I plan to replace an old a/c furnace with a 45kbtu 80% efficiency 2 ton 13 SEER (don't want to go high eff since this would mean major change to current duct work). One local installer quoted a Goodman unit which is about $2,500 less than a similar sized Lennox. Is there sufficient difference in quality to justify the extra cost of Lennox. Any comments/experience much appreciated.

This has no backing other that it's what I read when researching this a few years ago (ie - no direct experiences), but I found that Goodman was regarded as "builder's grade" equipment. In other words, enough to meet the minimum standard, but not high on quality.

Have you looked at Bryant? Most (if not all) of their equipment is the same as you would get with Carrier, just with a different name plate (and lower cost).

Not sure I understand the comment about high efficiency ... I believe that is a function of the heat exchanger and the condensing unit, not the duct size. The only thing that would affect duct size would be if the HE units are all rated for higher than 2 ton. In which case, you wouldn't want to install them anyway.

One thing you might want to consider with a forced air system is multi-stage. These systems have either a high/low setting or a variable speed setting which means they can run longer, but at lower speeds to get a more consistent environment. Plus, running for longer at lower speeds will help de-humidify the air, letting you keep the temp a few degrees higher in the summer.

A Goodman is low end (not good reviews on these) and a Lennox would be at the top (at least price wise). Like Shadow said a Bryant or a Payne or lower priced (rebadged) versions of the "big" name brands.

I put a Fedders 91% gas in my house last year, it's a rebadged generic made by Texas Furnace Company. My HVAC buddy liked these as they were nearly 1/2 price compared to Carrier and used most of the same components like the gas valve, blower, etc.

There is a thread devoted to the problems with one production run of Goodman air conditioners on a hvac forum.
[www.hvac-talk.com]

Some of the problems were due to the installers, but it still sticks in my mind that a manufacturer would have so many issues with one model line.

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That thread is several years old.

Like all manufacturers, Goodman offers several different grades - models starting with "G" are the low end, starting with "S" are higher end.

The pros at hvac-talk also dislike goodman because they will sell to DIYers.

You do want the variable-speed blower, and why not choose a heat pump w/ gas furnace as backup?

Thanks all. Having read some more I'm now thinking of spending more on a Bryant/Carrier 2 stage w/variable speed. Options such as heat pump are limited due to condo restrictions.

What do you mean?

IIRC, the only real difference between an outside compressor and an air-source heat pump is a reversing valve - units should be the same physical size.

Choosing a heat pump with a gas furnace as backup gives you dual-fuel flexibility,

Here I have a mild climate, and electricity is cheaper than gas (especially considering 80% efficient furnace)

>Options such as heat pump are limited due to condo restrictions.