When it came time to replace my old furnace, I knew I was in for a tough decision. The market is full of big names—Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, Bryant, York—and every company promises the best heating system money can buy.
But as a homeowner who cares about both comfort and budget, I wasn’t just looking for hype. I wanted a furnace that was:
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Reliable
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Affordable
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Energy-efficient
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Easy to maintain
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Backed by a solid warranty
After comparing the options, I chose a Goodman Ultra-Low NOx 80,000 BTU furnace—and I haven’t looked back since.
Here’s a breakdown of how Goodman stacks up against the competition, what matters most when picking a brand, and why Goodman was the right choice for me.
💰 Price and Value: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Goodman
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Goodman furnaces are consistently among the most affordable in the industry.
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You get a reliable, efficient system without the premium brand markup.
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Typical cost: $2,000–$3,500 for an 80% AFUE model, not including installation.
Trane, Lennox, Carrier
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Known as “premium” brands.
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Higher upfront costs, often $3,500–$5,500 or more for similar-sized furnaces.
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Some argue the premium buys more prestige than actual performance.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“I didn’t need to pay thousands extra just for a name. Goodman gave me everything I needed at a fair price.”
Furnace cost guide confirms Goodman is on the lower end of furnace pricing.
🛡️ Warranty Coverage: Peace of Mind
One of the first things I look at when buying appliances is the warranty. Furnaces aren’t cheap—you want to know you’re covered.
Goodman
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Lifetime heat exchanger warranty (if registered).
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10-year parts limited warranty.
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Transferable to new homeowners if you sell your house.
Lennox & Carrier
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Often only 20-year or lifetime heat exchanger warranties, but parts warranties may be 5–10 years depending on the model.
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Transferability varies by dealer.
Trane
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Good warranty terms, but some require professional installation and registration.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“The warranty was a big selling point. Goodman stood behind their furnace without making me jump through hoops.”
Goodman’s warranty policy lays out the details.
⚡ Efficiency Options: Meeting Every Home’s Needs
Efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)—the percentage of fuel converted into usable heat.
Goodman
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Models range from 80 AFUE to 98 AFUE.
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Affordable entry-level furnaces for budget-conscious buyers.
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High-efficiency models that rival premium brands.
Lennox
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Known for top-of-the-line 98.7 AFUE furnaces.
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But prices are significantly higher.
Carrier & Trane
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Offer 90–98 AFUE models as well.
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Focus on high-end comfort features like modulating burners.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“I didn’t need a 98 AFUE furnace. My 80 AFUE Goodman fits my budget and climate zone perfectly.”
Energy Star furnace efficiency guide breaks down ratings and standards.
🛠️ Installation & Serviceability
Even the best furnace won’t perform if it’s a pain to install or maintain.
Goodman
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Designed with installer-friendly layouts.
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Widely available replacement parts.
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Most HVAC techs are familiar with Goodman systems.
Lennox
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Known for proprietary parts, which can be harder to source.
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Repairs can be more expensive.
Carrier & Trane
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Solid reliability, but more complex systems can mean higher service costs.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“I like doing basic maintenance myself—filters, blower cleaning. Goodman makes that easy. And if I ever need parts, they’re not hard to find.”
HVAC.com on Goodman reliability notes easy serviceability as a major benefit.
📈 Reliability & Performance
At the end of the day, what matters is whether your furnace keeps you warm year after year.
Goodman
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Reliable, straightforward systems.
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Fewer “bells and whistles” means fewer things to break.
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Owned by Daikin, the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world.
Trane & Carrier
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Strong reputations for reliability.
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More advanced technology (like modulating furnaces) can add comfort—but also complexity.
Lennox
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Excellent performance, but some homeowners report frustrations with parts availability and repair costs.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“I’ve had my Goodman running through some pretty cold nights. It’s never let me down. I don’t need luxury—I need heat that works.”
Consumer Reports furnace ratings highlight Goodman’s solid performance for the price.
🌎 Ultra-Low NOx Compliance
If you live in states like California or Utah, emissions compliance matters.
Goodman
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Offers Ultra-Low NOx furnaces that meet strict air quality rules.
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Affordable compliance compared to higher-priced competitors.
Trane, Carrier, Lennox
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Offer Ultra-Low NOx models too, but usually at a premium price point.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“In my area, Ultra-Low NOx was required. Goodman gave me compliance without breaking my budget.”
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Goodman ✅ | Trane / Carrier / Lennox ❄️ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Warranty | Lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year parts | Varies (often 5–10 years parts) |
| Efficiency Range | 80–98 AFUE | 90–98+ AFUE |
| Serviceability | Easy, common parts | More complex, proprietary parts |
| Reliability | Solid, straightforward | Strong but pricier |
| Ultra-Low NOx | Available, affordable | Available, more costly |
📝 Tony’s Final Verdict
When it came down to it, here’s why I picked Goodman:
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Price – Affordable without sacrificing quality.
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Warranty – Among the best in the business.
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Serviceability – Easy to maintain and repair.
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Compliance – Ultra-Low NOx model met state regulations.
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Reliability – Gets the job done without unnecessary complexity.
👉 Tony’s Advice:
“If you want a furnace that just works, Goodman is a smart pick. Other brands are fine too, but I’d rather spend money on my home than a brand name.”
🎯 Final Takeaway
All major furnace brands—Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, Bryant, York—make quality products. But not every homeowner needs to pay top dollar for “luxury heating.”
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If you want premium features and don’t mind higher prices, Trane, Carrier, or Lennox might be your pick.
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If you want value, warranty, and reliable heat without overspending, Goodman is tough to beat.
👉 Tony’s Closing Words:
“I chose Goodman because it gave me the best balance of cost, reliability, and compliance. And at the end of the day, I care more about keeping my family warm than the name on the furnace.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Installation Costs for a 60,000–80,000 BTU Goodman Furnace in 2025
