Goodman vs. Carrier: Which Central AC Should You Choose?

Air conditioners are a necessary part of modern life. They keep us cool and comfortable in the summer, and they keep us warm in the winter. Selecting different brands of air conditioners can be a daunting task since there are many brands in the market. However, most of these units are from the same manufacturer.

Goodman and Carrier are two of the most popular brands in making HVAC systems. Both brands are popular and have a lot of good products. So, which one is better? This blog post will compare Goodman and Carrier heating and cooling units to help you decide which brand is right for you.

What is Goodman?

Goodman is a manufacturer of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They are one of the largest producers in the world and have been in business since 1975. Goodman operates as an independent subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd and has its headquarters in Huston and Texas.

Goodman offers a wide variety of products, including gas furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and indoor air quality products. The company has over 5000 employees and 55 manufacturing and distribution facilities across the United States.

What to Know About Goodman HVAC

goodman vs carrier air conditioners

If you’re in the market for a new Goodman HVAC system, you should know a few things. Goodman is a market leader in quality and innovation, and its products are backed by some of the best warranties in the business.

Goodman air conditioners are also designed to be energy efficient, saving you money on your utility bills. Additionally, Goodman offers a wide range of products to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect system for your home.

Goodman systems are excellent for owners on a budget. The systems are affordable without sacrificing quality or performance. Its air conditioning units come with an inbuilt humidity control feature which is excellent for the summer season. The brand offers a limited lifetime warranty on parts and one year warranty on labour.

Pros and Cons of Goodman Brand

Even for an established company like Goodman, there are always pros and cons to their products.

Pros

Market leaders in air conditioning systems

Goodman brand is a market leader in the manufacturing and production of air conditioning systems. The prolonged presence in the industry gives consumers high confidence to buy a quality product.

Quality products with fair prices

Goodman offers high-quality products at a fair price, making their products a good value for the money. If you are on a tight budget, Goodman may be a good option for you.

Goodman products are Energy Star Rated

All Goodman products are Energy Star Rated, meaning they meet or exceed the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US government. The product’s efficiency can save you money on your monthly energy bill.

Eco-friendly HVAC systems

Goodman also offers eco-friendly HVAC systems. These systems use less energy, which can help you save money on your energy bill and do your part to protect the environment.

Goodman offers the best warranty in the industry

Goodman offers the best warranty in the industry. A good warranty gives you peace of mind that if something goes wrong with your unit, Goodman will be there to help.

Cons

Noise levels

One downside of Goodman air conditioners is the sound quality issue. They can be a bit noisier than other models. If noise is a concern for you, you may want to consider a different brand.

Poor customer service

Some consumers have complained about poor customer service from Goodman. If you have any problems with your unit, it may be challenging to resolve them.

Limited dealership network

Goodman is a smaller company compared to other HVAC manufacturers in the industry. They do not have as many dealerships across many countries outside the US. If you are not near a dealership, finding someone to help you with repairs or services may be challenging.

The durability of their products is not guaranteed

While Goodman offers a great warranty, the durability of their products is not always guaranteed. Some consumers have had problems with their units failing after a short period.

Its AC is not suitable for scorching climates

Goodman’s AC is not as suitable for hot climates as other brands. If you live in a hot environment, you may want to consider a different brand.

No strict criteria in selecting their dealers

Goodman does not have any strict criteria in selecting its dealers. Lack of strict standards during dealer’s selection can lead to a wide variety of quality among their dealerships. You may want to do your research before choosing a Goodman dealer.

What is Carrier?

Carrier Global Corporation is a major American manufacturer of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. It was founded in 1915 by Willis Carrier and has its headquarters in Palm Beach, Florida.

In 2012, Carrier partnered with Midea, a Chinese appliance manufacturer, to form Carrier Midea Air-Conditioning Equipment Co., Ltd. (“Carrier Midea”). The venture saw both companies diving deeper into the Indian residential market.

Carrier corporation operates on six continents and has employed approximately 53,000 people in 160 countries.

