Furnace Position Matters More Than You Think 🏠
When it comes to installing a new gas furnace, most folks focus on the BTUs and efficiency—which is good! But you’d be surprised how many people overlook one simple question:
👉 How will the furnace physically fit and flow air in your home?
That’s where upflow and horizontal configurations come in. The Goodman GR9S960803BN handles both, which makes it a solid choice for new installs or replacements—especially when you're not sure what you're walking into behind that access panel.
What’s an Upflow Furnace? 🔼
An upflow furnace pulls air in from the bottom and pushes heated air up into the ductwork above. This setup is most common when:
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Your furnace is located in a basement
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Your ductwork runs above the unit
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You want easier access for maintenance
✅ Best For: Homes with basements or mechanical rooms where ducts are overhead
✅ Bonus: Upflow installations are usually easier to service and replace down the line.
What’s a Horizontal Furnace? ➡️
A horizontal furnace moves air sideways—perfect for tight attic spaces or crawlspaces where there’s no room to go up or down.
You'll typically see horizontal setups:
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In homes with attics or low-clearance crawlspaces
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Where ductwork runs side to side
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In slab homes with no basement
✅ Best For: Tight installations where vertical space is limited
✅ Watch Out: Horizontal setups are trickier to install, so you want a unit like the GR9S960803BN that’s already configured for both orientations.
Why the GR9S960803BN Is a Flex-Friendly Option 🔧
One of my favorite things about this Goodman furnace is that it ships ready for both upflow and horizontal left installations—you don’t need to spend hours flipping components or buying conversion kits.
👍 Built-in installation flexibility
💨 9-speed ECM blower adjusts airflow for your duct layout
🧰 Compact 17.5-inch cabinet fits snug even in tight spots
And if you ever move or remodel, the unit's flexibility gives your HVAC tech (aka me or someone like me) options.
How to Tell Which Install Type You Need
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Your Furnace Location | Ducts Run | Best Furnace Type |
|---|---|---|
| Basement | Above | Upflow |
| Crawlspace | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Attic | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Closet on Main Floor | Up or Down | Depends |
Still unsure? A quick peek at your current unit and duct layout will usually give it away.
🔗 For more guidance, check out this handy visual HVAC Furnace Configuration Guide (PDF).
What If You Choose the Wrong Type? 😬
If you buy a furnace that's not compatible with your layout, you're in for:
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Costly retrofits
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Delays in installation
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Potential code violations
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Reduced airflow and efficiency
That’s why I always recommend something like the GR9S960803BN—you get flexibility and peace of mind.
More Resources for Install Planning
📘 How to Choose the Right Furnace Orientation – Energy Vanguard
📏 Furnace Sizing & Layout Guide – HVAC.com
🏡 Furnace Replacement 101 – U.S. Department of Energy
🔧 Final Thoughts from Tony
Whether you’re replacing an old system or building out new, knowing whether you need an upflow or horizontal furnace isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a major piece of your home’s comfort puzzle.
The Goodman GR9S960803BN makes the decision easier by giving you both options in one unit. That’s why I recommend it for homeowners who want solid performance now and flexibility later.
Got questions about your setup? Send in a photo or give your local HVAC pro a call. And as always, I’m here to help folks like you avoid the guesswork. 👍
In the next topic you will read about: Single Stage vs Two Stage Furnaces: Why Goodman’s 80K BTU Model Keeps It Simple
