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 is ideal for homeowners replacing older equipment who want solid efficiency gains without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER condenser deliver real energy savings, especially in mixed climates where both heating and cooling run regularly.

Review

Goodman's 2.5-ton upflow system sits in the practical middle ground of the residential HVAC market. At $3309 for a matched furnace and condenser pair, this configuration targets homeowners tired of energy bills from aging equipment but unwilling to pay premium prices for variable-capacity compressors. The unit carries a 10-year warranty with online registration, positioning it as a solid mid-tier choice that balances performance, cost, and proven component design.

Performance numbers show real capability. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU heating output at 96% AFUE, meaning waste heat loss drops to just 4 percent, well above federal minimums. The matching condenser provides 29,000 BTU cooling capacity with 16 SEER1 efficiency, exceeding the 2.5-ton rating and qualifying for Energy Star. The variable-speed ECM blower modulates between 0 and 1200 CFM, adapting to actual heating or cooling demand rather than running full speed constantly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency converts nearly all fuel to usable heat, reducing winter heating bills noticeably
16 SEER condenser exceeds the 2.5-ton nameplate and qualifies for Energy Star certification
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0 to 1200 CFM for comfort and efficiency optimization
Two-stage furnace burner allows low-fire operation during mild weather, cutting runtime and energy use
Scroll compressor in condenser is proven architecture with good reliability track record across Goodman lineup

Cons

Single-stage condenser cannot modulate cooling capacity, less efficient than two-stage units in part-load conditions
71.5 dBA noise level during cooling is noticeably louder than premium quiet-mode systems
Spec sheet shows conflicting tonnage information, listing both 2.5-ton and 3-ton ratings, which creates confusion

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates needing to replace a 15-20 year old system and wanting measurable efficiency improvements at a reasonable price point. This setup works well for mixed-use homes where furnace and AC both see substantial seasonal demand.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone seeking ultra-quiet operation, wanting modulating cooling capacity, or living in extreme climates where single-stage equipment struggles to maintain setpoints efficiently.

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

$3309

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard ductwork connection, 115V single-phase 60Hz electrical (17.1 to 25-amp breaker), and PVC exhaust venting. The upflow A-coil configuration fits tight closets or basements, with compact dimensions of 30 inches high by 17.5 wide by 21 deep. Licensed HVAC installers typically complete setup in 4-6 hours on straightforward replacements. Refrigerant lines need 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction sizing with 3/4-inch insulation on 50-foot line sets.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts warranty once you complete online registration after installation. This covers component failures on both furnace and condenser, though labor costs remain your responsibility. Most failures occur in years 2-7, so this coverage bridges the period when manufacturing defects emerge without protecting against wear-out after a decade of use.

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	3 Ton
Height	30"
Width	17.5"
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	7368834
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1200
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
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

Why does the spec sheet list both 2.5-ton and 3-ton ratings? +

The furnace is marketed at 2.5-ton but the condenser specs show 3-ton cooling capacity at 29,000 BTU. This creates a mismatch. For matching systems, pair units at the same tonnage rating. Contact the supplier to clarify which tonnage actually applies to your installation.

Can this system use R22 refrigerant, or must it be R410A? +

Specs list both R410A and R22 compatibility, but new systems ship with R410A. R22 phased out in 2020. If your existing coil uses R22, a technician must confirm compatibility before retrofitting. Most new installations use R410A exclusively.

How much lower will my heating bills drop versus an older 80% AFUE furnace? +

Moving from 80% to 96% AFUE saves roughly 20 percent on heating energy. A homeowner spending $1200 annually on gas heat might save $240 per year. Payback depends on local gas rates and heating degree days, typically 6-10 years in cold climates.

Is the single-stage condenser a deal-breaker compared to two-stage units? +

Single-stage runs full capacity or off, less efficient during mild weather when two-stage systems throttle. For northern climates with short shoulder seasons, impact is minimal. In moderate climates with long spring and fall periods, two-stage saves 5-10 percent additional cooling energy.

Does the 10-year warranty cover refrigerant leaks and compressor failures? +

Yes, the 10-year parts warranty covers compressor failure and refrigerant charge loss from manufacturer defects. It does not cover leaks caused by installation damage, corrosion, or normal wear after year 10.

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