Goodman vs. the Competition: How This 3 Ton R-32 Package Stacks Up Against Lennox, Trane & Carrier

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Goodman vs. the Competition: How This 3 Ton R-32 Package Stacks Up Against Lennox, Trane & Carrier
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Goodman vs. the Competition: How This 3 Ton R-32 Package Stacks Up Against Lennox, Trane & Carrier

Introduction: Do Brands Really Matter?

When you’re shopping HVAC, it feels like the car market—everybody’s got a favourite brand. Your neighbor swears by Trane, your cousin’s all about Lennox, and your dad insists Carrier’s the Cadillac.

But here’s the real question: how does Goodman’s 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 R-32 condenser + 96% AFUE furnace actually stack up against those heavy hitters?

This article is your straight-shooting breakdown of:

  • Efficiency ratings compared.

  • Refrigerant differences (R-32 vs. R-410A).

  • Warranty coverage.

  • Installed cost averages.

  • Performance in hot summers and cold winters.

  • Who should pick Goodman, and who might be better off with Lennox, Trane, or Carrier.

Goodman’s 3 Ton Package: The Baseline

The Goodman GLXS4BA3610 R-32 condenser comes with:

  • 3 Ton, 15.2 SEER2 R-32 AC condenser.

  • Vertical cased coil.

  • 100k BTU, 96% AFUE natural gas furnace.

Why it’s important:

  • Meets 2023+ DOE efficiency standards.

  • Uses R-32 refrigerant, not the older R-410A.

  • Backed by Goodman’s industry-leading 10-year parts warranty.

This package is designed to hit the sweet spot: solid efficiency, future-proof refrigerant, and affordability.

Efficiency Showdown

Goodman

  • 15.2 SEER2 (≈16–17 SEER old rating).

  • 96% AFUE furnace.

Lennox

  • Known for ultra-high efficiency (some models up to 28 SEER2 and 99% AFUE).

  • But higher efficiency = higher cost.

Trane

  • Solid mid-to-high efficiency (many units in 16–18 SEER2 range, furnaces up to 97% AFUE).

  • Emphasis on durability.

Carrier

  • Wide range: builder-grade to premium (14 SEER2 → 24 SEER2, 80% → 98.5% AFUE).

  • Balanced lineup but pricier than Goodman.

👉 Source: Energy Star Central AC Ratings.

Jake’s take: Goodman hits the “good enough” mark for efficiency. Lennox wins bragging rights, but Goodman saves you thousands upfront.

Refrigerant: The Game-Changer

Goodman (R-32)

Lennox, Trane, Carrier (Mostly R-410A in 2025)

  • GWP 2,088 (3× worse).

  • Still widely available, but being phased out.

  • Service costs will rise over the next decade.

👉 Source: EPA SNAP Program – Refrigerant Alternatives.

Jake’s verdict: This is Goodman’s ace card. If you buy R-410A in 2025, you’re buying yesterday’s refrigerant.

Warranty Comparison

  • Goodman: 10-year parts warranty, lifetime compressor and heat exchanger (original owner).

  • Lennox: 10-year parts, lifetime heat exchanger on top models.

  • Trane: 10-year parts, lifetime heat exchanger, 12-year compressor on some models.

  • Carrier: 10-year parts, lifetime heat exchanger on premium models.

👉 Goodman stands toe-to-toe with the “big three” here.

Jake’s tip: Warranty is only as good as the install. A bad contractor voids all the paper promises.

Installed Cost Comparison

According to HomeAdvisor:

  • Goodman: $8,500–$11,000 typical all-in for this package.

  • Lennox: $12,000–$18,000.

  • Trane: $11,000–$16,000.

  • Carrier: $11,000–$17,000.

Jake’s take: Goodman is the value brand. Same comfort, lower price. Lennox, Trane, and Carrier charge a “brand tax.”

Performance in Cold Climates

Goodman (96% AFUE furnace)

  • Strong for Midwest and Northern winters.

