Goodman GLXS4BA3610 vs. Alternatives

(Other Goodman models & competing brands compared)

Shopping for a central air conditioner isn’t easy. You’ve got acronyms like SEER2, refrigerants like R-32, and a wall of model numbers that all sound the same. The Goodman GLXS4BA3610 is a 3-ton, 14.4 SEER2, R-32 condenser — practical, affordable, and code-compliant. But is it the best choice compared to Goodman’s other options and competitor brands?

This guide compares the GLXS4BA3610 with other Goodman condensers and popular competitor models (Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem). We’ll look at efficiency, refrigerants, comfort, warranties, and cost to help you see where it stacks up.

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🏷️ Quick Snapshot of the GLXS4BA3610

• Capacity: 3 tons (36,000 BTU/h)

• Efficiency: 14.4 SEER2 (meets 2023 DOE minimums)

• Refrigerant: R-32 (lower GWP, future-friendly)

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll

• Coil: All-aluminum

• Noise: ~72–76 dB typical

• Warranty: 10-year limited parts (with registration)

It’s squarely in the value tier — built for affordability and reliability, not luxury features.

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🏠 Comparison Inside Goodman’s Own Lineup

Goodman makes a broad range of condensers. Here’s how the GLXS4BA3610 compares to its Goodman siblings.

🔹 GLXS4BA3610 (Value Tier)

• Single-stage scroll compressor

• 14.4 SEER2

• R-32 refrigerant

• Best for: Budget-minded homeowners, moderate climates, rental properties

🔹 Goodman GSXH5 (Mid-Tier, R-410A)

• 15.2 SEER2 rating

• Uses R-410A (phasing out in U.S.)

• Slightly higher efficiency = lower bills, especially in hot regions

• Similar single-stage operation
  👉 Spec sheet: Goodman GSXH5

GLXS4BA3610 advantage: Future-ready refrigerant (R-32).
GSXH5 advantage: Higher efficiency, available in some markets at aggressive pricing.

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🔹 Goodman GSXV9 (Premium Tier)

• Up to 24.5 SEER2 — variable-speed inverter compressor

• ComfortBridge™ technology for smarter controls

• Quieter (as low as ~56 dB)

• Much higher cost
  👉 Goodman premium lineup: Goodman GSXV9

GLXS4BA3610 advantage: Affordable, simpler design (fewer parts to break).
GSXV9 advantage: Comfort king — whisper-quiet, excellent dehumidification, huge energy savings long-term.

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🔄 Goodman vs. Carrier

Carrier is often viewed as a “premium” brand, but it also has a wide spread.

Carrier Comfort 15 (24AAA5)

• ~15 SEER2

• Single-stage compressor

• R-410A refrigerant

• Slightly higher efficiency than GLXS4BA3610, but less future-proof due to refrigerant phase-down.
  👉 Carrier Comfort Series: Carrier AC Lineup

Comparison take:

• Goodman GLXS4BA3610: Cheaper, uses R-32, same general performance.

• Carrier: More brand recognition, but you may pay more for similar features.

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Carrier Infinity 26 (24VNA6)

• Up to 24 SEER2

• Variable-speed compressor

• Greenspeed® intelligence for max comfort

• Higher upfront cost by thousands

Here, the GLXS4BA3610 is more of a value vs. luxury story. Carrier Infinity is amazing for comfort and noise, but the price tag is double or more.

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🌀 Goodman vs. Trane

Trane has a strong reputation for durability and premium build.

Trane XR14

• ~14.8 SEER2

• Single-stage compressor

• Uses R-410A
  👉 Trane residential lineup: Trane AC

This is Trane’s “entry tier” that compares directly with the GLXS4BA3610.

Key differences:

• Trane often has a higher upfront cost.

• Goodman wins on future refrigerant (R-32).

• Both are single-stage, basic models.

Trane XV18 / XV20i

• 18–20 SEER2, variable-speed compressors

• Quiet and extremely efficient

• Triple the price of a GLXS4BA3610 install

If comfort > cost, Trane wins. If budget matters, Goodman holds strong.

