Goodman GCSS92 Review
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AFUE:Up to 92 percent
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ENERGY STAR ®:No
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Burner Type:Single-stage
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Blower Type:Multi-speed
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Warranty Score:
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Overall Grade:
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Price:$4,000 to $4,600
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BTU Output:36,800 to 110,400
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DISCONTINUED: Please note, this model appears to have been discontinued by the manufacturer, although it may still be available for purchase through distributors and contractors for some time.
The GCSS92 is one of Goodman’s most basic and most affordable high-efficiency furnaces. It has single-stage operation paired with a few features that make it more efficient and improve performance.
This Goodman GCSS92 model review will help you decide if you should invest in this furnace. We’ll give you an idea of the furnace’s value by talking about the price compared to its features, specifications, design elements, efficiency rating, warranty, and more.
We’ll also compare it to three other Goodman models to give you context about what else is available at different price points.
The Goodman GCSS92 in a Nutshell
Average Price (with installation): $4,000 to $4,600
Top Features
- Secondary heat exchanger that recycles energy from exhaust gasses to increase efficiency, reduce heat loss, and lower fuel waste
- Multi-speed blower with multiple airflow options is more efficient than a single-speed blower
- Lower nitrogen oxide emissions than some other furnaces
- Good warranty
- Affordable price
- Quiet operation
- Compact cabinet with a space-saving footprint
The Bottom Line
The GCSS92 is a single-stage furnace with an AFUE of 92 percent, so it’s probably going to be most appropriate for smaller homes. Alternatively, if you live in a part of Canada with milder winters, then this furnace might also be powerful enough.
Even with the secondary heat exchanger and multi-speed blower, this furnace probably won’t have the heating capabilities to keep a larger house warm through Canada’s deep freezes. However, talk to your local HVAC expert to assess the specific needs of your home.
When this furnace is suitable, the high-efficiency rating and additional efficiency features make this a cost-saving and reliable unit that will keep your home warm for many winters and reduce your monthly and annual heating bills compared to a lower-efficiency model.
In Depth Review
Goodman GCSS92 Product Specifications
- AFUE: 92 percent
- Burner type: Single-stage
- Blower type: Multi-speed
- ENERGY STAR certified: No
- Heating capacity: 36,800 to 110,400 BTUs
Features Overview
The GCSS92 has several design elements that improve performance and operation, including the more reliable and long-lasting silicon nitride ignitor, which replaces a fuel-wasting pilot light.
It has also been designed to eliminate water leaks, and the cabinet air leakage has been reduced to less than 2 percent. Similarly, the heat exchanger cabinet is insulated to dampen noise and increase heat transfer.
The control board is also equipped with self-diagnostics that continuously monitor system performance. When something is wrong, there's a LED fault code display that can help you troubleshoot and diagnose issues. Not only will prompt and accurate service keep the furnace working reliably, but it can also extend the life of the unit.
Other Key Features
- Can be installed in a horizontal or downflow position (in basements/crawl spaces/closets)
- Installation is quick and setup is easy
- Made in the United States
- Primary heat exchanger is made with a heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant aluminized steel
- Tubular heat exchanger design increases resistance to heat and pressure for lasting performance
- All internal components are protected by a heavy-gauge steel cabinet
- Cabinet is protected by a special long-life finish
Warranty Information
The GCSS92 is an entry-level model with Goodman’s most basic warranty coverage. At the same time, the GCSS92 is still protected by a good warranty that’s comparable to what some premium brands offer.
When you buy a GCSS92, it comes with a 10-year parts warranty and a lifetime heat exchanger warranty.
To be eligible for the full terms, you will have to register the unit on Goodman’s website within 60 days of installation.
And to be eligible for any warranty, you'll also have to hire a licensed HVAC pro to install the furnace. Finally, there is regular maintenance that Goodman requires you to take care of in order to keep the warranty valid. Check the owner’s manual or warranty conditions for more details.
Comparable Models by Goodman
Model Comparison by Price: GCSS92 versus GCVC96
The GCVC96 isn't Goodman’s most expensive or most sophisticated model, but for the price, it does have a lot more to offer than the GCSS92. The average cost to buy and install the GCVC96 is $4,400 to $5,000, and here's what you get for the extra money:
- A two-stage burner with a high and low heat output
- A variable-speed ECM blower that can incrementally alter airflow
- ENERGY STAR certification
- A 10-year parts warranty
- 96 percent AFUE
- ComfortBridge technology
- CoolCloud HVAC app
For a small additional investment, you can get a furnace that’s more powerful, more efficient, better equipped to heat larger houses, and better performing. The GCVC96 is also more likely to qualify for rebates, and this could actually equalize the purchase price of the two models.
Model Comparison by Features: GCSS92 versus GCVM97
The GCVM97 is one of Goodman’s most expensive and advanced furnaces, and while it comes at a higher price, there are many reasons this could be a viable alternative than the GCSS92.
The GCVM97 is a modulating furnace with a variable-speed blower, so it can make minor adjustments to the heating output and airflow to keep your home—no matter what size—at the perfect temperature and humidity level.
Beyond that, it also comes with Goodman’s ComfortBridge communicating technology, so the thermostat can initiate those changes automatically to keep you comfortable.
This premier furnace has an AFUE of 98 percent, so $0.98 of every dollar you spend goes to heating your house. In other words, you're going to save more on heating bills over time with the GCVM97.
You could also save money with the model’s 10-year unit replacement warranty, and through rebates that this model would qualify for.
Finally, the GCVM97 also has the CoolCloud HVAC app, an app for contractors that makes installation and repairs faster and easier.
Model Comparison by Tier: GCSS92 versus GMES92
The GMES92 is in the same entry-level tier as the GCSS92, and the two are very similar. They both have AFUEs of 92 percent, single-stage burners, and multi-speed blowers.
However, the GMES92 is going to be a little more expensive, and here's why: it has an ECM blower motor and a two-year unit replacement warranty.
ECM blower motors are superior to standard ones because they're quieter, more efficient, and require less maintenance.
As for the unit replacement warranty, that means if the GMES92’s heat exchanger fails within two years, then Goodman will offer to provide a brand new furnace. After that, the original heat exchanger warranty still applies for the lifetime of the unit.