Compare & Contrast: Rheem vs Goodman ACs!
At some point, AC repairs offer a diminishing return on old AC units, and you’ll have to make a decision to replace it with one of the shiny latest models. The air conditioning market is a crowded one, with many brands vying for customers’ attention. But when it comes to choosing the right system for your home, two names stand out: Rheem and Goodman. Both are known for their quality products and competitive prices—but which is better? To answer this question, we conducted an in-depth comparison of the two brands’ offerings: from features to value to installation services. Read on to learn more about Rheem and Goodman air conditioners – and find out which one is the best fit for you.
Company History and Product Lineups
Rheem is an American company founded in the early 1920s by brothers Richard and Donald Rheem. The two brothers set out to provide heating and cooling products for homes, businesses, and industries across the United States. They began by manufacturing gas water heaters in their hometown of Emeryville, California. In 1936, they opened a new factory in Montgomery, Alabama to produce air conditioners as well.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Rheem continued to expand their product offerings while also increasing production efficiency with the introduction of automated processes. By the 1970s, they had become one of the leading manufacturers of HVAC equipment in North America. During this time period, they also acquired several other companies including Ruud Manufacturing Company and Weather King Corporation--both of which were later rebranded under the Rheem name.
In 2000, Rheem became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RHM). Despite numerous challenges presented by changing market conditions over the years--such as competition from foreign brands--the company has remained a top player within its industry due to its commitment to innovation and quality control measures implemented throughout their supply chain management system. Today, Rheem remains one of the largest manufacturers of HVAC systems worldwide with offices located in multiple countries around the world.
Goodman Manufacturing Company was founded in 1975 by Harold V. Goodman, a former executive of the Amana Corporation. The company quickly became known for its reliable, high-quality products and services and began to expand rapidly. In 1978, it began producing residential central air conditioning systems and furnace units, making Goodman one of the first companies to produce these items on a large scale.
In 1981, Goodman opened its first manufacturing plant outside Houston, Texas; five years later they added two more plants in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Dayton, Ohio. By 1989, their product line included both residential and commercial heating and cooling systems as well as heat pumps. In 2001 they acquired Janitrol Air Conditioning & Heating which allowed them to serve both the residential market as well as the light commercial market with an even wider range of products.
Goodman has continued to grow since then with multiple expansions including building new factories in Mexico (2003), Tennessee (2008) and Texas (2010). They have become a major player in the HVAC industry due to their commitment to innovation; over the years they have released several energy-efficient products such as their Energence(TM) line of rooftop HVAC systems designed specifically for commercial buildings.
Side by Side Models From Each Brand
| Model Name | SEER Rating | Price Point | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RA18AZ Endeavor Line Prestige | 20 | $$$ | 72 |
| RA16AZ Endeavor Line Classic | 18.5 | $$$ | 73 |
| RA15AZ Endeavor Line Classic | 16 | $$ | 73 |
| RA14AZ Endeavor Line Classic | 16 | $$ | 76 |
| RA13NZ Endeavor Line | 16 | $$$ | 71 |
| WA15AZ Endeavor Line Select | 16 | $$$ | 73 |
| WA13NZ Endeavor Line Select | 16 | $$$ | 71 |
| Select Series Single Stage WA14 | 14 | $$ | 71 |
| Select Series Single Stage WA13 | 13 | $$ | 72 |
| Prestige Series: Variable Speed (RA20) | 20.5 | $$$ | 72 |
| Classic Plus Series: Two-Stage (RA17) | 17 | $$ | 72 |
| Classic Series: Two-Stage (RA16) | 16 | $$ | 76 |
| Classic Series: Single Stage (RA14) | 15 | $ | 76 |
| Classic Series: Single Stage (RA13) | 13.5 | $ | 77 |
| Select Series: Single Stage WA16 | 16 | $ | 76 |
| Select Series: Single Stage WA14 | 14 | $ | 72 |
| Model Name | SEER Rating | Price Point | Noise Level (dB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVXC20 | 25 | $$$ | 74 |
| GSXV9 | 23 | $$ | 74 |
| GSXC18 | 19 | $$ | 74 |
| GSXC7 | 18 | $$ | 72 |
| GSXC16 | 17 | $$ | 72 |
| GSXH5 | 16 | $$ | 75 |
| GSX16 | 16 | $$ | 73 |
| GSX14 | 14 | $ | 73 |
| GSXM4 | 15 | $ | 75 |
| GSXB4 | 15 | $ | 75 |
| GSXN4 | 15 | $ | 72 |
| GSXN3 | 14 | $ | 71 |
| GSX13 | 13 | $ | 74 |
Comparing Prices
Comparing the cost of Rheem and Goodman air conditioners, it is important to note that prices can vary greatly depending on the size, efficiency, and complexity of the installation. Generally speaking, a homeowner can expect to pay anywhere in the region of 8,000–15,000 for either brand—but this should only be used as a guide; an exact quote should always be obtained from a professional HVAC company. Ultimately, while price is certainly an important factor when making any purchasing decision, it should not be considered in isolation—there are other considerations such as quality and reliability that also need to be taken into account.
