Is the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 Bundle the Right Choice for Your Home?

Why sizing and cost vary so much

Before we jump to numbers, you need to understand two critical variables:

1. Sizing (tons or BTUs) relative to your home square footage, insulation, layout, climate, ductwork, etc.
   As one HVAC guide puts it: for homes in the 1200‑1500 sq ft range, “a 2 to 2.5‑ton AC unit (24,000 to 30,000 BTUs) is typically suitable.” (Peak Heating and Cooling)
   Likewise, larger homes (say 2000 sq ft) may require a 3‑to‑3.5‑ton unit. If you oversize or undersize, you invite inefficiency, short cycling, higher energy bills, or comfort issues.

2. Installation complexity, efficiency rating (SEER2), existing ductwork or not, local labor and material costs.
   For example: “The average cost to install central air is about $13,000 — that includes the unit plus labor, but not ductwork.” 
   Another source: “The cost to install central air … including the unit and labor, can range from around $6,000 to $11,500.” (NerdWallet)
   So you can see there’s a wide range.

With that in mind, let’s map out what homeowners often see for different home sizes, then how our Goodman bundle factors in.

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Typical cost ranges by home size

(And how the Goodman 3 Ton bundle might fit in)

1. Cost of central air for 900 sq ft home

If your home is around 900 sq ft — a modest size — the system demand is lower. Some guides don’t give exact 900 sq ft numbers, but we can infer from the 1,000 sq ft data.
For a 1,000‑sq‑ft home, one guide quotes about $8,077 on average for a 14.3 SEER2 system (for AC + gas furnace) in one scenario. (This Old House)
Thus for 900 sq ft you might expect somewhat less— perhaps in the $5,000‑$8,000 ballpark depending on system and labor.

2. Cost of central air for 1,000 sq ft house / HVAC for 1,000 sq ft home

For 1,000 sq ft:

• One source: “On average … about $8,077 for a 14.3 SEER2 system” for 1000 sq ft. 

• Another site says: “New HVAC system for a 1000 sq ft home typically costs between … $5,000 to $7,000 … for the system itself and labor.” (Central Air Systems)

• Also: Full replacement HVAC systems (not just AC) for smaller homes can run $10,000‑$12,000 according to one blog. (Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric)

So you might budget roughly $7,000‑$12,000 as a prudent range if you’re doing everything (AC + furnace + labor + possibly ductwork updates) for a 1000 sq ft home.

3. Cost of central air for 1,200 sq ft house / HVAC unit cost for 1,200 sq ft

While I didn’t find a perfect 1,200 sq ft number, the same cost tables scale upward. For example: installing central AC in a 1200 home might cost a bit more than the 1000 number.
One of the cost‑tables shows for home size: 1,200 sq ft (2‑2.5 ton) average cost installed maybe $5,000‑$7,500 for AC only (unit + labor) when ductwork is present. (HomeGuide)
For full system including furnace etc., likely more like $8,000‑$11,000 or more depending on region.

4. Cost of central air for 1,500 sq ft house / AC unit for 1500 sq ft home cost

For 1,500 sq ft your system size jumps and so does the cost.
One source: “Replacing an air conditioner (AC and gas furnace) in your 1,500‑sq‑ft home … average costs around $8,180 for a mid‑efficiency system.” 
Another: for central air only for 1600 sq ft house the range $3,900‑$5,000 (if only AC) was mentioned. (After Hours Heating and Air)
In total you might budget $8,000‑$13,000+ depending on scope.

5. Cost of central air for 2,000 sq ft house

For a 2,000 sq ft house the numbers increase further: one guide gives for 2,000 sq ft: 3,670‑4,070 for cooling cost only (in one example) which seems low; but installation cost guides estimate more. (Today's Homeowner)
Another table: new HVAC system with ductwork for 2,000 sq ft: “$11,590 to $14,100” average replacement cost in 2025. (Modernize)
So you might set budget around $10,000‑$15,000+ for full system.

6. AC unit for 3,000 sq ft house cost / 5‑ton AC package unit installed price

Homes ~3,000 sq ft often need 4–5 ton units. One cost‑table shows for 3,000 sq ft (5 + tons) AC installed costs “$10,000‑$16,000+”. 
Likewise installation of a 5‑ton AC package unit will push you toward the high end of that range — because the unit cost, labor, ductwork all scale.

7. How much is a 5‑ton AC unit installed

From the table in the AC cost article: for a 5‑ton unit– home up to ~3,000 sq ft – cost installed roughly $4,500‑$7,500 for AC only (unit + labor) when ductwork is present, but full system replacement with furnace etc. will be higher. 
And other guides for full system point to $10,000‑$16,000+ for larger homes. So you should plan accordingly.

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How the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle fits in

The bundle we’re talking about is the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 system (condenser + matched air handler) — product referenced above. Depending on your home size, this could make a lot of sense (or may be undersized/oversized). Let’s dissect.

Why “3 Ton” matters

“3 ton” means roughly 36,000 BTU/hr cooling capacity (1 ton ≈ 12,000 BTU/hr). So you should match this to your home’s load.

• For homes ~1200‑1500 sq ft: some guidance says 2‑2.5 tons typical. 

• For homes ~1800‑2100 sq ft: 3‑3.5 tons typical. 
  Thus this 3 Ton unit is likely a strong fit for homes say ~1,500‑2,000 sq ft (depending on insulation, climate, duct layout). If your house is smaller (900‑1200 sq ft) you might be oversized; if your house is much larger (3000 sq ft) you may be undersized.

Why 14.5 SEER2 and R‑32

• 14.5 SEER2 is modest by today’s premium system standards (you’ll see 16‑20+ in some markets), but it’s above minimum efficiency in many areas and offers a sound value.

• R‑32 refrigerant is newer, lower global‑warming potential than older refrigerants, so the bundle is future‑oriented.
  This means you get a modern system without paying steep premiums for ultra‑premium efficiency — especially if your budget is a key concern.

System cost from product listing

From the merchant listing: about $3,867 for the bundle (equipment only) in one listing.
That is just the equipment price, not including installation labor, ductwork, etc. So remember the “installed cost” will be significantly higher (as seen above in cost ranges).

So: when would this bundle make sense?

• If your home is ~1,200‑2,000 sq ft, you have existing ductwork in good shape, and you want a reliable system but don’t want to “pay premium” for ultra‑high SEER bomber.

• If you’re replacing a failing system and wish to balance cost vs value.

• If your budget is moderate, and you’re willing to accept 14.5 SEER2 rather than chasing 17+ SEER systems (we’ll talk more about that later).

• If you’re OK with a “good value” rather than “best in class” scenario.

When it might not be the best fit

• If your home is much larger (e.g., 3,000 sq ft) you may need a 4 to 5 ton system — this 3 ton would struggle.

• If your home is small (~900‑1200 sq ft) you might be better off with a 2‑ton system — oversizing can reduce comfort and efficiency.

• If you expect to stay in the home long term and want maximum energy savings, you might prefer a higher SEER rating system (15‑17+).

• If your ductwork is in poor shape or you need major modifications, the overall cost will rise and you may want to budget more or choose differently.

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Applying the numbers: What you might expect when you call your contractor

Now let’s walk through scenarios and map how the Goodman bundle fits, along with budgeting expectations for installation cost, using the keywords you asked for.

Scenario A: Home ~1,000 sq ft

Keywords: cost of central air for 1000 sq ft house; hvac for 1000 sq ft; hvac for 1000 sq ft home

• Using the 1,000 sq ft data: average ~ $8,077 for 14.3 SEER2 system. 

• If you go with our Goodman 3 Ton bundle: the equipment cost ~$3,867. You’ll still have labor, permit, possibly ductwork updates.

• If your ducts are in good shape, you might see something like $7,000‑$10,000 total installed. If ducts need major work, maybe $10,000+.

• Since the 3 Ton may be slightly oversized for 1,000 sq ft, you might want to ask your contractor for a proper Manual J load calculation and consider a 2‑ton system for best efficiency.

Scenario B: Home ~1,200 sq ft

Keywords: cost of central air for 1200 sq ft house; hvac unit cost for 1200 square feet

• For AC only, one article says for 1,200 sq ft maybe $5,000‑$7,500 when ductwork exists. 

• For a full HVAC system, likely higher, maybe $8,000‑$12,000.

• The Goodman 3 Ton bundle could be a strong match here (2.5‑3 ton system size is appropriate). You’d budget equipment (~$3.8k) + install labor + any duct updates.

• Total installed cost might sit around $8,000‑$11,000 in many cases.

Scenario C: Home ~1,500 sq ft

Keywords: cost of central air for 1500 sq ft house; ac unit for 1500 sq ft home cost

• One article: average ~ $8,180 for AC + gas furnace mid‑efficiency system for 1,500 sq ft. 

• Another says central air for 1500 can range $3,000‑$7,000 if only AC and ducts good. (Steve’s Ultimate Air)

• The Goodman bundle at 3 Ton fits well for 1,500 sq ft (2.5‑3 ton size is typical).

• Budget likely $9,000‑$13,000+ depending on furnace replacement, ductwork, location, labor.

