Maximizing Energy Savings with Your Goodman Furnace: Tips, Tricks & Tax Credits
Heating your home efficiently is about more than just buying the right furnace. Even the best unit—like Goodman’s 80,000 BTU 96% AFUE Upflow/Horizontal Single Stage Goodman Gas Furnace—won’t deliver maximum savings unless you use it wisely, maintain it properly, and take advantage of available incentives.
With natural gas and electricity costs rising, homeowners are seeking every possible way to reduce their bills. The good news? There are practical strategies, from thermostat adjustments to rebates and federal tax credits, that can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.
This guide covers proven energy-saving practices, incentive programs, and smart upgrades that make your Goodman furnace an even better investment.
1 | Understanding Furnace Efficiency
Your furnace’s efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).
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96% AFUE = 96 cents of every dollar spent on gas goes toward heating.
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Older, low-efficiency furnaces often operate at 56%–70% AFUE, meaning nearly half of the fuel is wasted.
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Mid-efficiency models typically fall between 80% and 83% AFUE, while modern high-efficiency furnaces achieve AFUE ratings of 90% to 98.5%.
That efficiency rating makes a huge difference over time. Upgrading from an older 70 AFUE furnace to a 96 AFUE model can cut heating costs by up to 30% (U.S. Department of Energy – Furnaces and Boilers).
2 | Smart Energy-Saving Tips
2.1 Use a Programmable Thermostat
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Lower temps by 7–10°F for 8 hours/day → Save up to 10% annually.
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Smart thermostats adjust based on usage patterns.
2.2 Seal Ducts and Air Leaks
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Up to 30% of energy can be lost through leaks.
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Seal with mastic or UL-approved foil tape.
2.3 Upgrade Insulation
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Add attic and wall insulation to reduce furnace runtime.
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ENERGY STAR recommends insulation levels appropriate to your climate (ENERGY STAR – Recommended Home Insulation).
2.4 Regular Maintenance
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Replace filters every 1–3 months.
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Annual tune-ups improve efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns.
2.5 Zoning and Airflow Adjustments
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Close off unused rooms with dampers.
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Ensure supply and return registers are clear.
3 | Federal Tax Credits
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, many high-efficiency furnaces qualify for federal tax credits.
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30% of the cost, up to $600 credit for qualifying ENERGY STAR furnaces.
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Must meet 95%+ AFUE to qualify (IRS – Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit).
Goodman’s 96% AFUE models typically qualify, provided they’re installed in primary residences by licensed contractors.
4 | State & Utility Rebates
Many states and local utilities offer rebates for installing high-efficiency furnaces.
Examples (via the DSIRE database):
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Illinois: $350 rebate for ENERGY STAR gas furnaces.
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New York: $300–$600 rebates for 95%+ AFUE furnaces.
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California: Up to $500 rebates depending on utility provider (DSIRE – Database of State Incentives).
Always check your local utility’s website—rebates vary and change annually.
5 | Case Studies
Case 1: Smart Thermostat Savings
Paul in Ohio installed a smart thermostat with his Goodman furnace. By lowering temperatures at night, he saved 12% on heating bills in the first year.
Case 2: Utility Rebate Success
Maya in Illinois upgraded her 20-year-old furnace to a GR9S96. Not only did her bills drop, but she also received a $350 rebate from her local gas utility.
Case 3: Tax Credit Advantage
Mark in Colorado installed a 96 AFUE Goodman furnace in 2024 and claimed a $600 federal tax credit, further reducing his total investment.
6 | Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Oversizing the furnace → wastes energy and causes short cycling.
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Skipping maintenance → reduces efficiency and voids warranty.
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Not registering for rebates → leaving free money on the table.
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Blocking vents → restricts airflow and strains the system.
7 | FAQs
Q: Do all Goodman furnaces qualify for rebates?
No—only ENERGY STAR-rated models with 95%+ AFUE.
Q: Can I claim both state rebates and federal tax credits?
Yes—you can often stack them for maximum savings.
Q: Is a smart thermostat worth it?
Absolutely. ENERGY STAR estimates average savings of $50 annually per household.
Q: Do gas prices affect furnace savings?
Yes—higher gas prices make efficiency gains even more valuable.
8 | Homeowner’s Energy Savings Checklist
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✅ Install a programmable thermostat
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✅ Seal ducts and air leaks
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✅ Upgrade insulation
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✅ Schedule annual furnace tune-ups
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✅ Research state rebates before purchase
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✅ Claim federal tax credits if eligible
Final Takeaway
Your Goodman furnace already delivers outstanding efficiency—but with the right strategies, you can take those savings even further.
From sealing ducts and upgrading insulation to claiming rebates and federal tax credits, homeowners can maximize their return on investment.
If you own an 80,000 BTU 96% AFUE Upflow/Horizontal Single Stage Goodman Gas Furnace, the path to lower bills is clear: maintain it, optimize your home, and take advantage of every available incentive.
By combining smart usage habits with government and utility programs, you’ll enjoy the comfort of a warm home without the sting of high heating costs.