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🔧 Goodman vs. Lennox

Lennox is known for high-efficiency models and top SEER ratings.

Lennox Merit 16ACX

• ~16 SEER2

• Single-stage (with some two-stage options)

• Uses R-410A
  👉 Lennox lineup: Lennox AC

Compared to Goodman:

• Higher efficiency option if rebates require 15+ SEER2.

• But Lennox parts can be pricier and harder to source.

Lennox SL28XCV

• Up to 28 SEER2 (the highest rating on the market)

• Variable-capacity compressor

• Top-tier comfort, ultra-quiet

This is in another league entirely. Goodman GLXS4BA3610 can’t compete on efficiency here — but it doesn’t need to if you’re shopping value.

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🔥 Goodman vs. Rheem

Rheem is another competitor often compared directly to Goodman.

Rheem Classic Series (RA14AZ)

• 14.3–15.2 SEER2

• Single-stage scroll compressor

• Uses R-410A
  👉 Rheem products: Rheem AC

This is the closest apples-to-apples comparison:

• Both are affordable single-stage systems.

• Goodman: R-32 refrigerant, strong warranty, lower cost.

• Rheem: R-410A, slightly different build, often priced a bit higher.

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📊 Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

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💵 Cost Comparison

Prices vary by region and installer, but here’s a rough install range (3-ton units):

• Goodman GLXS4BA3610: $4,000–$5,500 installed

• Goodman GSXH5: $4,500–$6,000

• Carrier Comfort 15: $5,500–$7,500

• Trane XR14: $5,500–$7,500

• Lennox Merit 16ACX: $5,800–$7,800

• Rheem RA14AZ: $5,000–$7,000

• Premium variable-speed (Carrier Infinity, Trane XV20i, Lennox SL28XCV): $9,000–$14,000+

Goodman is consistently one of the most affordable options while still offering long warranties and decent efficiency.

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📚 Warranty Comparison

• Goodman: 10-year parts (registration required within 60 days).

• Carrier: 10-year parts, similar terms.

• Trane: 10-year parts, plus optional extended coverage.

• Lennox: 10-year parts, but labor often shorter.

• Rheem: 10-year parts, 1-year labor typical.

Goodman holds its own here — you’re not losing coverage by choosing the lower-priced option.

👉 Warranty details: Goodman Warranty Registration

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🔊 Noise Levels

• Entry single-stage models (Goodman GLXS4BA3610, Carrier Comfort, Trane XR14, Rheem RA14AZ): ~72–76 dB (like a dishwasher running).

• Premium variable-speed models (Goodman GSXV9, Carrier Infinity, Trane XV18, Lennox SL28XCV): as low as 55–60 dB (like a normal conversation).

So if backyard noise is a dealbreaker, stepping up may be worth it.

👉 For decibel context: CDC Noise Guide

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✅ Jake’s Take: When Goodman Wins

Choose the Goodman GLXS4BA3610 when:

• You need a budget-friendly, 3-ton condenser that meets code.

• You like the idea of R-32 refrigerant that’s future-proof.

• Your home size and climate don’t demand ultra-high efficiency.

• You want a solid warranty without paying a premium brand tax.

Step up to another Goodman (GSXH5 or GSXV9) if:

• You want slightly higher SEER2 or premium comfort features.

Consider competitors if:

• You’re loyal to a brand (like Trane or Carrier) with a long service history in your area.

• Your installer network is stronger with another brand (parts and service availability matters).

• You live in a very hot/humid climate where variable speed’s humidity control is worth the cost.

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🏁 Final Word

The Goodman GLXS4BA3610 doesn’t try to be a luxury model. It’s a value workhorse: affordable, reliable, and future-ready with R-32 refrigerant. Compared to alternatives, it often delivers similar performance at a lower cost.

• Against other Goodman models, it’s the practical middle, trading higher SEER2 and smart features for lower price and simpler maintenance.

• Against competitors like Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Rheem, it holds its own on warranty and efficiency while usually costing less.

If you want dependable cooling without breaking the bank — and your climate and comfort needs don’t demand variable speed — the GLXS4BA3610 makes a lot of sense.

In the next Blog we will learn more about