Goodman
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GSXC7 Air Conditioner with two-stage scroll compressor and up to 17.2 SEER2
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GSZC7 Heat Pump offering dual-stage performance with up to 16.2 SEER2 and 8.1 HSPF2
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GMVM97 Gas Furnace achieving up to 98% AFUE with ComfortBridge™ technology
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Industry-leading lifetime compressor and heat exchanger warranties on flagship models
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Broad national availability with competitive pricing compared to most premium rivals
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Simple, service-friendly designs that many contractors describe as “installer-friendly”
Carrier
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Over 100 years of HVAC innovation with strong U.S. market presence
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Premium Infinity® series known for variable-speed precision and high efficiency
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Broad product range across furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps
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Excellent humidity and temperature control in variable climates
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Reliable build quality with corrosion-resistant components
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Industry-recognized for quiet operation and advanced connectivity
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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.
