sound reduction.
🌍 7. Efficiency and Environmental Impact
All three furnaces share a 96% AFUE rating, but their environmental benefits go beyond energy savings.
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Reduced Emissions: High-efficiency furnaces produce fewer greenhouse gases, cutting your home’s carbon footprint by 20% compared to older 80% units.
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Sealed Combustion: All three models draw air from outdoors, keeping your indoor air cleaner and safer.
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Smart Thermostat Compatibility: Each brand supports programmable or Wi-Fi thermostats to fine-tune energy use.
Real-World Energy Savings
If your annual heating cost with an older 80% furnace was $1,200, upgrading to a 96% AFUE system reduces that to around $1,000 or less — saving roughly $200 per year.
📖 EPA — Energy Star Certified Gas Furnaces
🧮 8. Total Cost of Ownership (15-Year Estimate)
| Brand | Upfront + Maintenance | Fuel Savings (15 yrs) | Total 15-Year Ownership Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | $4,500 | $3,800 | $8,300 |
| Amana | $4,900 | $3,800 | $8,700 |
| Rheem | $5,200 | $3,700 | $8,900 |
Verdict:
Goodman delivers the lowest total cost of ownership while maintaining the same efficiency as its pricier competitors. Amana offers extra quiet comfort and peace of mind through its unit replacement warranty — a smart choice for homeowners who plan to stay long-term.
📖 DSIRE — Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
🧰 9. Installation and Service Availability
Goodman:
✅ Widely available across North America, with more certified installers than any other brand in its class.
✅ Replacement parts are easy to find, minimizing downtime.
Amana:
✅ Shares the same supply chain as Goodman, ensuring part compatibility and fast service.
🔹 Slightly fewer dealers but typically offers certified “Amana ComfortNet” technicians.
Rheem:
✅ Known for pro-grade installations and reliability.
🔹 Slightly more limited parts distribution but supported by a trusted network of HVAC pros.
📖 HVAC.com — Furnace Installation Guide
⭐ 10. Real-World Reviews and Homeowner Impressions
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Goodman Owners:
“Reliable, affordable, and easy to maintain. It does exactly what it promises — no surprises.” -
Amana Owners:
“Super quiet! Worth paying a little extra for the noise reduction and strong warranty.” -
Rheem Owners:
“Great performance but installation cost was a bit higher than expected.”
Across review platforms, Goodman tends to earn praise for value and reliability, while Amana and Rheem score high for quietness and refinement.
📖 ConsumerAffairs — Furnace Brand Reviews
🏁 11. Verdict: Which Furnace Offers the Best Value?
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Affordability | ✅ Goodman | High efficiency at the lowest price |
| Quiet Comfort | ✅ Amana | Variable-speed operation & insulation |
| Reliability | 🔹 Tie | All three backed by lifetime heat exchanger warranties |
| Long-Term Value | ✅ Goodman | Lowest 15-year ownership cost |
| Warranty Coverage | ✅ Amana | Lifetime unit replacement warranty |
| Brand Reputation | 🔹 Rheem | Legacy of high-quality HVAC systems |
Samantha’s Recommendation
“If you’re looking for the best overall value, Goodman’s 96% AFUE models like the GR9S960803BN are the clear winners — reliable, efficient, and affordable.
If you prioritize silence and long-term peace of mind, Amana is a top-tier choice.
Rheem remains a solid premium option, especially for those who value craftsmanship and quiet performance.”
🧩 Key Takeaways
✅ All three brands deliver 96% AFUE efficiency, meaning minimal energy waste.
✅ Goodman = Best overall value and availability.
✅ Amana = Premium quiet comfort and unbeatable warranty.
✅ Rheem = Solid engineering and long-term durability.
✅ Proper installation is as important as brand choice — always use a certified installer.
🎨 Visual Companion Infographic (Suggested)
Title: “96% AFUE Furnace Showdown: Goodman vs. Amana vs. Rheem”
Design Elements:
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Three side-by-side furnace icons labeled by brand.
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Efficiency, warranty, and price meters.
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Samantha pointing to Goodman with a note: “Smart Value Choice for 2025 Homes.”
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Callout bubbles:
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“Amana = Quietest operation.”
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“Goodman = Lowest total cost.”
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“Rheem = Premium build.”
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In the next topic we will know more about: Installing a Goodman 96% Furnace: What Homeowners Should Know
