Goodman
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Price Snapshot: Budget/value leader; one of the most affordable ways to replace a full HVAC system.
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Product Focus: Straightforward Furnace / Central AC / Heat Pump options that cover common home sizes.
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Best For: Cost-conscious homeowners who want solid basics and easy nationwide availability.
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What Stands Out: No-frills designs, broad parts availability, and simple service; good for quick, economical replacements.
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Before You Buy: Check noise ratings and consider the inverter tier if you want quieter, steadier comfort. Proper sizing/commissioning matters.
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Warranty/Dealer: Strong headline warranties on many models; huge dealer footprint; confirm labor coverage and registration.
Carrier
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Price Snapshot: Mid-to-premium; usually pricier than value brands, below ultra-luxury tiers.
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Product Focus: Full lineup across Furnace, Central AC, and Air-Source Heat Pump (strong inverter options).
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Best For: Buyers who want very even temperatures and low noise with brand-name dealer support.
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What Stands Out: Polished smart thermostat ecosystem that works tightly with variable-speed systems.
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Before You Buy: Match the series to climate (consider cold-climate heat pump models where winters are harsh).
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Warranty/Dealer: Broad U.S. dealer network; parts coverage is solid; confirm labor options with your installer.
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Carrier HVAC
Founded in 1902 by Willis Carrier - the man credited with inventing modern air conditioning - Carrier is one of the most recognized HVAC names worldwide. In my years working with residential ducted systems, Carrier has consistently delivered a balance of innovation, comfort, and durability. The Infinity® series is their flagship line, offering top-tier performance with advanced control systems, variable-speed technology, and strong energy efficiency.
For this review, I’m focusing on three standout products that represent Carrier’s engineering strengths in each major residential ducted category:
- Infinity® 98 Gas Furnace with Greenspeed® Intelligence (59MN7) – Carrier’s most advanced furnace for precise heating.
- Infinity® 26 Air Conditioner (24VNA6) – a flagship AC designed for superior cooling and humidity control.
- Infinity® 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed® Intelligence (25VNA4) – a versatile year-round option for both heating and cooling.
These units are selected not just for their place at the top of the spec sheet, but because they’ve proven themselves in actual homes, backed by both my field experience and consistent customer feedback.
Goodman HVAC
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.
