Goodman air handlers overview | HVAC Options

If your private home wants a lift of regular airflow, a brand new air handler could possibly be a worthy funding. A Goodman air handler might save a whole lot of {dollars} upfront, however is the worth model dependable sufficient to final?

This information contains product critiques, model comparisons, and extra. Be taught all you could learn about Goodman air handlers and whether or not they’re the best possibility to your dwelling.

Intro to Goodman air handlers

An air handler is the indoor element of a break up HVAC system. The air handler pairs with an outside warmth pump or air conditioner to convey you even and constant airflow.

A Goodman air handler unit consists of 4 elements: a blower motor, a fan, a filter, and an indoor coil. For a extra detailed have a look at how air handlers work, take a look at our greatest air handlers of 2022.

Goodman makes conventional air handler models, wall-mounted air handlers, and ceiling-mounted air handlers. Goodman has a number of the most inexpensive pricing in the marketplace, with many fashions coming in a whole lot of {dollars} cheaper than rivals.

Conventional air handler models are rectangular packing containers that resemble lockers or safes. Wall-mounted models are shorter and wider than conventional models. Ceiling models are the smallest of all, so that they’re nice for discreet hanging.

The Goodman air handler lineup consists of 4 conventional unit sequence, two sequence of wall mount fashions, and one ceiling mount sequence. Going with a Goodman brings you unmatched flexibility within the placement and look of your air handler.

Are Goodman air handlers good?

Affordability is the secret with Goodman merchandise. Beneath, we focus on some key options of Goodman air handlers and the way they examine to different manufacturers.

Coil expertise

Goodman makes use of each aluminum-only and mixed-metal evaporator coils. Lots of the conventional Goodman air handler fashions have all-aluminum evaporator coils.

Aluminum coils are cheaper than copper coils, however they’re straightforward to interchange and recurrently in inventory. Plus, the {industry} is shifting towards aluminum-only coils as the usual.

The wall mount and ceiling mount fashions have aluminum tubing, however they use a distinct metallic for the fins. Mixing metals might result in sooner corrosion. Different manufacturers, like Trane air handlers, use all-aluminum coils in each mannequin. If longevity is a precedence to your air handler, go for a Goodman unit from the AVPEC, AVPTC, or ASPT traces.

Guarantee

The Goodman air handler guarantee is normal for the {industry} however fairly good for a price model. So long as you register your air handler inside 60 days of buy, your unit is roofed underneath a Registered Extra Time period Guarantee for 10 years.

The guarantee language is pretty simple, explaining coated points for all Goodman air handlers. Manufacturers like Lennox provide 10-year guarantee protection for less than premium fashions, so the Goodman guarantee is an added worth.

Blower motor speeds

Goodman presents everlasting break up capacitor (PSC) and electronically communicated motor (ECM) expertise. PSC motors can run solely at one pace, however ECM motors can run on high and low speeds to maximise vitality effectivity.

The fundamental Goodman choices use PSC motors, and the premium choices use multi-speed or variable-speed ECM motors. Competing manufacturers like Provider and Lennox don’t use PSC motors anymore, and even the fundamental choices come normal with multi-speed ECM motors.

Many shoppers desire ECMs to PSCs as a result of they run at a a lot decrease quantity. Plus, ECMs’ improved vitality utilization leads many shoppers to decrease electrical energy payments than with PSCs.

If it’s inside your funds, we suggest going with an ECM each time you’ll be able to. Whereas using PSCs helps Goodman be extra inexpensive than competing manufacturers, the motors are additionally decrease high quality and shorter-lasting.

ComfortBridge™ Expertise

The 2 premium air handler sequence are appropriate with Goodman’s proprietary ComfortBridge™ Expertise. This characteristic acts like a self-regulating thermostat, adjusting your air handler settings to optimize your vitality utilization and preserve your payments low.

Whereas many rivals provide related expertise, there’s a distinctive perk to ComfortBridge™. You should use ComfortBridge™ with any single-stage thermostat, so that you don’t need to bundle different merchandise to make use of the expertise.

Many HVAC manufacturers design their proprietary expertise to work solely with brand-specific objects. For instance, the Provider Infinity™ line solely works with Provider good thermostats and out of doors warmth pumps.

