York HVAC

York HVAC main picture

York is a name you’ve probably heard before—especially if you’ve ever set foot in a commercial building or sports arena, where its massive rooftop units are practically iconic. But on the residential side, York has been quietly building a reputation for dependable comfort and accessible innovation. With a catalog split into the premium Affinity™ series and the more value-driven LX series, York gives homeowners choices that balance efficiency, technology, and price.

What sets York apart is its roots in large-scale systems: when a brand engineers equipment for stadiums, you can expect durability and reliability to filter down into the products designed for homes. Of course, not everything is perfect—York has fewer flagship “flashy” models compared to Carrier or Lennox, and some homeowners have reported dealer support inconsistencies. Still, when installed by a qualified contractor, York delivers steady, efficient performance backed by solid warranties.

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.