Meet the System – Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle
Before we talk dollars-per-square-foot, let’s make sure we know what system we’re comparing.
The Goodman bundle includes a 3-ton cooling capacity central air system using R-32 refrigerant, with a SEER2 rating of 14.5. According to product listings, the 3-ton model is ideal for roughly 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft homes depending on insulation, climate and ductwork. (Central Air Systems)
Goodman has branded this R-32 line under their “Energy-Efficient Classic R32 Split System Air Conditioner” segment, with SEER2 ratings in the 13.4 up to ~15 range for various tonnages. (Goodman)
Key features worth noting:
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R-32 refrigerant (lower global warming potential than older refrigerants)
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All-aluminum evaporator coil in many models
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Direct-drive multi‐speed ECM blower in the air handler portion in certain combos (The AC Outlet)
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Matched system design (outdoor condenser + indoor air handler/coil) for optimal efficiency.
So when you’re comparing “cost per square foot,” you’re looking at a system sized for a typical mid-sized home, and you’re comparing an efficient rig, not the absolute bare-minimum.
What Does “HVAC Cost per Square Foot” Mean?
Here’s where a lot of homeowners get confused, so let’s break it down.
The Basics
When you see statements like “HVAC system cost per square foot is $3-$6,” it means: take your total cost (equipment + installation + any ductwork/associated work) and divide by your home’s livable square footage. For example, if you spend $10,000 on a system and your home is 2,000 sq ft, cost per sq ft = $10,000 ÷ 2,000 = $5/sq ft.
Industry data supports this. For example:
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One source shows that HVAC replacement (AC + furnace) costs roughly $3-$6 per square foot in many situations. (HomeGuide)
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Another calculates typical residential installation costs of $5-$10 per square foot depending on home size and complexity. (Super Brothers Plumbing Heating & Air)
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Yet another gives average total installed cost for a 3-ton system with ductwork in the $9,500-$13,500 range. (HVAC.com)
Why This Metric Matters
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Sizing matters: If you dramatically oversize or undersize your system, your dollars per square foot can go way up or your comfort/efficiency can go way down.
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Comparison tool: It helps you benchmark quotes from contractors. If one quote for your 2,000 sq ft house is $8/sq ft and another is $5/sq ft, you know you need to dig into the “what’s included” differences.
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Budget forecasting: As a homeowner, this helps you plan—if you know your house is 2,400 sq ft and the benchmark is $4-6/sq ft, you can anticipate $9,600-$14,400 for a full system upgrade (assuming moderate complexity, good ductwork, etc.).
But—and this is critical—it’s not a guarantee. Many factors shift the actual cost up or down considerably.
Factors That Drive HVAC Cost per Square Foot
When I walk into a job, I’m always assessing the following variables—because they’ll affect your cost per sq ft.
Home Size and Layout
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A 1,000 sq ft ranch is much cheaper to serve than a 3,000 sq ft multi-story with bonus room and crawl space.
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More square footage = more tonnage = more equipment + longer line sets + possibly more zoning complexity.
Existing Ductwork Condition
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If your ducts are in good shape, sized properly, sealed, insulated, your install is simpler and cheaper.
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If your ducts are leaky, undersized, poorly configured (common in older homes), you’ll pay more to upgrade—and that cost gets baked into your $/sq ft.
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According to one breakdown: new ductwork can cost ~$2,000-$3,000 per ton. (HVAC.com)
Equipment Efficiency and Features
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Higher SEER2 = higher upfront cost. Our Goodman bundle at 14.5 SEER2 is moderate-high for many regions, but not ultra-premium.
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Refrigerant type: R-32 is newer, better for environment. Good. But newer refrigerants sometimes cost more.
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Added features: variable-speed blower motors, multi-stage compressors, smart thermostats, zoning—these all add cost.
Climate / Region / Local Labor
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Labor rates vary widely by region.
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In areas with extreme cooling/heating demands, systems may need higher capacity or special features → higher cost.
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Permitting, code requirements may add cost.
Accessibility and Installation Complexity
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If the outdoor unit sits on the roof, or indoor coil is in a tight attic crawl space, expect higher labor.
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If you’re replacing in a home that previously had none of the proper infrastructure (ducts, condensate lines, etc.), expect higher cost.
Timing and Market Conditions
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Off-season installs (spring/fall) may cost less.
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Material cost fluctuations (as we’ve seen with refrigerants and metal supply) can impact pricing.
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Rebates/incentives can reduce net cost.
Putting It All Together – What the Cost Might Look Like for This Goodman Bundle
Let’s work through ballpark numbers, so you can apply this to your own house.
Assumptions
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You’re looking at a home roughly 2,000 square feet (a common size for a 3-ton unit, as noted).
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Your ductwork is in decent condition (you’re not doing major duct overhaul).
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Estimated installed cost for this bundle (equipment + standard installation) might range between $7,000-$10,000 depending on site conditions.
Cost per Square Foot Estimate
If we take the midpoint of $8,000 for 2,000 sq ft home:
$8,000 ÷ 2,000 = $4.00/sq ft.
That falls well within the $3-$6 per sq ft benchmark I cited earlier from industry data.
