Goodman GMVM97 Review

Goodman’s GMVM97 is their premier furnace. It’s the most sophisticated heating system they make, and also the most efficient. It has some great design specifications, a fantastic warranty, and some great features. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable high-efficiency modulating furnaces around. 

This Goodman GMVM97 model review will go over in detail all of the important features and specifications about this furnace to help you choose an upgrade, and we’ll compare it to three other Goodman models in case this brand has something more suitable for you.

The Goodman GMVM97 in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4,600 to $5,200

Top Features

• Lower nitrogen oxide emissions than some furnaces
• Excellent design specifications
• High-efficiency AFUE
• Self-diagnostics for easier troubleshooting and repairs
• Compatible with communicating and non-communicating thermostats
• Can change airflow according to heating demands for optimal comfort levels 
• Backed by an excellent warranty
• A more budget-friendly option
• Compatible with all Goodman special features
• Secondary heat exchanger for improved efficiency 

The Bottom Line

The GMVM97 is a modulating, variable-speed furnace, and this means it can make incremental changes to the heating output. This saves you money, keeps your home at just the right temperature, controls humidity levels, eliminates hot and cold spots, and reduces operational noise. 

And thanks to the efficiency rating, design, and ENERGY STAR® certification, this furnace will likely be eligible for any rebates that are available. 

Another great thing about the GMVM97 is that it’s compatible with all of Goodman’s special and exclusive features, including the communicating ComfortBridge™ Technology and the CoolCloud™ HVAC app.

In Depth Review

Goodman GMVM97 Product Specifications

• AFUE: 98 percent
• Burner type: Modulating
• Blower type: Variable-speed ECM
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Heating capacity: 29,400 to 97,000 BTUs

Features Overview

One of the special features from Goodman is called ComfortBridge Technology. This is a communicating technology that allows important components in the furnace to communicate with the thermostat. The thermostat can then tell the furnace to adjust its settings automatically based on things like temperature settings, humidity levels, and heating demands. 

Another cool feature that you get with the GMVM97 is the CoolCloud HVAC app. This is an app that contractors can use to connect to the furnace during installation and repairs. The app makes it easier to configure settings during installation, and makes repairs and maintenance faster by giving HVAC techs access to diagnostics data and notes from past contractors.

Other Key Features

• The primary heat exchanger has a tubular design for increased longevity and durability
• Uses a reliable and durable silicon nitride igniter that saves fuel compared to a pilot light
• Ready to be paired with an electronic air cleaner and humidifier
• Cabinet is insulated to reduce air leaks, dampen noise, and increase heat transfer
• Variable-speed induced-draft blower is quiet and efficient
• Fewer water leaks thanks to quick condensate drainage 

Warranty Information

Despite being a more economy brand, Goodman offers one of the best furnace warranties. The GMVM97 is covered by a:

• 10-year parts warranty
• 10-year unit replacement warranty
• Lifetime heat exchanger warranty

With the unit replacement warranty, Goodman will offer to replace the entire furnace if the heat exchanger fails within 10 years. 

To be eligible for the full terms, make sure you register the furnace within 60 days of installation, and hire a licensed HVAC professional to do the installation. Not registering the furnace will reduce the warranty coverage period, and a DIY installation could void the warranty completely. 

Comparable Models by Goodman

Model Comparison by Price: GMVM97 versus GM9C96

The GM9C96 isn't as advanced as the GMVM97, but it could still be an excellent option, especially if you want something more affordable and don’t need all the bells and whistles.

The GM9C96 is a two-stage furnace, which means it has a high and low heat output. This isn't as sophisticated as a modulating furnace, but two-stage models are still efficient, quiet, and good at heating larger spaces with fewer hot and cold spots compared to single-stage models.

Although the GM9C96 doesn’t have Goodman’s premium features, it does have the same standard features as the GMVM97, including a secondary heat exchanger, excellent warranty, ENERGY STAR certification, cost-saving AFUE (96 percent), self-diagnostics, and beyond.

It’ll save you a similar amount on winter heating bills, and it will also be more affordable than the GMVM97.

Model Comparison by Features: GMVM97 versus GMVS96-U

Goodman’s GMVM97 is one of their most advanced furnaces, so nothing else from their product line competes in terms of overall features.

The GMVS96-U, for example, is a less sophisticated furnace because it’s only single-stage, though it does have the same variable-speed blower motor.  

It is ENERGY STAR certified, but it has a slightly lower 96 percent AFUE. Mind you, the difference between a 96 and 98 percent AFUE isn't huge, and the difference in energy savings will be marginal.

Even though this is an entry-level model, the GMVS96-U is still equipped with Goodman’s premium features, the communicating ComfortBridge Technology and the CoolCloud HVAC app.

Further, the GMVS96-U does have something that the GMVM97 doesn’t: ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions. NOx is a greenhouse gas, so buying a furnace with ultra-low emissions can reduce your home’s environmental impact.

Model Comparison by Tier: GMVM97 versus GCVM97

The GMVM97 and GCVM97 are nearly identical. They're both modulating furnaces with variable-speed ECM blower motors, ENERGY STAR certification, the same warranty coverage, and the same features and technological compatibilities.

One difference is the GCVM97 has a lower AFUE of 97 percent, but the practical difference between those two efficiency ratings is negligible, and you’ll barely notice the difference on your heating bills.

Another difference between the two is the price: the GCVM97 actually costs a little more, averaging between $4,700 and $5,300 with installation.