Independent Review · Updated June 2026

1.5 Ton 15 SEER 80% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Solid mid-tier Goodman system balancing efficiency and affordability for budget-conscious contractors

7.8
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
7.9
Reliability
7.9
Value
8.1
Installation
8.3
Warranty
8.0
1.5 Ton 15 SEER 80% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This 1.5 ton Goodman system works best for contractors needing a dependable, cost-effective solution for replacement projects in moderate climates. The 80% AFUE and 15 SEER ratings deliver respectable efficiency without premium pricing, though newer SEER2 standards make direct comparisons challenging.

Review

The Goodman 1.5 ton gas furnace and air conditioner combo (model LS38343850) sits squarely in the mid-market sweet spot. It's built for contractors who need reliable equipment without bleeding customer budgets dry. Goodman has earned respect for producing sturdy, repairable equipment, and this upflow configuration handles both heating and cooling duties in one compact package measuring just 22 inches tall.

Performance metrics show a 60,000 BTU heating capacity with 80% AFUE efficiency and 18,000 BTU cooling output at 15 SEER. The two-stage burner adjusts heat delivery for comfort, while the high-efficiency multi-speed blower maxes out at 1,200 CFM. Energy Star certification confirms it meets federal baselines, though the 80% AFUE increasingly looks modest compared to 95%+ options. Cooling capacity runs 2.5 tons on the condenser side, so slight oversizing occurs relative to the 1.5 ton advertised capacity.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Two-stage burner delivers better comfort than single-stage units by modulating heat output
  • High-efficiency multi-speed blower optimizes airflow at 1,200 CFM maximum capacity
  • Energy Star certified with 80% AFUE meets most regional efficiency standards
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid long-term protection
  • Compact upflow/downflow design fits tight installation spaces at 22 inches tall

Cons

  • 15 SEER rating lags newer units hitting 16+ SEER, increasing long-term operating costs
  • Scroll compressor is durable but noisier at 71.5 dB compared to variable-speed alternatives
  • 80% AFUE is becoming dated as 95%+ AFUE systems become mainstream

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors replacing older 13-14 SEER systems in residential applications will appreciate the straightforward upflow installation and proven Goodman reliability. Homeowners on tight budgets who prioritize upfront cost over maximum efficiency savings will find good value here.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this unit if you need cutting-edge efficiency, live in extreme climates, or want a system designed for the next 15 years, as AFUE and SEER standards are rising industry-wide.

1.5 Ton 15 SEER 80% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
$0
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Installation

This upflow unit requires standard metal exhaust flue venting and 208/230V single-phase 60Hz power, needing a 12.4 to 20 amp breaker. Refrigerant lines use 3/8-inch liquid and 3/4-inch suction connections with 50 feet maximum line length. Installation demands proper A-coil integration and ductwork verification. Most HVAC pros can handle this in a single day, making retrofit projects straightforward.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a 10-year parts and labor warranty upon online registration. That's competitive for the price point and covers the compressor, blower motor, and heat exchanger. Registration is mandatory to activate coverage, so contractors should handle this paperwork upfront rather than leaving it to homeowners.

Specifications

SKULS38343850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU18,000
Heating BTU60,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71.5
Weight (in lbs)22.000000
FeatureSpec
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementMetal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE80%
Blower MotorHigh Efficiency Multi-Speed
Maximum CFM1200
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Height22"
Width17.5"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPT Installation Manual CAPT Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety InformationPROPOSITION 65 WARNING This product and many products on our site may contain a chemical know to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information about Proposition 65 please Click Here.
ReplacesGSX16S181
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size20 amps
Min. Breaker Size12.4 amps
Tonnage2.5 Ton
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this list as 1.5 ton but specs show 2.5 ton on the condenser? +
The 1.5 ton rating reflects the furnace side (60,000 BTU heating), while the condenser is oversized at 2.5 tons. This creates a slight mismatch where cooling capacity exceeds heating demand. It's not ideal but common in bundled packages and won't cause major issues in most climates.
Can I install this in a downflow configuration? +
Yes, this unit supports both upflow and downflow installation per the specs. However, you'll need to verify your ductwork and plenum setup. Improper downflow installation risks airflow restriction and reduced efficiency, so plan your layout carefully before committing.
How does 15 SEER compare to newer systems on the market? +
15 SEER met federal minimum standards a few years ago but now trails current models hitting 16, 17, or even 18+ SEER. Over 10 years, a homeowner pays noticeably more in electricity costs with this unit versus newer options, though upfront savings may offset that gap.
Is Goodman equipment as reliable as Carrier or Lennox? +
Goodman delivers solid mid-tier reliability with straightforward parts availability and serviceable designs. It doesn't match premium brands in compressor durability or noise isolation, but it outperforms many budget competitors. Real-world field data shows 12-15 year lifespans under normal maintenance.
Do I need a professional to register the warranty? +
Homeowners can register online themselves, but contractors often handle it to ensure it's done correctly. Without registration, the warranty drops to a basic limited coverage, so don't skip this step after installation.

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