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Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay to Install a Goodman 3 Ton R-32 System + Furnace

Introduction: Sticker Price ≠ Installed Price

Homeowners often go online, see a Goodman HVAC package for a few grand, and think, “Great, that’s what it’ll cost me.” I hate to break it to you, but that’s only the beginning.

With HVAC, the sticker price is just the equipment. What really matters is the installed cost—what it takes to have that Goodman 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 R-32 condenser, vertical coil, and 100,000 BTU 96% AFUE furnace fully set up, connected, permitted, and running safely in your home.

This article is your no-BS guide to budgeting the whole project.

We’ll cover:

Equipment pricing.
Labor and regional differences.
Permits and inspections.
Add-ons (line sets, thermostats, ductwork).
DIY vs. pro installs.
Long-term operating and maintenance costs.
How rebates and incentives trim the bill.

By the end, you’ll know if you’re in for $7k, $10k, or $15k+—and why.

The Equipment: Goodman’s 3-Ton R-32 + Furnace Package

This package includes three main components:

Goodman GLXS4BA3610 R-32 Condenser (3 ton, 15.2 SEER2).
Goodman CAPTA3626C3 Vertical Cased Coil.
Goodman GR9T961005CN Furnace (100k BTU, 96% AFUE).

Together, they give you efficient cooling with a future-proof refrigerant (R-32) and strong heating performance for northern climates.

Equipment Price Range

If you buy direct (e.g., online from retailers like The Furnace Outlet):

Expect $3,600–$4,200 for the package.

That’s your starting line. But remember—it doesn’t include labor, permits, or extras.

Labor: The Big Swing in Your Budget

According to HomeAdvisor, HVAC labor averages $75–$150 per hour. A full install can take 20–40 hours depending on ductwork, wiring, and furnace hookups.

Base Labor Costs

Low complexity: $1,500–$3,000
Medium: $3,500–$5,000
High complexity: $5,500–$7,000

Regional Differences

South (Texas, Florida, Georgia): Lower labor rates, $2,000–$3,500 typical.
Midwest (Ohio, Illinois, Michigan): $3,500–$5,000.
Northeast (New York, Massachusetts): $4,000–$6,000.
West Coast (California, Washington): $5,000–$7,000 thanks to high wages and tougher codes.

Urban vs. Rural

Urban metro areas: Higher contractor overhead → higher bids.
Rural areas: Sometimes cheaper, but fewer contractors = less competition.

Jake’s tip: Always get at least 3 bids. If one’s way lower, ask what corners they’re cutting.

Permits, Inspections, and Code Compliance

Most cities require HVAC permits. Skipping them can cause headaches at resale or when refinancing.

Permit fees: $200–$500.
Inspection fees: Sometimes included, sometimes another $100–$200.

👉 To find your local rules, check DOE’s state energy office directory .

The Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About

Here’s where most homeowners get blindsided: extras that aren’t in the initial quote.

1. Line Set (Refrigerant Tubing)

$200–$600.
Old R-410A line sets often need replacement for R-32 systems.

2. Thermostat Upgrade

Basic programmable: $150–$300.
Smart (Nest, Ecobee): $250–$500.

3. Ductwork Repairs or Replacement

Minor sealing: $500–$1,200.
Full replacement: $3,000–$7,000.
Energy Star says 20–30% of air is lost in leaky ducts—don’t skip this.

4. Electrical Upgrades

New disconnects, breakers, or dedicated circuits: $300–$800.

5. Gas Line Work

Furnace needs safe hookups. Gas line resizing: $300–$1,000.

6. Condensate Drainage

If gravity drain doesn’t work: $100–$250 for a pump.

7. Haul Away Old Equipment

Contractors often charge $150–$400 to remove and dispose of old units.

8. Insulation Upgrades (Optional but Smart)

Blown-in attic insulation: $1,500–$3,000.
Pays back by reducing system load and monthly bills.

Jake’s take: These extras aren’t “nice to haves.” Half of them are code-required. Budget at least 15–20% on top of equipment + labor.

DIY vs. Pro Install: The Real Savings and Risks

What You Can Realistically DIY

Pour a pad for the outdoor condenser.
Run thermostat wires.
Install return air filter cabinets.
Physically place equipment.

What You Can’t (Legally or Safely)

Refrigerant charging (requires EPA Section 608 certification ).
Gas line hookups.
Electrical tie-ins to the main panel.

DIY Savings

Save $1,500–$3,000 in labor.

DIY Risks

Void warranty.
Fail inspections.
Safety hazards (gas leaks, electrical fire, refrigerant burns).

Jake’s advice: Do the grunt work yourself, but let pros handle gas, refrigerant, and final hookups.

Total Installed Cost: Real-World Scenarios

Budget Install (DIY prep, South region)

Equipment: $3,800
Labor: $2,000
Extras: $1,000
Total: ~$6,800

Typical Install (Midwest)

Equipment: $4,000
Labor: $4,000
Extras: $2,000
Total: ~$10,000

High-End Install (Northeast, major duct replacement)

Equipment: $4,200
Labor: $5,500
Extras: $6,000 (ductwork, smart thermostat, gas line changes)
Total: ~$15,700

Jake’s rule of thumb: Most homeowners land between $8,500–$11,000 all-in for this Goodman package.

Operating Costs: Monthly Bill Savings

The Goodman 15.2 SEER2 + 96% AFUE combo saves money beyond install day.

Cooling (SEER2 impact)

Midwest home: ~$60/year savings vs. 14 SEER.
Hot states: $150–$200/year.
Energy Star calculator helps estimate.

Heating (AFUE impact)

96% AFUE vs. 80% = $200/year savings.
Over 15 years: ~$3,000 saved.

Jake’s take: High-efficiency isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s budget-friendly in cold states.

Rebates and Tax Credits

This system qualifies for:

Federal Tax Credits (2025):
- $600 for high-efficiency AC.
- $600 for furnaces.
- Energy Star Tax Credits .
Utility Rebates: $200–$800 common. Example: National Grid pays up to $700 for furnaces.
State Programs: CA, NY, and MA offer extra rebates for high-efficiency, low-GWP refrigerant systems.

Long-Term Ownership Costs

Annual Maintenance

$150–$300 for professional tune-ups.
Filter changes: $10–$30 monthly.

Repairs

Capacitors, igniters, contactors: $200–$600.
Blower motor or coil: $800–$1,500.

Case Study: 15-Year Ownership

Midwest Home, 1,800 sq. ft.

Installed cost: $10,000.
Efficiency savings: $200/year (heating) + $60/year (cooling) = $260.
15 years = ~$3,900 saved.
Net cost after savings: $6,100.

Jake’s take: When you factor in efficiency and rebates, your system pays for itself faster than you think.

Common Homeowner Mistakes in Budgeting

Forgetting ductwork.
- Old ducts waste energy and choke airflow.
Ignoring rebates.
- Free money on the table.
Underestimating extras.
- Thermostats, pumps, permits add up.
Choosing the cheapest contractor.
- Cut corners now, pay more later.

Jake’s Final Word

Installing a Goodman 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 R-32 + 96% AFUE furnace system will run most homeowners $8,500–$11,000 all-in. With extras, you could see $15k.

But here’s the silver lining: