Goodman HVAC

Goodman HVAC main picture

For decades, Goodman has been known as the HVAC brand that delivers straightforward, affordable comfort systems without the luxury pricing of top-tier competitors like Carrier or Lennox. Founded in 1975 and now part of Daikin Industries, Goodman benefits from global R&D while still focusing on value-oriented systems built for the American residential market.

In this review, I’ll focus on three key models that showcase Goodman’s capabilities: the GSXC7 Air Conditioner, the GSZC7 Heat Pump, and the GMVM97 Gas Furnace. These units represent the upper end of Goodman’s residential offerings, combining competitive efficiency, reliable performance, and some smart technology integration through ComfortBridge™.

While Goodman has historically been seen as a “budget” brand, its recent lineup demonstrates significant improvements in quality, efficiency, and warranty coverage. Still, it’s worth noting that Goodman’s reputation remains closely tied to installation quality—when properly installed, these systems can perform exceptionally well, but poor installs are more common at this price tier, which can skew homeowner experiences.

Amana HVAC

Amana HVAC main picture

Amana has been around since 1934, originally known for appliances but now established as a trusted U.S. HVAC brand under Daikin Industries. While it shares engineering DNA with Goodman, Amana is positioned as the premium sibling: the same Daikin-built cores, but with enhanced design, extra warranty protection, and slightly more refined finishes.

For this review, I’m focusing on three flagship Amana models: the AMVM97 Gas Furnace, the ALXT7C Air Conditioner, and the AZV7S Heat Pump. Together, these represent Amana’s strongest offerings across heating and cooling. In my field experience, Amana appeals to homeowners who want reliable comfort backed by the industry’s most generous warranties—particularly the lifetime unit replacement coverage, which remains one of the boldest guarantees in the HVAC market.