🏠Introduction: Tony’s Brand Decision
When I finally decided to replace my old furnace, I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy choice. The HVAC world is full of big names: Goodman, Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem, York.
Each brand has its champions, but at the end of the day, I had to make a decision that balanced cost, comfort, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.
After weeks of research, talking to contractors, and comparing quotes, I ended up going with a Goodman 80 AFUE, 60,000 BTU Ultra-Low NOx furnace.
Here’s why I chose Goodman over the other big brands—and how you can decide what’s right for your home.
🏷️ Price Comparison: Goodman’s Big Advantage
When most people start comparing furnaces, the first thing they notice is the price gap.
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Goodman: Known for affordable upfront pricing.
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A typical Goodman furnace costs $2,500–$4,000 installed.
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Carrier & Lennox: Usually 20–30% more expensive for comparable efficiency.
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Quotes I received ranged from $3,500–$5,500 installed.
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Trane & York: Durable systems, but installation costs were even higher.
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Some quotes topped $6,000–$7,000 for a similar-sized furnace.
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👉 For me, Goodman meant I saved over $1,000 upfront compared to Carrier and Lennox—without giving up the efficiency or features I wanted.
⚙️ Reliability & Parts Availability
A furnace is only as good as its serviceability.
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Goodman: Widely available parts, easy to service. Every HVAC tech I spoke to knew how to work on a Goodman system.
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Rheem & Lennox: Good reputation, but parts were more expensive and sometimes harder to source.
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Trane: Known for excellent reliability, but when something does break, parts and service can cost a premium.
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York: Decent furnaces, but not every contractor carries York-specific parts in stock.
👉 I wanted a system that wouldn’t leave me waiting weeks for a replacement part in the dead of winter. Goodman’s ease of service was a big factor in my decision.
(Angi – Furnace Repair Costs)
🛠️ Installation & Service Network
Installation quality is just as important as the brand itself.
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Goodman: Designed for straightforward installs—many contractors appreciate how “installer-friendly” they are.
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Carrier & Lennox: Require brand-certified installers for warranty coverage in some cases, which can drive labor costs up.
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York: Smaller installer base in some regions, limiting your options.
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Trane: Excellent quality but often tied to premium installers with higher labor costs.
👉 My Goodman furnace was installed by a local contractor who had 10+ years of experience with the brand. That gave me confidence I wasn’t just paying for a brand name—I was paying for a good install.
(Energy Star – Furnace Installation Guidance)
🌬️ Comfort Features
A furnace is more than just efficiency numbers—it’s about how comfortable it keeps your home.
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Goodman: Offers variable speed blowers and multi-stage options at affordable price points. My Goodman has a variable-speed blower that eliminated hot/cold swings in my home.
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Lennox & Carrier: Known for advanced comfort features, but only in premium models costing thousands more.
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Trane: Very quiet operation and excellent durability, but I didn’t need the extra cost for my size of home.
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York & Rheem: Solid mid-tier options, but not as many comfort add-ons.
👉 Goodman gave me the comfort I wanted without the luxury price tag.
(HVAC.com – Furnace Types and Comfort Features)
đź“ś Warranty Coverage
This was one of the biggest selling points for me.
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Goodman: Industry-leading warranty
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10-year parts warranty
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Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
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Carrier & Lennox: Strong warranties but often prorated after 10 years.
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Trane & Rheem: Good coverage, but not lifetime on all models.
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York: Warranties vary widely depending on the dealer.
👉 For me, Goodman’s lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger was a game-changer. Furnaces typically last 15–20 years, and this coverage gave me peace of mind.
(Goodman Manufacturing – Warranty Information)
đź“Š Side-by-Side Brand Comparison
| Feature | Goodman | Carrier | Lennox | Trane | Rheem | York |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,500–$5,500 | $3,500–$6,000 | $4,500–$7,000 | $3,000–$5,500 | $3,000–$5,500 |
| Warranty | Lifetime heat exchanger | 10-year parts | 10-year parts | 10-year parts | 10-year parts | 10-year parts |
| Comfort Features | Variable speed, multi-stage | Advanced (premium only) | High-end models only | Very quiet, durable | Mid-range comfort | Moderate |
| Parts & Service | Widely available | More expensive | Can be harder to source | Expensive repairs | Decent availability | Limited in some regions |
| Best Fit | Value + warranty | High-end homes | Premium efficiency seekers | Long-term durability | Balanced option | Regional choice |
🧾 Real-World Example: Tony’s Decision
Here’s what it boiled down to for me:
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Carrier Quote: $4,800 for a comparable 80 AFUE furnace
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Lennox Quote: $5,200 for a two-stage model
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Trane Quote: $6,000 (excellent but overpriced for my needs)
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Goodman Quote: $3,600 installed for a variable speed, Ultra-Low NOx, 80 AFUE furnace
👉 My Goodman gave me all the performance I needed, $1,200–$2,400 cheaper than the competition, plus the best warranty.
âś… Conclusion: Why Tony Picked Goodman
At the end of the day, I picked Goodman because it checked every box that mattered for my situation:
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💵 Affordable upfront cost – saved $1,000+ vs. other brands
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⚙️ Reliable and easy to service – parts are everywhere
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🌬️ Comfort features included – variable speed blower without luxury pricing
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📜 One of the best warranties in the industry – lifetime heat exchanger
Would Lennox or Carrier be a better fit for someone chasing the quietest premium system? Maybe. Would Trane make sense for someone planning to stay in their home for 30 years? Absolutely.
But for me—Tony, in Ohio with a family budget and an 1,800 sq. ft. home—Goodman was the smart, balanced choice.
In the next topic we will know more about: Installation Costs for a 60,000 BTU Goodman Furnace in 2025
