Shopping for a furnace and comparing Goodman to Heil? You are actually comparing two brands that share more DNA than most people realize. Heil is part of the International Comfort Products (ICP) family, which also includes Tempstar, Comfortmaker, and Keeprite. Goodman is owned by Daikin. Both are major players in the value-to-mid-range furnace market. Here is how they stack up for Minnesota homeowners.
Company Background
Goodman Manufacturing, based in Houston, Texas, is owned by Daikin Industries — the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world. Every Goodman furnace shares its assembly line with Amana and Daikin-branded units. Daikin acquired Goodman in 2012 for 3.7 billion dollars and has invested heavily in manufacturing quality and product development since.
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Heil is manufactured by International Comfort Products (ICP), a subsidiary of Carrier Global Corporation. ICP operates manufacturing plants in Lewisburg, Tennessee and produces equipment under multiple brand names. While Heil shares corporate parentage with Carrier, the product lines are distinct — Heil uses ICP-specific designs, not rebranded Carrier units.
Product Lineup Comparison
Single-Stage Models
Goodman offers the GMS80 (80% AFUE) and GMSS92 (92% AFUE) as entry-level options. Heil counters with the N80ESN (80% AFUE) and N95ESN (95% AFUE). Both brands deliver reliable single-stage heating with comparable build quality. Heil has a slight edge in base efficiency with their 95% model versus Goodman's 92%, though Goodman's 96% two-stage models quickly close that gap for buyers willing to step up.
Two-Stage Models
Goodman's GMVC96 is a two-stage, 96% AFUE furnace with a variable-speed ECM blower — our best seller at Furnace Direct. Heil's comparable unit is the N96 two-stage model. Both run at reduced capacity most of the time, only ramping to full output during extreme cold. Both use ECM blower motors for quiet, efficient air distribution.
Modulating Models
Goodman's premium GMVM97 offers modulating gas valve technology with up to 97% AFUE. Heil's top-tier equivalent is the Ion 98 modulating furnace at up to 98% AFUE — one of the highest efficiency ratings in the residential market. The Ion series also features a communicating control system that integrates with Heil's Ion System Control thermostat for precise temperature management.
Reliability and Build Quality
Both Goodman and Heil build solid furnaces. They use similar-quality components — aluminized steel heat exchangers, silicon nitride igniters, and name-brand gas valves from Honeywell or White-Rodgers. Both have comparable field failure rates based on contractor survey data. Neither brand has a reputation for premature failures when properly installed and maintained.
Minnesota Performance
At equivalent specifications, a 96% AFUE two-stage furnace performs identically regardless of brand name. What matters more in Minnesota is proper sizing via Manual J load calculation, correct ductwork design, and quality installation. A perfectly installed Goodman and a perfectly installed Heil will keep your home equally comfortable at negative 20 degrees.
Warranty Comparison
Both brands offer lifetime heat exchanger warranties and 10-year parts warranties when registered within 60 days. The coverage is functionally identical. The practical difference is service flexibility — Goodman's open distribution means any licensed contractor can service your unit and process warranty claims. Heil tends toward a dealer-based service model, though warranty work is not strictly limited to Heil dealers.
The Price Difference
Goodman's open distribution model creates price competition that benefits consumers. The same Goodman furnace is available through multiple channels, including factory-direct from Furnace Direct. Heil's distribution is more controlled through ICP's dealer network, which typically results in higher retail pricing for comparable equipment.
On equivalent two-stage 96% AFUE models, Goodman typically costs $200-$600 less at the equipment level. When you factor in the installation markup from dealer-exclusive pricing, the installed cost difference can reach $800-$1,500. Over a 20-year furnace lifespan with identical performance, that savings is pure value.
The Bottom Line
Heil makes good furnaces. But for Minnesota homeowners focused on value, Goodman delivers equivalent performance and reliability at a lower price point. At Furnace Direct, we sell Goodman at factory-direct pricing with same-day delivery to the Twin Cities metro on orders before 3 PM CT. Same quality components, same warranty coverage, less money out of your pocket.
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