Most people don’t give much thought about their air conditioning system until it's too late. There is no one air conditioning system that will fit all needs and, not all air conditioning brands are alike.
An air conditioning system can be a big expense for most homeowners, so you want to get the very best system for your money. Various manufacturers produce cooling units and there are pros and cons to each.
While there are more than 150 brand names of HVAC systems, there are actually only seven or eight HVAC equipment manufacturers. Goodman is one of the leading HVAC equipment manufacturers.
The Best of Goodman
Goodman has been building air conditioners for over 30 years. They are best known for their price value for consumers, quality construction, and reliable performance.
Goodman offers the following unique features in its air conditioning units:
Smartcoil® Condensing Coils
Goodman developed a uniquely designed air conditioner condenser. Goodman combined copper tubing and aluminum fins in order to provide a more efficient transfer of thermal heat. Their air conditioner condenser requires less refrigerant, delivers higher efficiency and saves customers money.
SmartFrame Air Handlers
Goodman’s trademark SmartFrame Air Handlers are designed to help resist the effects of corrosion in high-humidity environments. It uses Goodman’s All-Aluminum Evaporator Coil and a substructure that eliminates the need for cabinet c-screws that may sweat.
Comfortnet™ Communicating Control Systems
The ComfortNet communicating control system also helps high-efficiency air conditioners run at the optimum efficiency, no matter the season.
Advanced Manufacturing Facilities
Goodman has one of the largest and most technologically advanced manufacturing facilities in the US. Daikin/Goodman opened a 400 million sq ft. manufacturing and operations center in Houston, TX in May 2017.
Goodman Has One of the Best HVAC Warranties on the Market
The item that is most likely to break down on an air conditioning unit is the compressor. Compressors can break down for a number of reasons but the most common is the build-up of cooling refrigerant in the suction lines. Goodman offers a limited lifetime compressor warranty. If the compressor fails, a new one will be provided to the original purchaser.
Goodman developed an innovative “suction accumulator” that traps liquid refrigerant and prevents it from accumulating in the suction lines. Few manufacturers can match Goodman’s warranty on its compressors. The industry average is a 10-year limited warranty.
Goodman Units Have a Unique Coil Construction
Goodman manufactures its air conditioners using all aluminum coils. This is preferable to copper because aluminum coils provide the equivalent efficiency as experienced with copper tube coils without the risk of corrosion. An added benefit is that the use of aluminum coils reduces the cost of production.
Goodman Provides Extensive Product Testing
Every Goodman brand product is tested three times before it leaves the assembly line to ensure product performance and reliability.
The Drawbacks
Here are the main drawbacks:
Top SEER Rating is Only 18
While the majority of Goodman’s air conditioning systems are highly efficient compared to the industry standard of 13 SEER, Goodman’s highest efficiency air conditioner is rated 18 SEER. Trane, Carrier and Lennox all offer air conditioner systems with SEER ratings above 18.
Need to Register Your Product Quickly
Goodman won’t honor the warranty unless you registered your unit and parts serials numbers at the time of purchase/installation. Some customers have complained that they had a product failure issue and contacted the company to replace the part under the warranty. They then found out that the company would not honor the warranty because the homeowner’s unit was not registered properly within 60 days of the date of purchase/installation. The majority of HVAC manufacturers will require verification of registration in order to honor their warranty as well.
Not So Hot in Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports’ owner survey rated Goodman in the bottom tier of manufacturers. In a 2017 survey of owners, Consumer Reports noted that 22% of Goodman air conditioners and 18% of Amana air conditioners needed repairs within the first five years of ownership. It is not noted whether the units required repair due to actual manufacturing problems or other problems due to faulty installation.
Several other air conditioner rankings did give favorable reviews to Goodman/Amana.
How Does Goodman Compare to the Competition?
With the vast variety of air conditioners available on the market, choosing the right brand of air conditioner can get overwhelming. You need an option that works efficiently and will last you a long period of time. Goodman air conditioners come with a number of features designed to provide you with efficiency. Here’s a list of some of the few features that Goodman air conditioners are known for.
Filter Driers Installed in Factories
Filter driers are vital for the operation of both air conditioners and refrigerators. Factory-installed ones absorb the moisture and contaminants, and then the residual system filters them to offer better performance.
Contactors That Come With Lugs
You can easily connect the main power wires to the unit through the lugs. It makes it a lot easier and safer.
The Coil Guards Are Louvered
The coil guards are louvered coil to protect it from any damage that might be caused by the lawn equipment, random things such as sticks, and hail. Compared to wire guard frames, this louvered design helps by providing enhanced protection for condenser coils.
