2.5 Ton 16 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTUGoodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system works best for homeowners replacing older equipment in homes with moderate cooling and heating needs, particularly those prioritizing upfront cost savings without sacrificing ENERGY STAR efficiency. The horizontal configuration and variable-speed blower make it ideal for tight attic or basement installations where space constraints are real.

Review

The Goodman 2.5-ton horizontal combo system represents solid mid-market equipment for homeowners balancing efficiency gains against upfront budget. Priced at $2,168, it positions itself below premium manufacturers while maintaining ENERGY STAR certification through a 16 SEER cooling rating and dual-fuel heating capability. The horizontal A-coil configuration addresses real-world installation constraints where vertical space is limited, making this SKU LS38783850 a practical choice for attic or crawlspace placements that don't accommodate traditional upflow units.

Cooling delivers 29,000 BTU at 16 SEER efficiency through a scroll compressor running on R410A refrigerant, with single-stage operation providing consistent capacity without modulation. Heating produces 80,000 BTU at 80% AFUE with two burner stages, offering flexibility for both natural gas and propane. The variable-speed blower maxes out at 2,000 CFM and adjusts based on demand, cutting unnecessary runtime compared to fixed-speed motors. You'll need 208/230V single-phase power and a 17.1 to 25-amp breaker, standard residential specs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

16 SEER rating earns ENERGY STAR certification, reducing cooling costs by roughly 30% compared to older 10 SEER units
Two-stage burner with 80% AFUE provides efficient heating for propane or natural gas, minimizing fuel waste
Variable-speed blower motor adjusts airflow automatically, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption versus fixed-speed alternatives
Compact horizontal footprint at 21 inches tall fits standard attic or basement installations without major ductwork modifications
10-year parts warranty with online registration provides solid coverage at this price point

Cons

80% AFUE is standard efficiency, not high-efficiency, meaning 20% of heating energy escapes as waste compared to 95%+ modulating systems
Single-stage condenser limits cooling modulation on mild days, cycling on and off rather than running at reduced capacity
71.5 dBA noise level is moderately loud during operation, noticeable in quiet residential settings

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates seeking a straightforward replacement system without premium pricing, and HVAC contractors stocking horizontal equipment for attic installations where space and budget are constraints. This works particularly well for secondary homes or properties where maximum efficiency optimization isn't the priority.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this if you need high-efficiency heating in severe climates or if you want modulating cooling that runs quietly during spring and fall shoulder seasons.

2.5 Ton 16 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTUGoodman Gas Fur

$2168

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires metal exhaust flue, refrigerant line sets up to 50 feet with 3/4-inch suction insulation, and proper electrical configuration. The horizontal orientation demands careful placement to maintain return-air flow, and you must ensure adequate clearance around the unit for serviceability. Goodman's included installation manual covers specifics, though professional installation is strongly recommended to maintain warranty validity.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty activates upon online registration and covers component failures under normal use. This is competitive for the price tier but covers only parts, not labor, so budget technician time separately. Goodman's warranty extends to the evaporator coil, protecting the costliest cooling component against manufacturing defects.

Specifications

SKU	LS38783850
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	29,000
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R410A
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	71.5
Weight (in lbs)	30.000000
Feature	Spec
AHRI Certificate Number	204633302
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Metal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	80%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Horizontal
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	21"
Width	21.125"
Depth	26"
Resources	CHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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.
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	3.5 Ton
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 16 SEER compare to my old 10 SEER air conditioner? +

The 16 SEER unit operates about 60% more efficiently, delivering the same cooling with significantly less electricity. For typical cooling seasons, expect 25-35% lower energy bills depending on climate, usage patterns, and thermostat settings.

Can I install this in my attic if space is really tight? +

Yes, the horizontal 21-inch height is designed for attic placement. Ensure return ductwork connects properly below the unit and supply ducts above, with minimum 12-inch clearance around intake vents for unrestricted airflow.

Will this system be quiet in my living space? +

At 71.5 dBA, expect moderate noise during cooling cycles, roughly equivalent to a busy office environment. Single-stage cooling means the compressor runs at full capacity rather than soft-cycling, which contributes to noise levels.

What's the real difference between 80% AFUE and 95% AFUE furnaces? +

The 95% AFUE unit captures 15 percentage points more heat from fuel combustion. In cold climates heating for six months, the premium investment may pay back in 8-12 years through gas savings, depending on energy costs.

Does the 10-year warranty cover labor if something fails? +

No, warranty covers parts only. Labor, refrigerant, and diagnostics are your responsibility. Budget $150-300 for service calls beyond basic installation.

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