Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Budget-friendly 2.5-ton combo system with strong efficiency ratings and solid warranty coverage

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$448
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system is ideal for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors needing a complete heating and cooling solution for small to mid-size homes. At $448, the 96% AFUE furnace paired with a 13 SEER air conditioner delivers solid efficiency without breaking the bank, though it misses Energy Star certification.

Review

The Goodman 2.5-ton gas furnace and air conditioner combo represents a mainstream choice in the budget HVAC segment. At $448, this upflow system bundles heating and cooling in one package, eliminating separate equipment purchases. Goodman maintains strong contractor recognition for straightforward service and parts availability, though premium alternatives exist from brands like Carrier and Trane. The A-coil style and multi-speed blower design suggest this unit targets volume installers and value-focused homeowners seeking reliable, no-frills operation.

Performance metrics tell a practical story. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU heating output at an impressive 96% AFUE rating, translating to minimal wasted fuel during winter months. The air conditioning side provides 30,000 BTU cooling capacity with 13 SEER efficiency, adequate for moderate climates but trailing high-efficiency alternatives. Single-stage compressor and burner design mean the system runs at full capacity or off, without intermediate modulation. Operating at 73 dB during cooling cycles will be noticeable in quiet homes. Electrical requirements are minimal, needing just 115V single-phase power with a 16.7 to 25-amp breaker.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent 96% AFUE furnace efficiency with 80,000 BTU heating capacity, reducing winter energy bills
  • 13 SEER cooling rating delivers respectable air conditioning performance for 2.5-ton applications
  • Versatile upflow/horizontal configuration fits most residential installation scenarios
  • Multi-speed blower motor with 2,000 CFM maximum handles varied load conditions efficiently
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides meaningful long-term protection
  • Single-stage reciprocating compressor uses proven, serviceable technology

Cons

  • Not Energy Star certified, limiting appeal for efficiency-focused buyers seeking maximum incentives
  • Single-stage components mean less modulation during mild weather, reducing part-load efficiency
  • 73 dB noise level is louder than variable-speed competitors, noticeable during operation
  • Requires 115V single-phase electrical supply with 16.7 to 25-amp breaker, limiting some installations

Who Should Buy

Best For

First-time HVAC buyers and contractors installing systems in budget-conscious residential markets where upflow configuration fits existing homes. This system works well for new construction or retrofit projects in moderate climates where single-stage operation is acceptable.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners prioritizing ultra-quiet operation or maximum Energy Star rebates should explore variable-stage alternatives, which cost more but deliver superior efficiency and lower runtime noise.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
$448
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation favors experienced technicians. The upflow configuration fits standard closet or utility room placement with plastic PVC exhaust flue venting, common in modern homes. Refrigerant lines use 3/8-inch liquid and 3/4-inch suction lines with sweat-type valves requiring competent brazing skills. The 50-foot suction line insulation thickness of 3/4-inch meets industry standards. At 34.5 inches tall, 21 inches wide, and 28.75 inches deep, spatial fit is generally straightforward. Proper ductwork sizing to accommodate 2,000 CFM airflow is essential for rated performance.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts warranty upon online registration, covering manufacturing defects in compressor, coil, and blower components. This duration matches industry standards and offers genuine peace of mind for residential applications. Warranty registration is straightforward but mandatory for coverage activation. Labor and refrigerant are typically excluded, which is standard practice. For contractors, this warranty duration supports confident equipment recommendations to repeat clients.

Specifications

SKULS38343850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73
Weight (in lbs)22.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarNo
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeReciprocating
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Max Breaker Size25 amps
Min. Breaker Size16.7 amps
Tonnage2.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width21"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Installation Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman 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.
ConfigurationUpflow/Horizontal
StyleA-Coil
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti Speed
Maximum CFM2000
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesSingle
Fuel TypeGas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 96% AFUE rating actually mean in dollar terms? +
AFUE measures heating efficiency as a percentage. At 96%, approximately 96 cents of every fuel dollar converts to heat, with only 4 cents lost through exhaust. Over a heating season, this translates to roughly 15 to 20 percent lower fuel costs compared to older 80% AFUE equipment, depending on runtime hours and utility rates in your region.
Can this system work with my existing ductwork from a 2-ton unit? +
Upgrading to 2.5 tons requires careful ductwork evaluation. The system's 2,000 CFM maximum airflow exceeds typical 2-ton ductwork capacity. Undersized ducts cause excessive velocity, noise, and efficiency loss. A professional HVAC contractor should perform a Manual D ductwork calculation to ensure proper sizing before installation.
Is 13 SEER good for air conditioning efficiency? +
13 SEER meets minimum federal efficiency standards for new systems but trails premium options offering 16 to 21 SEER ratings. For moderate climates with moderate cooling needs, 13 SEER provides adequate efficiency. Homes in hot, humid regions may justify higher SEER ratings for improved summer comfort and electric bill reduction.
How does this Goodman compare to Bryant or Lennox at similar price points? +
Goodman emphasizes affordability and parts availability over premium features like variable-stage compressors or advanced controls. Bryant and Lennox models in this price range often include similar single-stage designs. The real advantage is Goodman's service network and contractor familiarity rather than performance differentiation.
Will I get energy rebates if I install this system? +
Energy Star certification qualification depends on your utility and regional programs. This unit lacks Energy Star certification, potentially disqualifying it from federal or state rebate programs. Check with your local utility company before purchase if rebates significantly influence your budget decision.

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