A Goodman air handler will reply to virtually any single-stage thermostat. If you have already got a Google Nest or Ecobee that you just love, Goodman gained’t pressure you to offer it up.

The power to decide on a Goodman air handler and never have to alter your thermostat is a significant profit that might prevent a pair hundred {dollars}. Goodman makes it straightforward to combine and match with different manufacturers, however you’ll need to make sure the HVAC model you have got at dwelling permits the identical.

Air handler sizes

Each Goodman air handler is offered in a number of sizes. Air handler sizing is normally measured in tonnage.

Tonnage doesn’t confer with the burden of the air handler itself. Tonnage is the capability output of the air handler unit.

Generally, air handlers are sized by British Thermal Models fairly than tons. 12,000 BTU/hour is equal to 1 ton of output.

Goodman air handlers vary from 1.5 to five tons of output. Your native Goodman supplier can assist you establish what measurement air handler you want. Whereas the air handler measurement should match your out of doors unit, it’s greatest to have your HVAC professional full a Handbook J calculation of your private home to make sure you’re shopping for the best measurement system.

Goodman air handler costs

Goodman makes 4 sequence of single-family air handler models. The AVPEC and AVPTC could possibly be thought-about premium choices. The ASPT is a mid-level possibility, and the ARUF is probably the most fundamental air handler unit sequence.

The AWUF/AWUT sequence contains all wall mount fashions. The ACNF sequence accommodates all of the ceiling mount fashions. Goodman air handler costs fluctuate based mostly on measurement, your location, and your chosen supplier.

AVPTC and AVPEC

The AVPTC and AVPEC sequence embody probably the most premium, feature-rich Goodman air handlers. Each mannequin in these sequence comes with a variable-speed motor.

In case you’re inquisitive about zoning or setting completely different temperature and humidity ranges in several areas of your private home, these sequence make an important decide. Right here’s what you get solely with the AVPTC and AVPEC sequence. 

ASPT and ARUF

The fundamental Goodman models are extra budget-friendly than many competing choices. One perk of those fashions is the SmartFrame design, which insulates the blower and retains your private home from getting noisy whereas your air handler runs.

The ASPT Collection has a extra superior ECM motor, which might result in increased vitality scores. The ARUF Collection makes use of a much less environment friendly PSC motor, so the air handlers are much less superior however extra inexpensive than ASPT.

AWUF/AWUT

Goodman teams the AWUF and AWUT air handlers into one sequence of wall mount fashions. These air handlers are constructed for small functions like closets.

Some fashions in every sequence use normal PSC motors, whereas others use environment friendly ECM motors, Vitality effectivity will be hit-or-miss with this sequence relying on the motor you select.

ACNF

The Goodman ACNF sequence contains ceiling mounted fashions. This sequence is constructed for small functions with a discreet, versatile design.

This air handler has a normal PSC motor, so vitality effectivity gained’t be stellar. Nonetheless, the multi-position construct makes for simple set up and repair.

Goodman air handlers vs. rivals

Goodman has a fame for making inexpensive, no-frills techniques. Right here, we break down a number of the essential takeaways of going with a Goodman.

Execs

• Wall and ceiling mount choices
• Parts and techniques are accessible and cheap
• Suitable with third-party good thermostats

Cons

• Louder, much less environment friendly motors in lots of fashions
• Fewer tech options than competing manufacturers
• Should register air handler for guarantee

Goodman air handlers vs. Lennox

Goodman is without doubt one of the least costly manufacturers in the marketplace, whereas Lennox has a fame for top costs. Lennox air handlers will be as a lot as a thousand {dollars} costlier.

Goodman air handler elements are generic, so that they’re simpler to seek out and cheaper. Lennox makes use of proprietary elements which might be costlier and recurrently exit of inventory.

Nonetheless, Lennox air handlers get significantly better vitality effectivity scores than something Goodman can provide.

In case your prime precedence is vitality effectivity or consolation, go along with a Lennox. Nonetheless, Goodman merchandise are considerably extra inexpensive.

Goodman air handlers vs. Provider

Goodman and Provider each use a mixture of aluminum and copper supplies of their evaporator coils. Nonetheless, Provider air handlers are extra vitality environment friendly and customarily final shoppers longer.

