Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

High-efficiency horizontal furnace-AC combo with variable-speed blower and solid warranties

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works best for homeowners with attic or crawlspace installations who prioritize energy savings and need a dependable mid-range unit. The 96% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER2 cooling deliver solid efficiency without premium pricing, making it ideal for cost-conscious upgrades in moderate climates.

Review

Goodman's horizontal furnace-AC system occupies a practical sweet spot in the residential market. At 2.5 tons cooling and 40,000 BTU heating, it handles moderate climate zones without oversizing costs. The unit comes pre-charged and ready for straightforward installation in attics, basements, or crawlspaces. Online Supply backs the product with a 10-year warranty and positions it as an accessible upgrade path for homeowners replacing 15-20 year old equipment.

The 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means substantially lower winter heating bills compared to standard 80-85% models. Cooling performance at 16 SEER2 and 29,000 BTU meets Energy Star criteria, qualifying many buyers for utility rebates. The variable-speed ECM blower motor runs at 1200 CFM maximum, automatically adjusting airflow to match heating or cooling demand. Two-stage burner operation adds comfort consistency while reducing energy waste during partial-load conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs significantly compared to standard 80-90% units
  • 16 SEER2 cooling efficiency qualifies for Energy Star rebates in many regions
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor provides better temperature control and quieter operation than single-speed alternatives
  • Two-stage burner adjusts heat output for more consistent comfort and reduced cycling
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid long-term protection

Cons

  • 3-ton cooling capacity mismatches the 2.5-ton designation, creating confusion about actual system size
  • Single-stage condenser limits efficiency gains compared to two-stage designs at partial loads
  • PVC exhaust flue requirement limits installation flexibility in older homes with masonry chimneys
  • 71.5 dBA noise level runs slightly louder than premium competitors with noise dampening

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing aging furnace-AC systems in attic or horizontal installations who want efficiency improvements without premium costs. Contractors stocking mid-range equipment for budget-conscious clients in heating-dominant climates will appreciate the straightforward installation and solid Goodman reliability.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers seeking cutting-edge 21+ SEER2 cooling performance or homes requiring ultra-quiet operation should explore higher-tier systems from competitors with advanced sound insulation.

2.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
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Installation

The horizontal A-coil configuration requires proper support and drainage slope installation. PVC exhaust flue suits modern venting codes but incompatible with older masonry chimneys. Refrigerant lines ship with 3/4-inch suction line insulation, requiring 50 feet of pre-charged line set. Electrical demand spans 17.1 to 25 amps at 208/230V single-phase, fitting standard residential breakers. Compact dimensions (21.125 inches height, 17.5 width, 26 depth) accommodate tight attic spaces.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year comprehensive coverage applies to compressor, heat exchanger, and parts with online registration. This extended protection exceeds basic five-year warranties from budget brands. Coverage addresses refrigerant leaks, electrical failures, and manufacturing defects. Lack of labor coverage means homeowners pay service call costs. Registration requirement is straightforward but mandatory to activate full warranty period.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU29,000
Heating BTU40,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71.5
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7368837
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
ConfigurationHorizontal
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height21.125"
Width17.5"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size25 amps
Min. Breaker Size17.1 amps
Tonnage3 Ton
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec sheet list 2.5 tons but the tonnage shows 3 tons? +
The 2.5-ton rating refers to cooling capacity (29,000 BTU divided by 12,000 per ton), while the 3-ton designation is a manufacturer classification. Actual cooling output is 29,000 BTU. This discrepancy appears in some Goodman specifications and shouldn't affect performance, though it creates labeling confusion.
Can I install this in a downflow configuration instead of horizontal? +
No, this unit is certified only for downflow/horizontal airflow direction. Installing it vertically would void the AHRI certificate and warranty. Verify your ductwork orientation before purchase, as retrofitting from horizontal to downflow typically requires equipment changes.
How much will the 96% AFUE save compared to my old 80% furnace? +
A 16-percentage-point efficiency gain saves roughly 20% on annual heating costs. Exact savings depend on climate, fuel prices, and usage patterns. In heating-heavy regions like Minnesota or New York, annual savings can exceed $300-500, often recovering upgrade costs within 5-7 years.
Is the 16 SEER2 rating the same as 15 SEER mentioned in the product title? +
No, SEER2 is the newer EPA testing standard adopted in 2023, typically 15-20% lower than legacy SEER ratings. This unit's 16 SEER2 roughly equals approximately 19-20 older SEER points, making it a solid mid-range cooler rather than premium efficiency.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover if something breaks? +
The warranty covers parts and compressor failures from manufacturing defects. Labor, refrigerant recharge, and service calls cost extra. Online registration must be completed within 30 days of installation. Damage from improper installation or maintenance voids coverage.

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