The typical ranges, tier by tier
| Scope | Typical installed range | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Condenser + coil only (base tier) | $6,000-$9,000 | New 15.2+ SEER2 single-stage outdoor unit and matched indoor coil, existing furnace/air handler stays |
| Full system, mid tier | $9,000-$13,000 | AC + furnace or air handler, two-stage or entry variable-speed, new pad, permit, commissioning |
| Full system, premium tier | $13,000-$18,000+ | High-SEER2 variable-speed equipment, communicating thermostat, accessories, extended labor warranty |
Add-on work moves the number further: duct repair or replacement, a required electrical panel or circuit upgrade, plenum modifications, or attic-access carpentry. Those aren't padding - they're the difference between a system that hits its rated efficiency and one that never will.
Why the refrigerant transition changed every 2023-era quote
The industry moved to R-454B refrigerant for new equipment as of 2025 under the EPA's AIM Act phasedown. New-generation equipment carries updated components and handling requirements, which raised equipment cost across every brand - Goodman included. If you're comparing today's quote to a number a contractor gave you two years ago, you're comparing two different products.
The sizing decision matters more than the brand
Houston's design condition is roughly 96 deg F with brutal humidity. An oversized system cools fast, shuts off early, and leaves moisture in the air - sticky rooms at 72 deg F and mold-friendly humidity. A Manual J load calculation (measuring your actual walls, windows, insulation, and orientation) is the only honest way to size a replacement. If a quote skips it and just matches the old nameplate, that's a red flag.
Rebates and financing that actually apply
- CenterPoint Energy territory (most of Houston): incentives start at $200 for qualifying 15.2+ SEER2 systems, applied to your invoice through a participating contractor (verified July 2026).
- Entergy Texas territory (The Woodlands, Conroe): the 2026 Distributed Products HVAC Program discounts qualifying equipment through the distributor, from $75 up to $1,075 by size and tier (verified July 2026).
- The federal 25C tax credit ended for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025 - utility programs are the main savings path in 2026.
- Wisetack financing through Avatex: soft-pull prequalification with no hard credit pull until you're approved, and no activation fee.
Before you decide, two pages worth a minute: Wisetack financing - soft-pull prequalification, no activation fee , and Free 2nd opinion on any quote you already have .