  • 100k BTUs covers 1,800–2,400 sq. ft. in cold zones.

  • Furnace efficiency = lower gas bills.

Lennox

  • Premium models with 99% AFUE save a bit more gas.

  • But payback period is long unless you’re in extreme cold.

Trane

  • Excellent furnace reliability. Many models 95–97% AFUE.

Carrier

  • Similar range as Trane. Good for cold climates if sized right.

👉 Source: DOE Furnace Efficiency Standards.

Jake’s verdict: Goodman’s 96% AFUE is plenty. Paying thousands more for 98–99% AFUE takes decades to pay back.

Performance in Hot/Humid Climates

Goodman (15.2 SEER2)

  • Above federal minimum (14.3 SEER2 in the South).

  • Great for moderate climates.

  • In Florida/Texas, may not be efficient enough for 2,000+ sq. ft. homes.

Lennox

  • High-SEER2 units (20+) are ideal for hot states with high utility rates.

Trane

  • Strong mid-range efficiency, reliable in humidity.

Carrier

  • Premium models also excel in humidity control.

👉 Source: DOE AC Efficiency Standards by Region.

Jake’s verdict: If you live where AC runs 8 months a year, Lennox or Carrier’s premium models may justify their price. But for Midwest/North, Goodman’s 15.2 SEER2 is plenty.

Real-World Homeowner Scenarios

Case 1: Ohio, 1,800 sq. ft. Colonial

  • Cooling: 3 tons needed. Heating: 95k BTUs.

  • Goodman package = perfect fit.

  • Installed for ~$9,500.

  • Pays back in efficiency over 15 years.

Case 2: Texas, 2,400 sq. ft. Ranch

  • Cooling: 4 tons needed. Heating: 60k BTUs.

  • Goodman 3-ton undersized for AC, oversized for furnace.

  • Trane 4-ton heat pump + smaller furnace is better fit.

Case 3: Minnesota, 2,000 sq. ft. Farmhouse

  • Cooling: 2.5–3 tons. Heating: 100k BTUs.

  • Goodman package nails it.

  • Lennox 99% furnace would save only $100/year more—takes decades to break even.

Jake’s take: It’s about matching the package to your climate and home—not chasing logos.

Pros & Cons by Brand

Goodman

✅ Affordable
✅ R-32 refrigerant
✅ Strong warranties
❌ Fewer premium options (no 20+ SEER2)

Lennox

✅ Highest efficiency on the market
✅ Quiet operation
❌ Expensive
❌ Parts harder to source

Trane

✅ Durable, reliable
✅ Strong warranties
❌ Higher cost
❌ Mostly still R-410A in 2025

Carrier

✅ Balanced lineup, premium models
✅ Good humidity control
❌ Pricey
❌ Same refrigerant phase-out risk

Rebates & Incentives

All brands qualify for efficiency incentives, but Goodman’s affordability means faster ROI.

  • Federal Tax Credits (2025): $600 for AC, $600 for furnace (Energy Star).

  • Utility Rebates: $200–$800.

  • State Incentives: Some states reward low-GWP refrigerants (advantage Goodman’s R-32).

Jake’s Final Word

Goodman’s 3 Ton 15.2 SEER2 R-32 + 96% AFUE package holds its own against Lennox, Trane, and Carrier:

  • Efficiency: Solid (not extreme).

  • Refrigerant: Ahead of the curve (R-32).

  • Cost: Thousands less than big-name brands.

  • Warranty: Just as strong.

If you’re in the Midwest or North, this system is a smart buy. If you’re in a hot Southern climate, consider higher-SEER2 options from Lennox or Carrier.

Jake’s bottom line: Don’t overpay for a badge. Goodman delivers comfort, efficiency, and future-proof refrigerant without the brand tax.

In the next blog we will learn more about " How to Troubleshoot Common Issues with Your Goodman 3 Ton R-32 + Furnace System "

 

Tags: The comfort circuit with jake
WRITTEN BY
Jake Lawson

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