Goodman Downflow, Variable Speed, 93% AFUE — GCVC95/9 Gas Furnace Price

• Posted in Gas Furnaces, Goodman Furnace
• on January 9, 2011
• No Comments.

We recently received this “Share an HVAC Price” note from Susan in Oaktown, Indiana about her purchase of the Goodman Downflow, Variable Speed, 93% AFUE — GCVC95/9 Gas Furnace.  We are always glad to add these posts to our large section of HVAC Prices where you can get an idea of costs for the kinds of furnaces you are considering.

“My husband and I grew up on farms and have always wanted to ‘return to our roots.’ A few years ago we bought an old farm house here that needed major renovations, which we spent weekends over two years doing, enjoying most of the process immensely.  The home has what we call a Michigan basement – low ceiling, dirt floor, stone foundation.  Not a good place for a gas furnace.  The 3 contractors we consulted all recommended a downflow furnace in the attic, and 2 of them suggested the Goodman GCVC95/9.  We chose the contractor who had installed ‘5 or 6’ of these over the contractor who said ‘there’s a first time for everything.’  We appreciated his honesty, but wanted an experienced installer.

The contractor built a platform for the furnace and added ductwork down into the house.  He and two crew members were on the job for 3 long days to complete it and had an electrician here for a half day.  I thought the whole thing went pretty smoothly.  It was finished in time to let us hang the dry-wall before the cold weather hit and has performed exactly as advertised, keeping our 2,200 square foot home very comfortable.  If you tackle a project like this, be prepared to spend extra money on the installation over a simple attic switch out.  The 2 bids were received were for $7,475 from the installer we chose and $6,200 from the inexperienced one.  I don’t think he knew what he was getting into and I didn’t want problems to come up that he wasn’t prepared for.  Experience counts for a lot in my book!

Goodman GCVC95/9 115,000 Btu gas furnace, $1,900

Installation including carpentry, all new duct work, electrical work, and venting, $5,575

Total: $7,475

Here’s what we got with this furnace:

• High-efficiency 95% AFUE, Energy Star and federal tax credits.
• Two-stage burner and variable speed fan operation for optimal efficiency and quiet performance.
• ComfortNet Communications which should help it work with our A/C this summer.
• Constant dehumidification when cooling by having the low-speed fan run continuously.
• Limited Warranty: Lifetime on the heat exchanger, 10 years on parts, 10 year replacement warranty if exchanger fails in first 10 years – only goes to original owner.

While our situation may be different than most, I hope sharing it helps others who are considering an attic gas furnace.”

We do appreciate it Susan!  Thanks for reminding us how important it is to have not only a qualified contractor do the installation, but one who is particularly knowledgeable about the specific application he will be facing.  When unusual circumstances are present, having an experienced installer do the work is the best way to guarantee efficient, safe and reliable performance of your furnace.