Review
The Goodman GMEC960803BN combines a gas furnace and air conditioning unit in a single horizontal configuration, addressing the needs of homeowners seeking efficient climate control without splitting equipment across indoor and outdoor spaces. Goodman occupies the middle ground in HVAC manufacturing, offering solid equipment at competitive prices without premium brand markup. This particular model targets the replacement market, where existing infrastructure often accommodates compact, efficient systems.
The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU of heating output at 96% AFUE efficiency, meaning 96 cents of every gas dollar converts to usable heat. The air conditioning side generates 24,000 BTU cooling at 16 SEER1, qualifying for ENERGY STAR status. Two-stage operation on both heating and cooling allows the system to modulate capacity, reducing energy waste during partial-load conditions. The ECM blower motor adjusts between 0 and 1200 CFM automatically, preventing the oversized runtimes that plague single-speed competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means lower heating bills, especially valuable in northern climates with extended winter seasons
- 16 SEER cooling rating qualifies for ENERGY STAR certification and reduces summer energy consumption noticeably
- Two-stage compressor and two-stage burner allow the system to run at lower capacity during mild weather, improving efficiency and reducing runtime noise to 71 dB
- Multi-speed ECM blower motor adapts airflow between 0-1200 CFM, matching actual heating and cooling demands rather than running full-blast
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty provides peace of mind on the most expensive component, backed by 10-year parts and unit replacement coverage
Cons
- Spec sheet lists both 2 ton and 3 ton tonnage, creating confusion about actual cooling capacity and whether it's correctly sized for your home
- Requires licensed technician installation in most jurisdictions, and improper gas connection can be fatal, limiting DIY appeal
- No pricing listed, making budget comparison impossible, and actual installed costs can vary significantly by region
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners replacing a 15-20 year old system who want dependable performance without paying for premium-brand pricing or smart home integration. This unit fits well in homes where straightforward operation matters more than advanced features.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone needing a variable-speed compressor for maximum efficiency in very hot climates, or those wanting WiFi-enabled controls and smart home integration should look at higher-end models.
Installation
Installation requires a licensed HVAC technician in most jurisdictions, as gas line connections demand professional expertise. The horizontal A-coil configuration needs proper ductwork integration, and the unit requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power with 15.7-20 amp breaker support. PVC venting is acceptable for the right-mounted flue. Sweat connections use 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction lines, requiring proper refrigerant charging.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman backs the heat exchanger for life and provides 10-year replacement coverage on the entire unit plus 10 years on parts, provided you register online. This addresses the heat exchanger vulnerability in gas furnaces, the most likely failure point. Competitor warranties often limit coverage to 5-7 years on the unit itself, making this a meaningful advantage for long-term owners.
Specifications
| SKU | GMEC960803BN |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Goodman |
| Cooling BTU | 24,000 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Electrical | 115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | Lifetime Heat Exchanger, 10 Years Unit Replacement, and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 71 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 118.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Energy Star | Yes |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 16 |
| Condenser Stages | Two Stage |
| Compressor Type | Scroll |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 3/4" |
| Max Breaker Size | 20 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 15.7 amps |
| Tonnage | 3 Ton |
| Valve Type | Sweat |
| Height | 34.5" |
| Width | 17.5" |
| Depth | 28.75" |
| Resources | GMEC96 Installation Manual GMEC96 Specifications Sheet GMEC96 Owner's Manual GMEC96 Service Manual GMEC96 Replacement Parts Manual GMEC96 Brochure Goodman Furnace Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents. |
| Safety Information | This gas appliance requires a trained technician to install. Improperly connecting gas lines or improperly connecting a gas flue or venting may result in death. By purchasing this item, you are agreeing that you are using a trained technician to install this gas appliance. We will not be responsible for any injury or property damage arising from improper service or service procedures. Whoever installs or services this unit assumes responsibility for any personal injury or property damage which may result. Many jurisdictions require a license to install this equipment. PROPOSITION 65 WARNING This product and many products on our site may contain a chemical know to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information about Proposition 65 please Click Here. |
| Configuration | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Multi-Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 1200 |
| Flue Location | Right |
| Burner Stages | Two |
Frequently Asked Questions
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