When shopping for a 3-ton central air conditioning system, homeowners often compare Goodman—known for affordability and accessibility—with Lennox, a brand that markets itself as a premium, high-efficiency choice. But does the premium branding truly justify the cost?
In this comparison, we look at how the Goodman GLXS4BA3610 + AMST36CU1300 R-32 system stacks up against Lennox’s Elite and Merit series models in terms of efficiency, refrigerant, pricing, maintenance, and smart compatibility.
⚙️ SEER2 Efficiency: Premium Doesn’t Always Mean Superior
Goodman:
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14.5 SEER2, ENERGY STAR® qualified
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Ideal for homes in warm climates seeking efficiency without a premium price tag
Lennox:
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Merit Series: Up to 14.3 SEER2
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Elite Series: Up to 16.5 SEER2, depending on configuration
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SL28XCV (Signature Collection): Industry-best 28 SEER2, but costs more than double
📘 ENERGY STAR overview on air conditioner efficiency
🏆 Winner: Goodman for mid-tier buyers. Lennox wins only if you’re paying for ultra-premium efficiency.
🌱 Refrigerant Use: R-32 vs R-410A and R-454B
Goodman:
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Uses R-32, a single-component A2L refrigerant with GWP of 675
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Proven reliability and easier servicing
Lennox:
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Most models still use R-410A
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Transition to R-454B ongoing but slower across product lines
📘 Daikin explains why R-32 is globally preferred
🏆 Winner: Goodman, for offering a system already aligned with future refrigerant regulations.
💰 Price and Installation
Goodman:
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Online bundles like this 3 ton Air Conditioner System priced between $6,500–$7,500 installed
Lennox:
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Merit Series systems: $8,000–$10,000 installed
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Elite Series and above: $10,000–$16,000, depending on dealer and region
🏆 Winner: Goodman, especially for budget-conscious homeowners.
🔧 Serviceability and Parts Availability
Goodman:
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Parts widely available through OEM and aftermarket suppliers
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Popular with independent contractors for its ease of repair
Lennox:
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Uses proprietary parts not interchangeable with third-party components
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Repairs may require specialized tools and extended wait times
🏆 Winner: Goodman, for lower long-term service costs and repair flexibility.
📱 Smart Thermostat Integration
Goodman:
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Works seamlessly with Nest, ecobee, and Honeywell thermostats
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Flexible setup options
Lennox:
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Compatible with iComfort® smart thermostats
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Limited support for third-party platforms
📘 Google Nest Thermostat specs
🏆 Winner: Goodman, for open platform compatibility.
📝 Warranty Differences
Goodman:
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10-Year Parts Warranty with product registration
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Lifetime compressor warranty on qualifying models
Lennox:
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10-Year Parts Warranty, but some components only 5 years without iComfort install
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Compressor coverage varies by model
🏆 Winner: Tie, depending on installation channel and warranty registration.
📊 Summary Table
| Feature | Goodman 3 Ton R-32 Bundle | Lennox Merit / Elite / Signature |
|---|---|---|
| SEER2 Rating | 14.5 | 14.3–28 |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-410A / R-454B |
| Price (Installed Avg) | $6,500–$7,500 | $8,000–$16,000 |
| Smart Thermostat Support | Nest, ecobee, open | Lennox iComfort only |
| Parts Availability | Open market | Proprietary |
| Warranty | 10-Year Parts, Lifetime Compressor | 5–10 Years, variable |
✅ Final Verdict: Goodman Wins for Practical Value
If you’re looking for a system that’s efficient, refrigerant-ready, and affordable, the Goodman GLXS4BA3610 + AMST36CU1300 system delivers where it counts. While Lennox offers impressive top-tier models, the cost and exclusivity often outweigh the practical benefits for most homeowners.
💡 Learn more or buy now on the Goodman product page or confirm system specs using the AHRI directory.