One main element goes in Goodman’s favor: value. The entry-level Provider fashions begin about $500 increased than Goodman air handlers.

We suggest Provider when you’re debating between each manufacturers. Nonetheless, Goodman presents a number of the best pricing within the {industry}.

Goodman air handlers vs. Rheem

Goodman and Rheem use related evaporator coils, as each combine copper and aluminum. Nonetheless, Goodman has extra air handler fashions with aluminum-only coils, and that is the development the {industry} is shifting towards.

Additionally, each firms nonetheless promote each PSC and ECM motors. Competing manufacturers are shifting away from PSC motors, however each Goodman and Rheem use them in lots of fashions.

As with many manufacturers, one key distinction is value. Goodman air handlers are available at a whole lot of {dollars} lower than Rheem fashions, for comparable vitality effectivity scores.

Goodman is a well-liked worth model that delivers industry-low costs. Whereas Goodman air handlers aren’t probably the most vitality environment friendly accessible, many fashions are made with sturdy and long-lasting elements.

A Goodman air handler is a superb worth possibility backed by a strong guarantee. The air handlers is probably not ultra-quiet or tech-savvy, however they get the job completed for much less. For a have a look at how a lot you’ll be able to count on to spend, take a look at our HVAC alternative price calculator.

Goodman air handler models

Goodman has a powerful catalog of worth to mid-range air handlers. Select from a wide range of choices, from conventional air handlers to wall and ceiling mounts.

Dive into each Goodman air handler accessible now. Find out how every sequence differs and resolve which mannequin is correct to your dwelling.

AVPEC Collection

The AVPTC sequence contains probably the most premium, feature-rich Goodman air handlers. Each mannequin in these sequence comes with a variable-speed motor.

ComfortBridge™ Expertise retains you knowledgeable on how your machine makes use of vitality. In case you’re searching for good expertise that gained’t break the financial institution, this sequence is a superb match. The AVPEC sequence is available in at a whole lot cheaper than manufacturers like Trane or Lennox.

Plus, the fan-only operation is nice for saving cash within the summertime. In case you’re in a heat local weather, we’d suggest an AVPEC air handler.

Be aware that this sequence is appropriate with heating or cooling techniques with an digital growth valve (EEV). In case your system makes use of a thermal growth valve, go for the AVPTC sequence.

AVPTC Collection

Just like the AVPEC, the AVPTC is without doubt one of the two most superior Goodman air handler sequence. These air handlers have premium options like a variable-speed motor.

You get lots of the identical perks and options accessible on the AVPEC, like improved humidity and temperature management with ComfortBridge™ expertise.

There’s one key distinction between the AVPEC and AVPTC sequence. Whereas the AVPEC sequence makes use of an digital growth valve (EEV), the AVPTC makes use of an inner thermal growth valve (TXV).

Due to this distinction, the AVPTC sequence is appropriate with merchandise that use an inverter. This implies that you could pair this air handler sequence with air conditioners with variable cooling speeds.

You probably have a variable-speed AC that you just’re proud of, take into account an AVPTC air handler. You’ll get spectacular vitality effectivity for a whole lot lower than competing premium choices.

ASPT Collection

The ASPT is a mid-range possibility from Goodman, only a step above the ARUF Collection. The AVPTC and AVPEC sequence have extra superior technological options, however the ARUF has a much less subtle motor.

Each mannequin within the ASPT sequence has a multi-speed ECM blower. With this welcome improve, chances are you’ll discover decrease electrical energy payments and a extra peaceable working sound.

Plus, you’ll be able to simply combine it together with your pre-existing heating or cooling system. An digital growth valve makes this air handler appropriate with warmth pumps and air conditioners.

We love the worth of the ASPT sequence, as you get a sturdy cupboard and a powerful motor for the worth. It’s a significant improve from the fundamental ARUF sequence and not using a dramatic soar in value.

ARUF Collection

The fundamental Goodman models are extra budget-friendly than many competing choices. One perk of those fashions is the SmartFrame design, which insulates the blower and retains your private home from getting noisy whereas your air handler runs.

