Goodman Air Handler Reviews and Guide 2024

Goodman air handlers are known for their competitive price and the excellent warranties from Goodman Manufacturing, now part of Daikin. Models compatible with Goodman’s ComfortNet communicating system are available in addition to standard air handers. The units can be used with any brand HVAC equipment but are most often installed with a Goodman central air conditioner or Goodman heat pump. When you’re comparing air handlers, you might see them referred to as fan coils (by Carrier, for example) or by abbreviations for air handler unit (AHU) or fan coil unit (FCU).

Introduction to Goodman Air Handlers

Goodman makes seven air handler series to match the rest of your HVAC system. The table below includes each series and its key features. The models table and the price table that follows are useful in comparing air handler brands. We’ve also completed air handler guides and tables for Goodman’s three top competitors:

• Trane
• Carrier
• Lennox

We’ve also completed an Air Handler Buying Guide with comprehensive information on air handler basics, top air handler brands and prices for those brands.

Notes:

1). Communicating HVAC systems: Goodman’s ComfortNet communicating system is an option on the top Goodman air handlers. The ComfortNet thermostat/control is required for the upgrade and requires a wiring configuration that is unique to communicating systems. Instead of separate wires for heating and cooling, a communicating control uses one wire for both, and sends the signal to heat or cool based on data received from indoor and outdoor sensors. Knowing whether your system uses communicating technology is essential for successful wiring.

2). BTUH/Tons: Goodman uses the term “tons” for capacity. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTUH, a measurement of how much heat the system can move per hour.

3). System Options: All Goodman air handlers and modular blowers can be equipped with heat kits from 3-25 kilowatts, depending on the model. The heating strips are designed for supplemental or emergency heating, not as a primary heat source.

Goodman Air Handler Features Analysis

Series MBVC and MBR are modular blowers (note the MB in the name). This means they contain a blower motor and fan but no coil and are used only for moving air. They are available in airflow capacities from 800CFM to 2,000CFM. They are used with Goodman cased coils for heating and air conditioning applications. The units include a PSC (permanent split capacitator) motor. Upgrading to an ECM (electrically commutated motor) that uses 75% less electricity and lasts an average of twice as long costs about $300.

When in communicating mode (see chart for communicating models), variable-speed ECM motors automatically adjust airflow CFM (cubic feet per minute) and heating/cooling BTUH capacity based on data from indoor and outdoor sensors and feedback from system components.

Adjustable low CFM on the AVPTC and MBVC models optimizes humidity dehumidification when the system is in air conditioning mode.

The AWUF is a wall-mounted air handler for convenient installation where space is limited. The ACNF air handler is a ceiling-mounted unit with capacity to just 30,000 BTUH. These features make it a good choice for an AC-only system or as the indoor unit for a non-ducted system. All other Goodman air handlers and modular blowers are floor-mounted components.

Goodman Air Handler (Fan Coil Unit) Prices by Model

Goodman built its huge market share on low prices with quality that is at least average for the industry. Here are Goodman air handler prices for these models.

Note: The Above cost is based on 3 ton air handler unit.

As you can see when comparing prices for Goodman air handlers with those from Trane, Lennox and Carrier, Goodman is the price leader. With 10-year warranties on all models (and better warranties on Goodman heat pumps and central air conditioners), it is easy to see that Goodman offers excellent value.

In addition to the cost of the air handler, expect estimates for installation to range from about $1,100 to $1,750 depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation. If you choose a communicating system, the Goodman ComfortNet thermostat is required and costs $450-$500.

Trane Air Handler (Fan Coil Unit) Prices by Size

Note: The Above cost is based on Goodman ARUF model.

How to Get the Best Goodman Air Handler Prices

Making it your top priority to get the lowest price on installation could lead to problems. Cheap contractors often cut corners or don’t size the unit properly, and these issues lead to mechanical failure and a house that isn’t as comfortable as it should be.

Firstly, When you looking for the best deals for air handler, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project.

• So never sacrifice contractor quality for lower price.
• Secondly, remember to look up the latest tax credit and rebates.
• Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates for you local contractor, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.

At last, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.

Written by Rene Langer

Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. He holds an HVAC associate degree and EPA & R-410A Certifications.