The Paint Finish is Powder Paint That’s Baked on
The paint is basically a powder paint that is electrostatically sprayed and then cured under the heat to make the finish protective and long-lasting. The paint is done using a 500-hour salt spray. This procedure provides high-quality durability along with providing you with UV protection to prevent any damage caused by the sun.
Comparison of the Best Goodman Air Conditioners
Goodman itself offers a wide variety of air conditioner options for you to choose from. So here are a few of the most sought out options for you. We’ve listed some of their specifications for you to go through. You can go over them and see if there’s one that might catch your eye.
In addition to ducted and ductless air conditioners, Goodman also offers heat pumps, gas furnaces, air handlers and coils, temperature control systems, and indoor air quality products. Some of the more notable air conditioner product models are as follows:
Model Name | Capacity(Ton) | Energy Efficiency (SEER) | Maximum Sound Level (dB) | Compressor Stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DSXC180361 GSXC18 | 3.0 | 18 | 71 | Two |
GSX/GSC Efficient AC GSX13 | 2.5 | 13 | 73 | Single |
GSX160601 GSX16 | 5.0 | 16 | 73 | Single |
GSXC/ DSXC GSXC18 | 4.0 | 18 | 74 | Two |
Quick Take: Best Goodman Air Conditioners
These are our recommendations for the best Goodman air conditioners:
Review of the Best Goodman Air Conditioners
To make searching for a good air conditioner easier for you, here is a list of some of the Goodman Air Conditioners that you should go through. These include some of the brand's most sought out models, we’ve covered these in detail so that you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before making the final purchase.
1. GSXC/ DSXC
PROS
CONS
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Goodman GSXC18 is able to achieve a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating of up to 19 SEER. It comes with a Copeland 2 speed compressor. Most service technicians would agree that these compressors are some of the sturdiest and durable compressors, hence Goodman offers a limited lifetime warranty on its products that have this compressor. There are different types of air conditioning compressors available, and this is one of the top ones. This Goodman unit offers quiet operation. This machine operates at the lowest decibel rating of 68dB and the highest decibel rating of 74dB’s when running at its full capacity. You can easily work or sleep without getting annoyed by the noise.
The GSXC/ DSXC air conditioners are revered for their high efficiency and durability. They are available in various sizes ranging from 2 tons to 5 tons. There are 4 basic models of GSXC and 2 models of DSXC air conditioners. They are distinguished by their cooling capacity of between 24,000-60,000 BTU/H compressor size.
They are available in two SEER rating levels of 16 & 18, making them highly efficient units compared to the industry standard of 13 SEER. All models are Energy Star Certified and receive high praise from consumers.
These units feature the Copeland Scroll two-stage dual/speed compressor, which is known for its energy efficiency and has fewer moving parts. That helps lower the risk of operational issues. Two-stage air conditioners turn on at two-thirds capacity when the temperature in the home rises past the level your thermostat is set at. The unit then gradually works up to full capacity. It works its way down gradually to shut off. This gradual rise and descent saves power, reduces your cooling costs and results in cleaner air.
An advanced diagnostic alert and communication system provides continuous monitoring of the air conditioner’s operating performance, pinpoints trouble areas, and allows remote control of the system.
A high-efficiency two-speed ECM condenser fan motor provides dependable and quiet airflow. A unique acoustically-engineered sound control blanket makes these units very quiet, with a sound level rating of 72-74.
Bottom Line
The GSXC18 is a great option, it is a sturdy, quiet, and durable option. It features ComfortBridge technology that continuously monitors the systems’ performance, ensuring that it provides you with comfortable performance. It makes use of the CoolCloud technology, which allows you to start the unit and use it accordingly through an indoor Bluetooth board that is connected to your phone and tablet. The compressor in this unit comes with a lifetime limited warranty, meanwhile, all the other functions are covered by a 10-year limited parts warranty. This central air conditioning system provides its users with top-notch quality, efficient cooling, and a chlorine-free unit.
Product Specs
SEER Rating (up to)
18 SEER
Cooling or Compressor Type:
Two-Stage
Special Features:
Copeland® Two-Stage Ultratech scroll compressor, ComfortNet™ Communications System compatible, ComfortAlert™ diagnostics, Heavy-Gauge, galvanized steel enclosure cabinet, Factory-Installed in-line
filter drier
Sound Rating (as low as)
74 dB
2. GSX/GSC Efficient AC
PROS
CONS
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Goodman GSX13 is able to achieve a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating of up to 14 SEER. This allows the unit to reduce the amount of energy being consumed throughout the life of the unit system. It is an environmentally friendly R410a unit that is chlorine-free to help prevent the ozone layer from any damage. The condenser that this unit comes with requires an indoor air handler or an evaporator coil in order for the air conditioning system to work. It is also backed up by a 10-year limited parts warranty, making it a good option to go for.
