2.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system excels for homeowners in moderate climates seeking reliable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER1 condenser deliver measurable energy savings, making it ideal for retrofit projects where ductwork already exists.

Review

Goodman's 2.5-ton gas furnace and air conditioner combination represents a practical middle ground in the residential HVAC market. Positioned between basic single-stage equipment and premium variable-capacity systems, this upflow configuration suits homes with standard ductwork and modest comfort expectations. The manufacturer's reputation for durability, paired with Online Supply's distribution network, makes these units widely accessible to both contractors and DIY-minded homeowners seeking reliable, cost-effective climate control.

Performance data reveals genuine strengths in heating efficiency. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU with 96% AFUE, meaning only 4% of fuel energy escapes through the flue, a significant advantage over 80-85% AFUE units common in older homes. Cooling capacity reaches 29,000 BTU, and the published 16 SEER1 exceeds the advertised 15 SEER baseline. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts from 0-1600 CFM, reducing energy consumption during partial-load operation. Two burner stages allow the furnace to run at reduced fire during mild weather, maximizing efficiency and minimizing temperature swings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency means minimal fuel waste on heating costs, recovering nearly all burner energy
16 SEER1 cooling efficiency (exceeds the stated 15 SEER) qualifies for Energy Star certification and rebates
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0-1600 CFM, improving comfort and reducing runtime cycles
Two-stage burner allows the furnace to run at 40% capacity on mild days, cutting gas consumption significantly
PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting requirements compared to older metal vent systems

Cons

Single-stage air conditioner compressor cannot modulate capacity, cycling on and off rather than varying output
71.5 dB noise level at full cooling is louder than many two-stage competitors, noticeable in quiet neighborhoods
No mention of low-ambient operation capability, limiting use in very cold climates below freezing

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners replacing aging furnace-AC combos in homes with existing ductwork will appreciate this system's straightforward installation and strong efficiency ratings. Budget-conscious buyers in mild-to-moderate climates gain the most value from the two-stage heating and variable blower without overpaying for variable-capacity cooling.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in extremely cold regions or those prioritizing whisper-quiet operation should explore dual-stage cooling options or high-efficiency models with scroll compressors that modulate capacity.

2.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation complexity is moderate. The 30-pound upflow cabinet measures 30 by 21 by 21 inches, fitting standard utility closets or basement alcoves. Electrical requirements are modest: 115V single-phase, 60 Hz service with breaker sizing between 17.1 and 25 amps. PVC exhaust venting simplifies flue routing compared to metal pipe systems. Refrigerant lines use 3/8-inch and 7/8-inch connections with 3/4-inch insulation on the 50-foot suction line, requiring standard HVAC tools.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts and labor warranty with online registration, a solid commitment for a mid-tier system. This coverage protects against compressor failure, blower motor defects, and heat exchanger cracks, common failure points. Exclusions typically include refrigerant loss, installation labor after year one, and damage from improper maintenance. Registration is straightforward and extends coverage beyond the baseline 5-year period.

Specifications

SKU	LS38783850
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	29,000
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	71.5
Weight (in lbs)	30.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	16
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	7/8"
Max Breaker Size	25 amps
Min. Breaker Size	17.1 amps
Tonnage	5 Ton
Height	30"
Width	21"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety Information	PROPOSITION 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.
AHRI Certificate Number	7368835
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 96% AFUE furnace impact my annual heating bill? +

At 96% AFUE, only 4% of fuel energy is wasted through the flue. Compared to an 80% AFUE furnace, you'll save approximately 20% on heating costs during winter months. The two-stage burner further reduces consumption by running at partial capacity on mild days, compounding monthly savings across the heating season.

Can I install this in a tight upflow closet with limited height? +

The cabinet is 30 inches tall, plus approximately 6-12 inches for ductwork connections and clearance. Most code requires 12 inches clearance above for air handler servicing. Total vertical requirement is typically 42-48 inches. If your closet measures less, downflow or horizontal configurations may be necessary instead.

What's the difference between SEER and SEER1 on this unit? +

SEER1 (16) represents efficiency under updated 2023 testing standards, which are more stringent than legacy SEER metrics. The advertised 15 SEER is likely using older AHRI certification data. Real-world performance is similar, but SEER1 ratings are more conservative and better predict actual energy use in typical climates.

Is a single-stage compressor a significant limitation compared to two-stage units? +

Single-stage cooling cycles fully on or off rather than modulating capacity. This increases energy consumption during mild shoulder seasons and creates temperature swings. Two-stage models run at 60% capacity initially, improving efficiency. Budget-conscious buyers accept this tradeoff; comfort-focused buyers should upgrade to variable or two-stage compressors.

Do I need to register the warranty immediately after installation? +

Yes. Online registration activates the full 10-year coverage period. Without registration, you retain only the basic 5-year manufacturer warranty. Registration typically takes 5 minutes on Goodman's website using the product serial number and purchase receipt.

Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.