The ARUF sequence can also be straightforward for contractors to service, with an included coil mounting observe. For the worth, you’re additionally getting a extra personalized heating or cooling expertise than competing manufacturers provide. This sequence mounts vertically or horizontally, so you’ll be able to place it up excessive or down low.

Whereas there’s partial foil insulation to maintain condensation down, a extra full insulation would preserve noise ranges underneath higher management. Competing manufacturers like Provider provide absolutely insulated cupboards, which we might suggest when you’re delicate to noise ranges.

Plus, the ARUF sequence solely makes use of PSC motors. Whilst you’ll lower your expenses up-front with this selection, your ears would possible be happier with a much less noisy motor.

AWUF/AWUT Collection

Goodman teams the AWUF and AWUT air handlers into one sequence of wall mount fashions. The AWUF sequence comes with a test flowrater, whereas the AWUT sequence makes use of a extra subtle thermal growth valve (TXV).

The wall mount sequence contains a mixture of ECM and PSC motors. Whereas the wide range will please an indecisive shopper, we advise avoiding PSC motors when you’ll be able to.

The evaporator coils use a mixture of metals, which might result in faster corrosion. Whereas the AWUF/AWUT sequence makes an important funds possibility, premium manufacturers have a tendency to make use of increased high quality and longer-lasting elements.

ACNF Collection

The ACNF sequence contains all ceiling mount air handlers from Goodman. Many competing manufacturers don’t even provide ceiling mounts, so we recognize Goodman’s consideration to selection and creating one thing for each client.

The ACNF sequence hangs up and away on the ceiling. The air handler gained’t take up beneficial house in your house, measuring simply over three ft huge.

Many competing manufacturers restrict their ceiling and wall mounts to condo buildings, so we just like the distinctive flexibility for single-family properties.

Plus, all of the ACNF fashions work with ductless return techniques. In case you’re out there for a ductless system or dwell in an condo, this sequence is an ideal match.

Goodman air handler set up: what to anticipate

Whenever you get a Goodman air handler put in, most HVAC contractors ought to have a simple time with the elements. The elements are generic, so that they are typically cheap and most contractors ought to have them in inventory.

We advise avoiding a DIY set up and having a contractor come by. Improper set up can injury your system and void the guarantee, plus it might violate your native electrical code.

In response to Angi, you’ll possible pay between $1,200 and $1,800 for the set up. Elements like zip code, local weather, and air handler measurement all contribute to the ultimate price.

In case you’re changing your entire heating or cooling system, ask your contractor to do an ACCA Handbook J calculation before you purchase an outside unit. This metric will ensure you’re getting the best measurement out of doors unit to match your air handler.

What’s accessible?

As with many manufacturers, the extra superior fashions have higher expertise and particular options. Right here, we break down precisely what options can be found with every mannequin.

Remember that some options aren’t accessible in each mannequin within the sequence. We observe the place this is applicable.

All Goodman air handlers

Goodman air handlers might not have {industry} normal sturdiness. Nonetheless, you’d be remiss to miss the worth model totally.

Right here’s a have a look at the options that come normal with each Goodman air handler. Even the wall mount and ceiling mount choices are included within the beneficiant guarantee.

• Instrument-free filter entry
• Horizontal or vertical configuration
• Galvanized end
• 10-year elements guarantee (if registered inside 90 days)

ASPT and ARUF

The ARUF is probably the most fundamental possibility, with a normal PSC motor. The ASPT takes it a step above, utilizing a extra superior ECM motor. Beneath are some options that the ceiling and wall mounted sequence lack.

• All-aluminum coils
• Coil mounting observe
• SmartFrame design
• ECM blower motor (ASPT solely)

AVPTC and AVPEC

In case you’re inquisitive about zoning, or setting completely different temperature and humidity ranges in several areas of your private home, the AVPTC and AVPEC sequence make an important decide. Right here’s what you get solely with these superior sequence.

• Variable-speed ECM motors
• ComfortBridge™ expertise compatibility
• Fan-only setting

Goodman air handlers provide all kinds that’s certain to please many householders. The choices begin within the worth vary, with the superior choices providing variable-speed motors and good tech.

For householders in search of a budget-friendly possibility, any Goodman air handler sequence is a superb alternative. For correct sizing and set up of your air handler, attain out to your native Goodman supplier.