The GSX/GSC air conditioner is Goodman’s single-stage energy-efficient air conditioner model. Single-stage air conditioners come on at full capacity when the temperature in your home rises past the level you set your thermostat at and then shuts off until the house temperature rises past the thermostat setting again.
This model is available in various sizes ranging from 1/2 ton to 5 tons. There are a number of models of the GSX/GSC air conditioner which are differentiated by cooling capacity of between 18,000-60,000 BTU/H, compressor size, and SEER rating levels of 13, 14, or 16.
These units feature the Copeland High Efficiency Scroll Compressor, which is energy efficient and provides reliable cooling. A single-speed condenser fan motor provides dependable and quiet airflow across the condensing coil.
The top-selling Goodman models:
- Goodman DSXC180361, a 3-Ton 18 SEER rated air conditioning system
- Goodman GSX160601, a 5-Ton 16 SEER rated air conditioning system
Bottom Line
The Goodman GSX13 air conditioning unit is a great option. It comes with a condenser that is energy efficient and helps in reducing the energy being consumed throughout the lifespan of this unit. It operates at sound levels that are considered to be the lowest in both the heating and cooling industry. This unit features a stunning look with a powder paint finish in an architectural gray color, it comes with 500 hours of salt spray approval. The unit is both ARI Certified and is present on the ETL List, which makes it a suitable option for many.
Product Specs
SEER Rating (up to)
13 SEER
Cooling or Compressor Type:
Single-Speed
Special Features:
Energy-efficiency compressors, Factory-installed liquid line
filter drier, Copper tube/aluminum fin coil, Brass liquid & suction line valves
Sound Rating (as low as)
75 dB
3. DSXC180361
PROS
CONS
Why it Stands Out to Us
The DSXV18 air conditioner is able to achieve a nominal Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating of up to 18 SEER. It also features a two-stage compressor that helps in making the cooling system more efficient and consistent. It also comes with some advanced features that help in protecting the coil and the compressor from damage, ensuring the longevity of the unit. The unit also features a two-stage Copeland® UltraTech™ scroll compressor, which helps in providing it with a reliable refrigerant flow. It increases efficiency, allowing the compressor to operate at a lower capacity at a lower demand. The compressor of this unit comes covered with a high-density sound blanket. Moreover, the unit also includes a two-speed ultra-quiet ECM motor, which helps in making it quieter during its operation.
Bottom Line
This is another one of Goodman’s most sought out options. It is a sturdy system that will last you a long period of time. It comes with a cabinet that is made using galvanized steel. The cabinet has a durable powder paint finish and also comes with a steel coil guard that protects the unit from damage, increasing longevity. The installed filter drier extracts moisture and traps any impurities. Moreover, it comes with a wire fan discharge grille along with a condenser fan motor that helps in reducing the noise level without compromising on the performance.
Product Specs
SEER Rating (up to)
18 SEER
Cooling or Compressor Type:
Two-Stage
Special Features:
R-410A refrigerant, Two stage Copeland UltraTech scroll compressor, Copeland ComfortAlert diagnostics, Copper tube / enhanced aluminum fin coil, AHRI Certified; ETL Listed
Sound Rating (as low as)
71 dB
5. GSX160601
PROS
CONS
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Goodman GSX16 air conditioner is able to achieve a nominal Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating of up to 16 SEER. It comes with a three-bladed condenser fan along with a wire fan discharge grille and a louvered top. These features help in making the unit quieter without compromising on the performance. It comes with a filter drier which extracts moisture and removes impurities but also prevents the unit from corroding, freezing, and blockages that can damage the operation of the air conditioner. It is also built to last, it comes with features that help in protecting the equipment from wear and tear and increases its longevity.
Bottom Line
The GSX16 is another one of Goodman’s most sought out options. This unit offers quick installation and is easy to maintain. The condenser coil features aluminum fins along with rifled copper tubing that helps in maximizing the unit’s efficiency. It comes with a scroll compressor that allows the air conditioning unit to operate more smoothly and reliably. This unit is built to last. Plus, it has a cabinet with steel construction, a protective powder paint finish, and a steel coil guard to protect the unit from wear and tear. This allows the unit to last a longer period of time.
