My folks put a 95% efficient furnace in their home about 30 years ago and when it was heating, it was horribly loud--I would estimate in the 100 decibel range. We are replacing our furnace and installing a/c with it and our contractor says manufacturers have made a lot of progress over the years, but he doesn't have specifics on the noise. He wants to install a 93% eff. 2-stage variable speed Goodman furnace. It will be installed in a closet in the middle of our house, so I am concerned about the noise. Can anyone tell me just how noisy it will be?

I don't know about goodman, witch is a low end unit, but most varable speed units are very quit if installed correctly.

Goodman noise levels are the about the same as other brands. Install makes a big difference. How close the return is to the furnace is a big part, and if the return or supply is insolated plays a big role also.

I got to say, I didn't know they made 95 eff furnaces 30 years ago.

Most newer furnaces put out more airflo, hence more noise, but not enough to worry about. Also, if you have a vent and intake to outside, you will get less furnace noise due to the sealed combustion. If a one pipe system, you will hear combustion much more.

I don't know about goodman, witch is a low end unit, but most varable speed units are very quit if installed correctly.

Josh, lay off the goodman, lol. Hes just trying to keep people warm and cool at an affordable price.

What company built a 95% furnace 30 years ago?

I'm going to have to agree with joshdta the Goodman brand is low end (contractors brand). Not saying it's a bad unit but near the bottom on reliability and stand behind warranty work. The good part is, it comes in on the lower price. All of the variable speed 90% furnaces are quite.The person selling you the system should be able to give you the decibel reading. Remember you get what you pay for.

I can only speak from personal experience. I have had great luck with the goodmans. Very reliable, from what I've seen. Im sure we all have our horror storys of certain brands of furnace that have really made us dislike them. Also have had good warranty support(probably because we haven't needed it much).
It really all comes down to who installs it and how willing they are to stand behind their work and fight for warranty if the need arises. I truly hope my luck holds, and that I didn't just jinx myself and end up working on goodmans for the next two weeks. lol.

I respect Joshes and T-Tops opinion, as they both are very knowledgeable and have helped many people on this site. Keep up the good work guys. On to the next one. Good day.