Scenario D: Home ~2,000 sq ft

Keywords: cost of central air for 2000 sq ft house; new hvac system cost 1500 sq ft (though 1500 is scenario C)

• One source: full replacement for 2,000 sq ft: $11,590 to $14,100 average. 

• The Goodman 3 Ton bundle might be borderline for 2,000 sq ft — many homes that size may require 3.5‑4 ton system depending on insulation and climate. Check with contractor.

• If you proceed with the 3ton and it matches load, you budget maybe $10,000‑$15,000+ installed.

Scenario E: Home ~3,000 sq ft

Keywords: ac unit for 3000 sq ft house cost; 5 ton ac package unit installed price

• For homes that size you’ll often need 4‑5 ton system. Costs $10,000‑$16,000+ just for AC installed (unit + labor) according to some tables. 

• Using a 3 Ton system would likely be undersized and an inefficient choice. So I’d likely recommend moving up in tonnage and budget accordingly (equipment + labor may far exceed our mid‑range numbers).

• A 5‑ton installed cost might run you $12,000‑$18,000+ depending on scope, region, ductwork, etc.

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What to ask your contractor, and how to get the most value

When you sit down with an installer, here are things to cover — because the real cost isn’t just equipment, it’s about doing it right.

1. Manual J (load calculation) — Ask that you get a proper Manual J calculation to size your system correctly, not guess. That ensures whether the 3 Ton Goodman is correct for your home or if you need a different size.

2. Existing ductwork condition — If you already have ducts and they’re in good shape, that saves big. If ductwork needs major repair, replacement, insulation etc., it can add thousands. One guide: ductwork installation averages $1,000‑$2,700 for a 1,000‑sq ft home. (Angi)

3. Efficiency rating trade‑off — The 14.5 SEER2 rating on the Goodman bundle is a good trade‑off. But you might get better long‑term savings with 16+ SEER systems if you stay in the home a long time and your climate demands a lot of cooling.

4. Installation workmanship matters — Even the best equipment can underperform if installed poorly. Make sure you deal with a reputable contractor, ask about permits, warranties, what happens if something fails, and what the maintenance schedule looks like.

5. Inclusive cost estimate — Ensure your estimate includes unit cost, labor, permits, removal of old system, any needed ductwork changes, electrical upgrades, refrigerant line sets, thermostat, etc. Some estimates only show base cost and then surprise extras stack up.

6. Timing and rebates — Look into local utility rebates or government incentives for higher‑efficiency systems / R‑32 refrigerant adoption. These can offset upfront cost. Also install in the “shoulder season” may save labor costs vs peak summer.

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Budget checklist for your installation

Here’s a sample budgeting checklist based on the scenarios and the Goodman bundle:

Keep in mind these are ballpark ranges; your local market (labor costs, permit fees, availability of contractors) will shift them up or down.

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Final thoughts: Is this the right system for you?

If I were talking to a homeowner (as Mike Sanders) sitting at your kitchen table, I’d say:

• If your home is roughly in the 1,200‑1,500 sq ft range, the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle is a very good choice. You’re getting a solid mid‑sized system with modern refrigerant and a decent efficiency level. You’ll likely get the comfort you need and avoid overspending on ultra‑premium equipment.

• If your home is smaller (say 900‑1,000 sq ft), you’ll still get good comfort from the Goodman bundle, but you might be slightly oversized. A high‑quality 2‑ton or 2.5‑ton system might be more cost‑effective — you might want to ask for quotes on both.

• If your home is much larger (2,000 sq ft or more) or has serious heat load demands (lots of windows, poor insulation, hot climate), then you may want to consider stepping up in capacity (3.5‑4 or 5 ton) and possibly higher SEER efficiency if you plan to stay long term.

• Whatever size you choose: budget more than just the equipment. The real number you’ll pay is “installed cost”, which means labor, accessories, ductwork, permits. Many homeowners over‑budget just the unit and get blindsided by extras.

• Also: longevity and maintenance matter. Even a well‑sized system only lasts as long as someone installs it well, manages filters, and keeps ducts clean. Do your homework on the contractor — reputable installation means fewer issues down the road.

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Bottom line

If you’re shopping for a reliable system that balances cost, efficiency, and future‑proofing, the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R‑32 bundle is an excellent contender — particularly for homes in that 1,200‑1,500 sq ft sweet‑spot. Use the cost‑ranges we talked about above to set your budget, compare installer quotes, and — most importantly — ask the right questions to ensure you’re not just buying a unit, but a complete system that will serve you well for years.

In short: Don’t think of HVAC as just a “box on the side of the house.” It’s an investment in comfort, energy savings, and future peace of mind. With the right decision today, you’ll enjoy those benefits—and avoid regret tomorrow.