Adjusting for Conditions
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If your ducts need major repair or replacement, add maybe $2,000-$4,000 → cost becomes $10,000-$12,000 → $5-$6/sq ft.
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If your install has excessive complexity (roof mount, two-story homes with long runs, high ceilings), might push toward $6-$7+/sq ft.
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If your install is straightforward with existing ductwork in great shape, maybe keep it near $3-$4/sq ft.
Why the Goodman Bundle Makes Sense
Given the moderate efficiency (14.5 SEER2) and solid refrigerant (R-32), you’re not paying premium price for ultra-high-end gear—but you’re getting better efficiency than bare minimum. That balance means your dollars per square foot stay reasonable.
As a homeowner: if you plan to stay in the home 10-15 years, the moderate efficiency makes sense. The upfront cost is manageable, and you’ll save on energy bills compared to older systems.
How to Use This Info When Getting Quotes
Here are some actionable tips—what I tell homeowners when I walk them through bids.
Ask for Equipment Breakdown
Make sure the quote lists: condenser model, air handler/coil model, refrigerant type, matched system confirmation. You want to ensure you’re comparing like for like (apples to apples).
For example: label of the bundle shows R-32 and 14.5 SEER2 specs.
Ask for Labor & Ductwork Separately
If ducts are included, is duct cleanup/sealing included? If not, that’s an add-on.
Check line-set length, outdoor pad upgrades, electrical panel or disconnect upgrades. All add cost.
Compare Cost per Square Foot
Take the total quoted price ÷ your home’s square footage. If one bid comes in at $8/sq ft and another at $5/sq ft—understand what the $3/sq ft difference entails.
Remember: national benchmark is ~ $3-$6/sq ft for many installs.
Check Efficiency vs. Price Trade-Off
If one system is 14.5 SEER2 and another is 18 SEER2 for only a $600 difference, you may decide it’s worth it. But if the second is much more expensive and you’re not going to stay long term, the sweet spot may be the moderate efficiency.
Look for Hidden Costs
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Permit fees
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Electrical upgrades
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Condensate pump/line if needed
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Thermostat upgrade
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Surge protection
These can add hundreds or thousands—and will increase your effective cost per square foot.
Don’t Judge Only on Low Price
A low dollar-per-sqft number might mean they’re cutting corners: undersized ductwork, lack of proper refrigerant charge, or limited warranty. As a technician (this is me speaking), I’ve seen installs where the initial quote looked great, but performance and durability suffered.
Pros & Cons of This System from a Dollars-Perspective
Here’s my frank assessment as your technician friend, Mike Sanders.
Pros
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Balanced efficiency: 14.5 SEER2 gives meaningful savings without extreme cost.
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R-32 refrigerant: more future-proof than older refrigerants.
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Designed for 3-ton size: appropriate for many ~2,000 sq ft homes (with proper calculations).
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Cost per square foot likely very reasonable compared to high-end systems.
Cons
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If your home is larger (say 3,000 sq ft) or has poor insulation, you might need a larger system, raising cost per square foot.
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If ductwork is sub-par, you’ll incur additional cost—raising your dollars per square foot.
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In a highly energy-efficient home, you may want a higher SEER2 system for longer‐term savings, which would increase upfront cost per sq ft.
Final Verdict & Homeowner Next Steps
Here’s what I advise you to do…
Step 1 – Calculate Your Home Size & Condition
Measure your livable square footage (conditioned space). Assess whether your ductwork is in good shape or needs work. This will help you situate where on the cost per sq ft range you’ll likely fall.
Step 2 – Run the Dollars-Per-Square‐Foot Math
If you get a quote of $9,000 for replacement in your 2,000 sq ft home → $9,000 ÷ 2,000 = $4.50/sq ft.
If you get another quote at $12,000 → $6.00/sq ft. Then ask: what’s different?
Step 3 – Compare Efficiency vs Cost
For the Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 bundle, weigh the upfront cost vs the benefit. If you plan to stay in the home 10+ years and the pay-back from energy savings makes sense, it’s a good fit.
Step 4 – Ask Contractors the Right Questions
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What’s included in the quote (equipment + labor + permits + clean-up)?
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What’s the exact model of condenser and air handler?
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Will they charge for additional duct sealing or modifications?
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What warranty is included?
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When will installation happen (off-peak vs peak season)?
Step 5 – Make Your Decision
If the quoted dollars per square foot is within the $3-$6 range and the system is appropriately sized and specified (e.g., the Goodman bundle), you’re in strong shape. If it’s much higher, you’ll want to dig in and understand why.
Bottom Line
As your friendly technician Mike Sanders, here’s the takeaway:
The Goodman 3-Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 bundle is a smart, balanced choice for many homes, especially in your region. If you’re seeing installed costs that come out to around $4-$5 per square foot for a 2,000 sq ft house, you’re right in the sweet spot. If you’re quoted $7-$8 per square foot, ask what extras you’re paying for and whether they’re necessary for your situation.
Choosing a system isn’t just about picking the highest SEER number or the lowest upfront cost—it’s about matching the system to your home, getting a well-specified job, and understanding how your cost per square foot translates into comfort, savings, and reliability over time.