What to Know About Carrier HVAC Equipment

Goodman va Carrier Air Conditioning

Carrier offers a wide range of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Carrier air conditioners come installed with the latest technology and are known for their energy efficiency. Follow Me feature is one of Carrier’s newest technology in its residential HVAC systems.

When the feature is on, the sensor collects temperature information in the room and sends it to the thermostat. The thermostat can make better decisions about when to turn on or off heating or cooling and maintain a more comfortable environment.

Carrier air conditioners also come installed with ICleanser, a self-cleaning condenser coil technology. It uses ultraviolet light to break down and kill any mold, bacteria, or other allergens that may be present on the coil, improving your indoor air quality.

Carrier’s latest units come furnished with NextGen Dehumidifier technology. It is designed to extract more moisture from the air, which not only improves comfort levels but can also help reduce energy costs.

Pros and Cons of Carrier Brand

Pros

Established brand

Carrier is a well-known and respected brand in the HVAC business. Its reputation gives you peace of mind that you’re buying a quality product.

Wide range of products

Carrier offers a wide range of HVAC equipment for residential and commercial applications, so you’re likely to find something that meets your needs.

Energy efficiency

All Carrier air conditioners are designed for maximum energy efficiency, saving you money on your utility bills in the long run. Their AC is installed with R-410A refrigerant and a SEER rating of 21.

ICleanser

As mentioned earlier, Carrier’s HVAC units come installed with ICleanser, a self-cleaning condenser coil technology that improves your indoor air quality. The technology helps clear away mold, bacteria, and other allergens that may be present on the coil.

NextGen Dehumidifier technology

Carrier’s latest units come furnished with NextGen Dehumidifier technology, designed to extract more moisture from the air. NextGen technology not only improves comfort levels but can also help reduce energy costs.

Good design

Carriers manufacture some of the most visually appealing HVAC equipment on the market. If you’re looking for something aesthetically pleasing in your home or office, Carrier is an excellent option.

Quality customer service

Customer service is an essential priority for Carrier. They have a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who are available to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about their products.

Cons

Expensive

Carrier HVAC equipment can be expensive, particularly their high-end models. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other brands.

Noisy

Some Carrier units can be pretty loud when in operation, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for something quiet in homes and offices.

In-depth Comparison: Goodman vs Carrier

Comparing premium models like Goodman and Carrier can be challenging! Below, we compiled an in-depth comparison to help you make a clear decision on the brands.

1. Air Conditioning Performance

Performance is a crucial feature of any household appliance, including an HVAC. Performance, in this case, relates to the cooling and heating capacity of the system while keeping the energy bills low.

Both brands have a high-performance ability. However, Carrier slightly edges out Goodman’s cooling performance with its 21 SEER rating, while Carrier has an 18 SEER. In heating, Carrier again outperforms Goodman with a 98% AFUE compared to Goodman’s 96%.

2. Refrigerant

Both brands use the environmentally friendly refrigerant R-410A. The hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant is ozone-safe and has a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).

In addition, the R-410A absorbs and releases heat at a higher rate, which minimizes the chances of compressor leakage and breakdown.

3. Noise

One critical aspect considered when choosing an HVAC system is how much noise it produces. Some units can be pretty loud when in operation, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for something quiet in your home or office.

Carrier edges out Goodman in this category with its quieter operations at 56 decibels than Goodman’s 74 decibels. Nevertheless, an incorrect installation might cause noise in your AC units. Ensure you get a professional HVAC contractor to install your Carrier or Goodman AC.

4. Humidity Control

Humidity control is one of the latest technology introduced to air conditioners. This feature enables the system to remove excess humidity from the air, improving comfort levels and reducing energy costs.

Both brands have this technology thanks to the variable speed ECM blower motor and the evaporator coil which absorbs excess humidity and drains it outside through the condensation drain. Carrier’s NextGen Dehumidifier technology slightly edges out Goodman with its ability to extract more moisture from the air in areas with high humidity.

