Goodman GMSS92 Review

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 GMSS92 is one of Goodman’s most basic and most affordable furnaces that still qualifies as high efficiency. It’s economical for homeowners who don’t have a large budget for a furnace upgrade, it could still save you on heating bills, and it’s backed by a good warranty.

Even though the GMSS92 has some appealing features, it might not be right for every home, and this model review will help you figure out if it will work for yours. We’ll discuss the price of the furnace as well as its features, design elements, AFUE, warranty details, and more. 

And to show you what else there is in the Goodman lineup and how the GMSS92 stacks up, we’ll also compare this model to three others. 

The Goodman GMSS92 in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4,000 to $4,600

Top Features

• Less heat and fuel loss thanks to the secondary heat exchanger 
• Lower nitrogen oxide emissions than a standard furnace
• Fuel-saving silicon nitride ignitor is reliable and long-lasting
• Good warranty and quality furnace at an affordable price
• Quiet and dependable operation
• Multi-speed blower provides more consistent heat and airflow

The Bottom Line

Goodman’s GMSS92 qualifies as a high-efficiency furnace thanks to the 92 percent AFUE, but you should talk to a trusted HVAC professional before deciding on this furnace. For Canadian winters, single-stage furnaces aren't always sufficient, especially if you live in a colder climate or a larger house. 

For homes where the GMSS92 is powerful enough, this unit can reduce your winter heating bills and provide better performance than an older furnace. 

This Goodman model has a secondary heat exchanger, multi-speed blower, and silicon nitride ignitor for more efficient operation, more reliable performance, more even heat, and dependable comfort for many winters.  

In Depth Review

Goodman GMSS92 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

One of the main components of a furnace is the heat exchanger, so this is an important element to consider when choosing a furnace.

Goodman furnaces are manufactured with a primary heat exchanger made of aluminized steel, a metal that’s more corrosion-resistant than aluminum or steel alone. It also has a tubular design that has a longer life because it’s more resistant to heat and stress.

And then there's the secondary heat exchanger that captures energy from exhaust gasses and reuses them to produce a furnace that’s more efficient. 

Other Key Features

• Compact and space-saving cabinet
• Upflow and horizontal applications mean the furnace can potentially be installed in basements, crawl spaces, closets, and utility rooms
• Equipped with a single-speed inducer draft blower that’s quiet and efficient 
• Fast installation
• Easy setup and configuration 
• Control board has self-diagnostics to monitor performance 
• Issues are displayed with LED lights to aid in troubleshooting 
• No water leaks and less than 2 percent air leakage
• Insulated heat exchanger cabinet for quieter performance and better heat transfer 

Warranty Information

The GMSS92 has less warranty coverage than most Goodman furnaces because it doesn’t have a unit replacement guarantee, but it still has good coverage that includes a 10-year parts warranty and a lifetime heat exchanger warranty. 

Even though Goodman is an economy brand, even their base warranty coverage still matches that of some premium brands.

Just be sure to pay attention to the fine print if you want to get the most out of the warranty. That includes things like:

• Having the unit installed by an HVAC professional, otherwise you risk voiding your coverage
• Registering the GMSS92 within 60 days of installation to ensure you get the full terms
• Taking care of regular annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid

Comparable Models by Goodman

Model Comparison by Price: GMSS92 versus GCVM97

The GCVM97 is one of Goodman’s premier furnaces, so compared to the entry-level GMSS92, it has a lot more to offer. It does come at a higher price, averaging between $4,700 and $5,300 with installation. Although the GCVM97 requires a bigger investment, it’s possible to get an even bigger return because:

• It has a modulating gas valve that incrementally adjusts the heating output
• It has a variable-speed blower that makes tiny changes in airflow to reduce humidity and provide even heat
• It’s more efficient, with an AFUE of 98 percent
• You'll save more on monthly and annual heating bills
• The furnace is capable of keeping larger homes warm through colder temperatures
• It has an ECM blower motor that’s superior
• It is compatible with Goodman’s proprietary smart thermostat, the Comfort Net system
• ComfortBridge technology enhances performance
• The CoolCloud HVAC app makes maintenance easier
• You could probably qualify for rebates that will cut the cost
• The furnace has an additional unit replacement warranty

Model Comparison by Features: GMSS92 versus GCVC96

The GCVC96 is equipped with just about every feature that Goodman offers, though it’s not their most sophisticated furnace. 

This model has a two-stage burner, meaning it has a high and low heat output when it’s running. Furnaces like this are more efficient, quieter, and better at making the temperature even and steady. It also has a variable-speed blower motor that makes incremental adjustments to airflow, and this increases efficiency while reducing noise and humidity. 

The GCVC96 has a 96 percent AFUE, so it will reduce your heating bills more than the GMSS92. Furthermore, the higher AFUE and better design mean the GCVC96 also has ENERGY STAR certification, so it could qualify for more rebates. 

Lastly, the GCVC96 has ComfortBridge and the CoolCloud HVAC app. The app makes installation and repairs easier by giving contractors access to repair histories, analytics, and diagnostics. The ComfortBridge technology is a communicating feature that enhances indoor comfort by optimizing performance and efficiency. 

Model Comparison by Tier: GMSS92 versus GMES92

The GMSS92 and GMES92 are very similar in most regards. They have the same AFUE, and they both have single-stage burners with multi-speed blower motors. 

While the two will be similar in price, the GMES92 will be a bit more expensive because it has an ECM blower motor. These are quieter, more efficient, and require less maintenance than non-ECM alternatives, so this is a superior blower motor to what the GMSS92 has. 

The GMES92 also has a two-year unit replacement warranty that the GMSS92 doesn’t have. With a unit replacement warranty, Goodman guarantees they will replace the entire furnace if the heat exchanger fails during the coverage period.