Price Summary
| Brand | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Rheem | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Goodman | $8,000 - $15,000 |
Performance and Noise
Rheem Models
The Rheem brand offers a wide range of air conditioning models, ranging from the Endeavor Line Prestige with a SEER rating of 20 and noise level of 72dB to the Select Series Single Stage WA13 with a SEER rating of 13 and noise level of 72dB. The higher-end models include the Prestige Series Variable Speed (RA20) which has a SEER rating of 20.5 and noise level of 72dB; and the Classic Plus Series Two-Stage (RA17) which has a SEER rating of 17 and noise level of 72dB. All models have low sound levels due to their efficient, quiet operation -- except for the Classic Series Single Stage models, which have slightly noisier performance due to their single stage design.
Goodman Models
Goodman also provides an array of air conditioning systems ranging from the GVXC20 model with a SEER rating 25 and noise level 74dB to the GSX13 model with a SEER rating 13 and noise level 74dB. The high-end options are GVXC20 which boasts energy efficiency ratings up to 25, as well as GSXV9 with 23SEER ratings at 74 dBs. For those looking for more economical options, Goodman has several single stage units such as GSXM4 (15SEER/75db), GSXB4 (15SEER/75db), GSXN4(15SEer/72db), GSXN3 (14SEER/71db), and GSX13 (13SEEr/74Db).
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing an air conditioner system for your home, there are many factors that should be considered – including efficiency, price, and sound levels. Generally speaking, models with higher SEER ratings will be more expensive initially but will result in lower operating costs over time; however they may also be noisier than more basic units. If you’re looking for an energy efficient unit without sacrificing sound levels then either Rheem’s Prestige or Goodman’s GVXC20 would be suitable choices — depending on budget and other preferences.
Performance Summary
| Brand | SEER Rating | Noise (in dB) |
|---|---|---|
| Rheem | 13 - 20.5 | 71 - 77 |
| Goodman | 13 - 25 | 71 - 75 |
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Basic Maintenance and Repairs
When it comes to basic maintenance and repairs, Rheem scores a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5—where 1 is very hard for the homeowner to do basic repairs, and 5 means it's very easy—while Goodman scores 4.
Comparing the Two Brands for Homeowner Maintenance
Rheem air conditioning systems offer an average level of ease when it comes to basic repair and maintenance tasks; while Goodman systems are more user friendly. For example, if you want to replace the filter on a Rheem unit, you may need some special tools that might not be available at home improvement stores. Whereas with Goodman units, replacing the filter can be done using common tools found in most households.
Our Opinion
Given their respective ratings for ease of repair and maintenance, we recommend homeowners consider Goodman air conditioning systems as they tend to provide better access for DIY repairs compared with Rheem units.
Basic Maintenance Summary
| Brand | Basic Repairs |
|---|---|
| Rheem | (3/5) |
| Goodman | (4/5) |
Comparing the Two Brands for Reliability
Rheem and Goodman are two popular brands of air conditioning systems, each with its own set of pros and cons. On a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is very unreliable and 5 is very reliable, Rheem scores a 2 while Goodman scores a 3.
Though both brands offer some advantages over the other, when it comes to reliability Rheem falls short—its rating of 2 shows that homeowners believe this brand is not particularly dependable. In contrast, Goodman's score of 3 indicates that customers have faith in its products' ability to deliver on their promises.
