Goodman GSX16 Review

Goodman’s GSX16 is great for families who need to replace an older and less efficient cooling system, but who don’t want to spend a lot and aren't looking for a lot of extra bells and whistles in an air conditioner.

The GSX16 is durable, reliable, and efficient, and it’s backed by a great warranty. Although this model is lacking some of the additional features and technologies that higher-end Goodman air conditioners have, it’s a quiet, affordable, and high-quality cooling system that will keep your family comfortable for many summers.

If you're in the market for a new air conditioning system, then this model review of the Goodman GSX16 will help you figure out if this model will work for your home. The review will talk about the GSX16’s key features, pricing, and warranty coverage, and it will compare it to three other Goodman air conditioners.

About the Goodman GSX16

Average Price (with installation): $3500 - $5500

Top Features

• Energy-efficient compressor
• PSC condenser fan motor
• Smartcoil technology promises better efficiency and lower operating costs
• Quick and easy installation
• Many additional features to increase durability and long-term reliability
• Designed and assembled in the U.S.
• Quiet performance
• Chlorine-free refrigerant
• Equipped with a sound-control top for quieter operation

The Bottom Line

The GSX16 is a great choice if you're looking to upgrade to a high-efficiency air conditioner that’s built to last. Even though it’s only a single-stage air conditioner, it still has a more efficient and longer-lasting scroll compressor, a high-efficiency SEER rating, and ENERGY STAR® backing.

This offering from Goodman promises great performance and excellent cooling capabilities, and it has been engineered to withstand the elements and years of use.

Although it doesn’t have any of the novel technologies that Goodman offers with their premium air conditioners, the GSX16 is affordable and reliable, has high-quality components, and is backed by a warranty that could save you plenty on repair bills. 

In Depth Review

Goodman GSX16 Product Specifications:

• Compressor: Single-stage
• SEER: Up to 16
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 71
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons
• Cooling capacity: 18,000 - 57,000 Btus

Features Overview

Smartcoil Technology: Some of the most important components in an air conditioner are the compressor and coils, and Goodman uses cutting-edge copper tubing for their coils and durable aluminum fins. For you, this means better efficiency, less refrigerant use, and lower energy bills in the summer months. These proprietary coils are also smaller than traditional coils and offer better heat transfer.

Easy installation: The GSX16 has been specifically designed for easy installation, and that means faster service and potentially lower installation costs. Factors that assist with installation include the unit being charged with enough refrigerant to accommodate 15 feet of tubing, easy-connect wires, and a ground lug connection.

Energy-efficient performance: Although the GSX16 doesn’t have a more advanced two-stage or variable compressor, it is equipped with an efficient compressor that’s more energy smart and quieter than standard ones. It also has a permanent split capacitor condenser fan motor that ensures consistent airflow and quiet comfort.

Other Key Features

• Copper coil tubing
• Enhanced aluminum fins
• Heavy-gauge steel cabinet for increased durability
• Protective louvered cabinet
• Baked enamel finish
• Filter drier protects the unit from moisture
• AHRI certified
• Has a coil guard and fan grille to protect important components

Warranty Information

The GSX16 doesn’t have the best warranty that Goodman offers, but it’s still a decent warranty that will protect your investment for 10 years. And along with the 10-year parts warranty, the GSX16 is also protected by a two-year unit replacement warranty. That means if the compressor fails in the first two years, then Goodman will replace the entire air conditioner.

To get the best warranty terms, make sure you register the unit within 60 days of installation. Unregistered air conditioners will still be protected, but only for five years, and you'll lose the unit replacement warranty entirely.

Comparable Models by Goodman

Model Comparison by Price: Goodman GSX16 versus Goodman GSX13

As a mid-range offering from Goodman, the GSX16 is in the middle of their price range. If you're looking for something even more affordable, the GSX13 could save you more money. In Canada, it costs an average of $3,000 to $4,500.

The two units are fairly comparable in terms of specifications, features, and cooling output. However, the GSX13 only has a SEER rating of 13, and that means you won’t save as much on your monthly energy bills.

Moreover, it will probably be better suited for homes in milder parts of the country that don’t experience extended heat waves. Alternatively, it could also work well in a smaller space.

The GSX13 isn't ENERGY STAR certified either, and that means it might not qualify for the same rebates as the GSX16. If you want a more powerful and more efficient air conditioner without paying extra, then consider opting for the GSX16 and shopping around for rebates.

Model Comparison by Features: Goodman GSX16 versus Goodman GSXC18

When you compare the GSX16 to one of Goodman’s premium air conditioners, the GSXC18, you start to see the additional features and technologies that the entry-level and mid-range models are missing.

The GSXC18 is in a higher price tier, but you'll also get a SEER rating of 19, ENERGY STAR certification, a more efficient two-stage scroll compressor and two-speed fan, remote Wi-Fi control over the system, built-in diagnostics, and communicating capabilities. Plus, this model is compatible with the CoolCloud HVAC app, which contractors can use to facilitate maintenance and repairs.

The GSXC18 also comes with a more comprehensive warranty that includes a lifetime compressor limited warranty and a 10-year unit replacement warranty.

Model Comparison by Tier: Goodman GSX16 versus Goodman GSXC16

The GSXC16 is only one step up from the GSX16, but it’s a premium model and offers quite a few more advantages.

The GSXC16 does come with a higher price tag than the GSX16, but it has a SEER rating of 17 and a more advanced two-stage scroll compressor and two-speed fan. That means the air conditioner can operate at a reduced capacity to maintain the temperature of your home without wasting energy.

The premium model also has better warranty coverage, ENERGY STAR certification, ComfortBridge communicating technology that lets you monitor and control the system remotely from anywhere in the world, and compatibility with the CoolCloud HVAC app.