Goodman vs. Lennox vs. Carrier: Which 4 Ton AC + Gas Furnace Combo Is Best for Northeast Homes?

When I first started shopping for a new HVAC system, I quickly realized there were three brands that kept coming up in conversations with contractors: Goodman, Lennox, and Carrier.

For my 2,400 sq. ft. Colonial in New Jersey, I needed a 4 Ton AC + 100,000 BTU furnace combo—the sweet spot for most Northeast homes in Climate Zones 5–6 But each brand had pros and cons that made the choice less obvious.

If you’re comparing these three heavyweights, this guide will walk you through pricing, efficiency, reliability, warranties, comfort features, and rebates—with an emphasis on what matters most for Northeast homeowners like us.

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📏 Why Compare 4 Ton AC + Gas Furnace Combos?

A 4 Ton air conditioner delivers about 48,000 BTUs of cooling per hour. When paired with a 100,000 BTU furnace, you get balanced year-round comfort for homes roughly 2,200–2,800 sq. ft. depending on insulation and layout

For the Northeast:

• Summers are humid enough to need reliable cooling.

• Winters are cold enough to demand serious heating power.

• Utility costs are higher than in many regions, so efficiency matters.

That’s why this comparison isn’t just about equipment—it’s about how these systems fit our real-world climate and budgets.

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💵 Price & Value Comparison

Let’s start with the question on every homeowner’s mind: “How much will it cost me?”

👉 Goodman is often the most affordable. Carrier sits in the middle. Lennox is the priciest—sometimes 20–30% more than Goodman for the same tonnage.

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⚡ Efficiency & Performance (SEER2 + AFUE)

For the Northeast, efficiency matters—but not as much as in Florida or Texas where ACs run year-round.

• Goodman 4 Ton (GLXS3BN4810) → 13.5 SEER2, furnace at 80% AFUE (baseline, affordable).

• Carrier Infinity Series → 15.2–18 SEER2 ACs, furnaces up to 96–98% AFUE.

• Lennox Signature Series → Up to 20+ SEER2 ACs, furnaces up to 99% AFUE (industry leader).

📌 According to Energy Star, upgrading from an older 10 SEER AC to a 15.2 SEER2 can cut cooling costs by 30–40%

👉 My take: In the Northeast, 13.5 SEER2 is fine for budget-conscious homeowners, but if you want rebates and max efficiency, Carrier or Lennox may be worth the extra upfront cost.

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🔧 Reliability & Maintenance

Reliability is often where homeowners get the most passionate.

• Goodman → Known for simple, straightforward design. Easy to service, widely available parts, lower repair costs.

• Carrier → Very reliable, with slightly more complex tech. Repairs can be pricier than Goodman but less than Lennox.

• Lennox → Highly efficient but uses proprietary parts, meaning higher repair costs and longer wait times.

📌 According to Consumer Reports surveys, Goodman rates well for affordability and reliability, Carrier is consistently strong, while Lennox gets high marks for efficiency but lower for repair ease

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🛡️ Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage can save you thousands down the line.

• Goodman → 10-year parts, lifetime heat exchanger warranty.

• Carrier → 10-year parts, lifetime heat exchanger (select models).

• Lennox → 10-year parts, 20-year to lifetime heat exchanger depending on model.

👉 Goodman’s warranty is one of the strongest in the budget segment—a big reason contractors recommend it.

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🔊 Comfort Features

Here’s where the brands really separate themselves.

• Goodman → Offers essentials. Single- and two-stage systems available. Works with aftermarket smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee).

• Carrier Infinity → Variable-speed compressors, advanced humidity control, Infinity Touch Control zoning.

• Lennox Signature → Precise Comfort technology, whisper-quiet operation, advanced zoning, integrated smart controls.

📌 ACCA recommends zoning systems for multi-level Northeast homes to prevent hot/cold spots

👉 My system (Goodman) has the basics. Carrier and Lennox offer more advanced comfort—but you’ll pay for it.

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🌎 Rebates & Incentives

Here’s a biggie in 2025: Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits.

• Goodman 13.5 SEER2 → ❌ Does NOT qualify for federal 25C tax credit (requires ≥15.2 SEER2).

• Carrier (≥15.2 SEER2) → ✅ Eligible for 30% up to $600.

• Lennox (≥15.2 SEER2) → ✅ Eligible for 30% up to $600.

State programs:

• Mass Save (MA) → Rebates up to $1,000 for high-efficiency systems

• NJ Clean Energy → Rebates for ≥15.2 SEER2 systems

👉 If rebates matter, Goodman may not be your best bet unless you upgrade to higher-SEER2 models.

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📊 Side-by-Side Comparison

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📝 Samantha’s Recommendation

Here’s how I’d sum it up after comparing all three:

• Goodman → Best if you’re on a budget but still want reliable comfort. Great warranty, easy service, and affordable.

• Carrier → Best middle ground. Reliable, more efficient than Goodman, strong rebate eligibility, but not as pricey as Lennox.

• Lennox → Best for premium buyers. If you want the quietest, most efficient system and don’t mind higher costs and proprietary parts, Lennox shines.

👉 For my family in the Northeast, Goodman worked best because of the upfront affordability. But if I were staying in this house for 20+ years and wanted to maximize rebates, I’d probably consider Carrier.

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📚 Verified Resources

1. DOE – SEER2 Standards

2. Energy Star – Central AC Criteria

3. IRS – Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
   

4. NJ Clean Energy Program

5. HVAC Installation Costs

6. Modernize – HVAC Cost Calculator

7. ACCA – Manual J & Zoning

8. Consumer Reports – HVAC Brand Reliability

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✅ Final Word

If you’re a Northeast homeowner trying to decide between Goodman, Lennox, and Carrier:

• Choose Goodman for affordability and strong warranties.

• Choose Carrier for balance between cost, efficiency, and rebates.

• Choose Lennox if you want top-of-the-line comfort and don’t mind higher upfront + repair costs.

👉 The right answer depends on your budget, rebate goals, and how long you plan to stay in your home.

In the next topic we will know more about: Is a 4 Ton AC + 100,000 BTU Furnace Combo Right for Your Home? Sizing & Floorplan Tips