Rheem Pros
Rheem units offer competitive efficiency ratings and come with high-quality components. Additionally, they boast quiet operation—an important factor for many homeowners who don't want loud noises coming from their A/C units. Furthermore, many models come with integrated Wi-Fi capability for easy control from anywhere in your home or office.
Goodman Pros
Goodman air conditioners are designed for maximum comfort at affordable prices compared to other major brands. They also provide impressive energy efficiency ratings that can help lower your utility bills over time. Moreover, many models feature advanced filtration systems that remove airborne pollutants from your indoor environment for improved health and safety benefits.
Our Opinion
When it comes to reliability, Goodman offers an edge over Rheem with its higher rating—but both brands provide satisfactory performance in terms of energy efficiency, noise levels, and features like Wi-Fi connectivity or advanced filtration systems. Ultimately, we suggest customers make their decision based on factors most important to them such as price point or specific features they need in an A/C unit before settling on either brand.
Reliability Summary
| Brand | Reliability |
|---|---|
| Rheem | (2/5) |
| Goodman | (3/5) |
Expected Lifespan of Each Brand
Rheem and Goodman air conditioning systems offer different expected lifespans—the former has an estimated lifespan of 5-10 years, while the latter should last 8-12 years—although this is not a guarantee as individual performance can vary depending on many factors.
Lifespan Summary
| Brand | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Rheem | 5-10 years |
| Goodman | 8-12 years |
Wrapping it All Up
Based on our industry experience, feedback from customers and other HVAC technicians, here is the summary of how these two brands stack up.
| Brand | Price Range | SEER Rating | Noise (in dB) | Basic Repairs | Reliability | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem | $8,000 - $15,000 | 13 - 20.5 | 71 - 77 | (3/5) | (2/5) | 5-10 years |
| Goodman | $8,000 - $15,000 | 13 - 25 | 71 - 75 | (4/5) | (3/5) | 8-12 years |
Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
What Your Neighbors Say About Us
Dallas Heating and AC are excellent. They always have someone answer the phones, they are quick to come out and repair, and reasonable rates. We use them on all our properties.
Luis came out and was very professional and knowledgeable. They offered me financing and I also signed up for their no contract service maintenance program! Definitely refer this company
Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning did what 3 other companies couldn’t, didn’t give up and went the extra mile, at the same time didn’t over charge me. It was more than necessary to share my experience with the rest of the world,
Josh and Skyler were amazing, they communicated everything they were doing, very thorough and respectful. Will definitely be using Dallas Heating and AC again!!!
These guys did a fantastic job all around! They were quick to respond, provided a competitive estimate, and got the work done efficiently. They replaced my over the tub ac unit and the outside condenser and fixed many issues with the previous setup.
Luis came out and did a fabulous job! We notice our AC wasn’t blowing cold like it should be and he came out, add Freon to our system and it was back running great again! I will be using DHAC for all my needs from now on!
Call Now – Our Phones Are Answered 24 x 7 For All Of Your AC Needs
With decades of experience serving the DFW area, your local air conditioning company has always believed in taking excellent care of our customers. From our friendly phone operators to our certified technicians, we care deeply about your heating and air conditioning comfort.
Important Notes About The Content on This Page.
The information provided on this website page is for educational and informational purposes only. It represents the personal opinions of the owners and employees of Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning, and should not be taken as professional advice. We do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the content or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk
The information about the models offered by each manufacturer on this website page was created based on the information available on the respective manufacturers' websites in 2023. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained on this website. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. The information is subject to change without notice and we do not guarantee that the information provided will be up-to-date or error-free. It is important to conduct your own research and verify the information with the manufacturer before making any purchasing decisions.
Noise ratings were obtained from the manufacturers technical specifications at the time of writing, and is based on a 3 ton unit running at full speed. Variable speed compressors will run quieter at lower speeds.
The opinions expressed on this website page are based on decades of professional experience as well as feedback from homeowner and business customers. These opinions are intended to provide general information and are not intended as professional advice. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information contained on this website. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. It is important to conduct your own research and verify the information with a qualified professional before making any decisions.