5. ECM Condenser Fan Motors

ECM condenser fan motors are another energy-saving technology found in Carrier’s and Goodman’s AC units. This motor uses less energy when running, saving you a lot of money on your energy bills.

The ECM condenser fan motors work by varying the fan’s speed depending on your system’s needs. Carrier has this technology in all its latest models, while Goodman only has it in select models.

6. Warranty

Warranties are an essential consideration when purchasing any household appliance. They provide peace of mind by covering the cost of repairs or replacement if something goes wrong with your unit.

Both brands offer excellent warranties, but Carrier’s warranty is slightly more comprehensive. Carrier offers a standard warranty of ten years on parts and one year on labour, while Goodman provides a standard warranty of five years on parts and one year on labor.

7. Average Lifespan

When it comes to HVAC, you want a unit that will last. You don’t want to have to replace your unit every few years.

Carrier is known for its durability, and many of its units come with a ten-year parts warranty. This means that the parts of the unit will be covered for ten years, which could save you a lot of money in repairs down the road.

On the other hand, Goodman is known for its affordability. While it may not have the same level of durability as Carrier, Goodman’s units are designed to last with proper care and maintenance.

8. Energy- Efficiency

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an HVAC system is its energy efficiency. You want a unit that will keep your energy bills low without compromising performance.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is an AC unit’s energy efficiency standard measure. The higher the seer level, the more efficient the unit is.

Both Carrier and Goodman have high SEER ratings, with Carrier slightly edging out Goodman. Carrier has a seer level of 21, while Goodman has a SEER rating of 18. This means that Goodman is still an excellent choice for those looking for an energy-efficient unit.

9. Cost

An HVAC system’s purchasing, installation, and operational cost is an important consideration. You want to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Both brands are affordable and will not break the bank when it comes to cost.

However, Goodman’s units may be more expensive than Carrier’s in some cases. The cost of a Goodman AC ranges from $1,885 to $ 2,530, while the price of a Carrier AC ranges from $1,930 to $ 2,498

10. Installation

The last thing you want to do is install your own AC unit. Not only is it difficult, but it can also be dangerous. Leave the installation to the professionals and let them take care of it.

Both Goodman and Carrier offer professional installation contractor services. Carrier’s installation team is certified by the National Comfort Institute (NCI), while Goodman’s is approved by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

The installation cost of Carrier is higher than for Goodman. The cost range from $3,350 to $6,255 while Goodman range $3,188 to $4,270.

11. Tax Breaks

Getting a tax break on your new HVAC system can help offset some costs. Many states offer tax breaks on energy-efficient appliances, so ask about them when purchasing your unit.

Carrier and Goodman offer tax breaks on their units. Carrier provides a state rebate of up to $500, while Goodman offers a state rebate of $300. This can help you save even more on your new system.

12. Warranty

Warranties are an essential consideration when purchasing any household appliance. They provide peace of mind by covering the cost of repairs or replacement in the event that something goes wrong with your unit.

Both brands offer excellent warranties, but Carrier’s warranty is slightly more comprehensive. Carrier offers a standard warranty of ten years on parts and one year on labour, while Goodman offers a standard warranty of five years on parts and one year on labour.

13. Compressor

Both Goodman and Carrier air conditioners come installed with a two-stage compressor. However, other Carrier models have single-stage scroll compressors and a variable speed rotary compressor in Carrier condensing unit.

Verdict; Which is Better, Goodman vs Carrier?

Both Carrier and Goodman are excellent choices for an HVAC system. However, Carrier is more durable and energy-efficient than Goodman, making it a premium model air conditioner. It also has a more extended warranty than Goodman.

Goodman’s units are still an excellent value and are perfect for those on a budget. The units are affordable and have a high SEER rating. They also offer tax breaks in many states.

Conclusion

Both brands are winners when it comes to HVAC units. They have been in the industry for a long time and have a lot of experience. Although Carrier is a bit more expensive, it offers a more extended warranty and is more durable than Goodman.

On the other hand, Goodman is perfect for those on a budget. They sell quality units without compromising on performance. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and what you’re looking for in your new air conditioner.