Product Specs
SEER Rating (up to)
16 SEER
Cooling or Compressor Type:
Single-Stage
Special Features:
High-Efficiency scroll compressors, Brass liquid & suction line valves, Factory-installed liquid line
filter drier
Sound Rating (as low as)
75 dB
Finding the Best Prices
Getting the best price on your air conditioning system starts with doing some research on efficiency, reliability, features offered etc. for the major brands you are interested in. If you have some information under your belt, it will make it easier to talk to HVAC contractors about what you are looking for in an air conditioning system. Here are a few other ways to get the best prices.
Correctly Determine the Size of the System You Need
Many people don’t really know how to determine what size air conditioning system they need for their home. You don’t want to get a system that is too big for your needs because it will cool the home faster than it can remove the humidity resulting in a cold, damp air quality that would be uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, most homeowners aren’t trained in the engineering procedures that HVAC contractors use to calculate the proper size cooling equipment for your home. So working with a reputable HVAC contractor is key to getting the proper size system for your home.
Time of Year
Many people might think that the best time to buy an air conditioner would be in the winter. They would be dead wrong. HVAC dealers and contractors are busiest in summer and winter and many people buy both their air conditioning and furnace systems at the same time. The best time to buy a system is when you don’t need it - the spring and fall. Many dealers will offer sale prices during those times in order to generate business.
Don’t Rule Out Tax Breaks
The government offers tax credits to homeowners to encourage them to purchase energy-efficient appliances. This helps reduce the consumption of energy on a national basis. To qualify for the tax credit, you need to be in possession of a certificate issued by the manufacturer of your air conditioning system. Tax credits can be worth approximately $300 for air conditioning systems that are rated 13 SEER and higher.
Currently, it appears federal tax breaks are not available. But there may be state offers in your area or rebates from your electricity provider. A good contractor should be aware of what’s available - and ask your tax preparer also.
What Kind of Warranty Does Goodman Offer?
When you are investing a large amount in something such as an air conditioner, it is always reassuring to know that you have the manufacturers’ guarantee and that the product comes with a warranty. Goodman air conditioners usually come with a 5-year limited parts warranty for any unregistered item. However, if you have registered your air-con, then this warranty will extend to a 10 year limited parts warranty instead. There are also items that even come with an additional enhanced warranty, including the 10 year, such as a warranty on the compressor, which means in case of malfunction, damage, or defect, the compressor will be changed for you. You’ll have to see all these conditions when making the purchase. You get a 60-day time period to register your purchased item, the installation date, however, differs.
- For commercial residence, your installation date is the date when you make the purchase.
- For existing residences, the installation date is the date the unit gets installed.
For online registration, you need to provide:
- Name
- Address
- Contact number
- Email address
- The installation date
- Model number and serial number of the item
- The contractor’s name and phone number
Company History
Harold Goodman started as an air conditioning contractor in 1954 in Houston, Texas. He’d become one of the most successful HVAC contractors in the nation within a decade. He formed the Goodman Manufacturing Company as a limited partnership in 1975 to produce flexible air ducts and blade registers for air conditioners.
Goodman purchased the assets of ailing US HVAC manufacturer Janitrol in 1982 and began manufacturing air conditioners and heat pumps in a large warehouse in Houston.
In 1997, Goodman purchased Amana and built the company into the leading manufacturer and distributor of whole-house air conditioning units in the US.
Goodman produces products under both the Goodman and Amana names. Goodman is their moderately priced air conditioner brand, while Amana is their higher-priced brand. Goodman has expanded its product line to include furnace systems.
In 2012, Daikin Industries Ltd., based in Osaka, Japan, acquired Goodman. Daikin is the world’s largest manufacturer of heating, cooling and refrigerant products and a global Fortune 1000 company. Daikin Industries Ltd has a 90-year history and has manufacturing operations in 18 countries. The Goodman acquisition enabled Daikin to set up US manufacturing operations in one place.
They offer a complete range of energy-efficient ducted and ductless HVAC products that are currently imported from other business units outside North America. US-manufactured heating and cooling products are marketed under the brand names Daikin, Goodman® and Amana®.
Although owned by Daikin, Goodman manages itself as an independent business organization with its original management team in place. Goodman-brand heating and cooling systems are designed, engineered, and assembled in the United States.
Conclusion
An air conditioner’s performance depends not only on the quality of its installation and how well it is maintained but on the equipment itself. The Goodman brand is well-known among HVAC professionals as one of the biggest names in home cooling, heating, and energy-efficient systems.
With over 60 years of operating history in the US, Goodman has a significant presence in the HVAC market. While Goodman & Amana have received some poor ratings, the real issue is normally faulty installation. Generally, most component failures can be traced back to improper installation. Overall, a Goodman/Amana unit can be expected to deliver reliable and efficient performance at a reasonable price backed by a great warranty.
