Goodman GMVM97 Review: Is the Modulating Furnace Worth It?

The Goodman GMVM97 is the top of Goodman's residential furnace lineup — a modulating gas furnace with up to 97% AFUE and a variable-speed ECM blower. It represents the pinnacle of gas furnace technology available at a non-premium price. But is the upgrade from a two-stage furnace worth the additional cost? This review digs into the real-world performance, features, and value proposition for Minnesota homeowners.

What Makes the GMVM97 Different

Unlike single-stage furnaces (100% on or off) or two-stage furnaces (low fire or high fire), the GMVM97 uses a modulating gas valve that adjusts output across a continuous range — typically from about 40% to 100% of rated capacity. This means the furnace can run at 42%, or 67%, or 83% of capacity — whatever is needed to match the exact heating load at any given moment.

The result is incredibly precise temperature control. Instead of overshooting the setpoint by 2-3 degrees and then coasting back down (like a single-stage furnace), the GMVM97 maintains room temperature within 1 degree of the setpoint. This eliminates the temperature swings that make forced-air heating feel inconsistent.

Key Specifications

Real-World Performance in Minnesota

Extreme Cold Performance

At negative 20 degrees, the GMVM97 runs near full capacity — and it can sustain that output as long as needed. The modulating valve hits 100% output and stays there during extreme cold, performing identically to a same-BTU single-stage furnace at that point. The modulation advantage shows during the other 90% of winter when temperatures are between 0 and 32 degrees. During those milder cold periods, the furnace runs at partial capacity for longer periods, distributing heat more evenly throughout the house.

Noise

The GMVM97 is remarkably quiet. Running at 50-60% capacity (its typical operating range for most of winter), both the gas valve and the ECM blower operate at reduced levels. The difference compared to a single-stage furnace is dramatic — many homeowners report not being able to tell when the furnace is running. This is a significant quality-of-life improvement, especially in homes where the furnace is near living spaces.

Efficiency

The rated 97% AFUE means that 97 cents of every dollar spent on natural gas becomes heat in your home. Only 3 cents goes up the exhaust vent. Compared to an 80% AFUE furnace (common in older Minnesota homes), the GMVM97 uses about 17% less gas for the same amount of heat. On a $200 monthly gas bill, that is $34 per month in savings during peak winter. Over a full heating season (October through April), savings range from $300-$600 annually depending on home size and gas rates.

GMVM97 vs. GMVC96: Is Modulating Worth the Upgrade?

The GMVC96 two-stage model is our top seller at Furnace Direct, and for good reason — it delivers 90% of the comfort and efficiency benefits of the GMVM97 at a significantly lower price. The real-world differences between the two are subtle, not dramatic.

The GMVC96 runs on low fire (about 60% capacity) most of the time, switching to high fire during extreme cold. The GMVM97 adjusts continuously across the full range. In practice, the comfort difference is noticeable but not night-and-day. The GMVC96 maintains temperature within 2-3 degrees of setpoint. The GMVM97 maintains it within 1 degree. Both are dramatically better than single-stage furnaces.

The efficiency difference is also modest — 96% AFUE versus 97% AFUE translates to about $20-$40 per year in gas savings. The equipment cost difference is typically $400-$800. At that rate, the efficiency payback alone takes 10-20 years. The modulating furnace is justified more by comfort preference than energy savings.

Who Should Buy the GMVM97?

The GMVM97 makes the most sense for homeowners who prioritize maximum comfort and minimal noise, have open floor plans where temperature consistency is highly visible, plan to stay in the home long-term (10+ years) to recoup the higher investment, or want to pair with a communicating thermostat and zoning system for whole-house comfort management.

If you are budget-conscious and want excellent comfort without the premium, the GMVC96 is the smarter buy for most Minnesota homeowners. It is 90% of the furnace at 70% of the price.

Pricing at Furnace Direct

At Furnace Direct, we sell the GMVM97 at factory-direct pricing — which means you pay closer to what contractors pay, not the marked-up retail price. The price difference between our GMVM97 and a contractor-installed premium brand modulating furnace is often $2,000-$3,000. Same hardware class, same comfort, dramatically less money. Same-day delivery to the Twin Cities metro on orders before 3 PM CT.