Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

96% efficient gas furnace with 16 SEER cooling, strong value under $120

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$115
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system suits budget-conscious homeowners and contractors needing a dependable two-stage furnace with solid cooling efficiency. The 96% AFUE heating and 16 SEER cooling deliver real energy savings without premium pricing, making it ideal for mild to moderate climates.

Review

The Goodman 2.5 ton upflow system represents honest midmarket HVAC equipment, neither cutting corners on efficiency nor charging premium prices. This furnace and air conditioner combination targets contractors and homeowners who want above-average performance without boutique brand pricing. Priced at $115, it occupies practical middle ground between budget basement units and high-efficiency systems costing $200 or more.

Heating performance delivers 80,000 BTU output at 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every gas dollar converts to home warmth, down from typical 80-85% losses in older units. The air conditioning side produces 29,000 BTU at 16 SEER, meeting modern efficiency standards without requiring exotic refrigerants or complex controls. Variable-speed ECM blower adjusts airflow between 0 and 1600 CFM, adapting to ductwork conditions and reducing standby energy waste common in fixed-speed motors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs significantly compared to older 80-90% models
  • 16 SEER cooling delivers solid air conditioning performance and qualifies for Energy Star certification
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0 to 1600 CFM for comfort and efficiency
  • Two-stage burner and single-stage compressor provide stable operation with lower wear cycles
  • PVC exhaust requirement simplifies venting in retrofit applications versus traditional metal flue
  • 10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and provides reasonable peace of mind

Cons

  • Tonnage mismatch in specs, listed as 5 tons but cooling capacity is 29,000 BTU (2.4 tons), creating confusion
  • 71.5 dBA noise level runs louder than high-efficiency inverter units, noticeable in quiet homes
  • Single-stage condenser cannot modulate cooling on mild days, running at full capacity or off

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners upgrading from 1990s-era furnaces and contractors building starter systems for cost-conscious customers. This unit makes sense where energy rebates apply and heating dominates the climate profile.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone seeking whisper-quiet operation or maximum cooling modulation should explore variable-capacity units instead, despite higher upfront cost.

2.5 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
$115
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This upflow configuration fits standard utility closets and basements, measuring 30 inches tall, 21 inches wide, and 21 inches deep. PVC plastic exhaust venting simplifies routing compared to metal flues, running 50 feet maximum. Requires 208 or 230V single-phase power with 17.1 to 25 amp breaker sizing. Standard refrigerant lines and field-installed coil connections follow EPA certification requirements.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year parts coverage applies with online registration, a reasonable protection period for furnace longevity. This warranty excludes labor, so installation quality matters. Goodman's warranty support is straightforward without unusual restrictions, though claims typically require proof of professional installation and annual maintenance.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU29,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
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 Number7368835
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height30"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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
Tonnage5 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 5 ton tonnage when cooling is only 29,000 BTU? +
This appears to be a data entry error from the manufacturer or distributor. The 29,000 BTU cooling capacity equals 2.4 tons, not 5 tons. Verify actual cooling tonnage with your installer before purchase to ensure proper ductwork sizing and compressor matching.
Can this furnace burn both natural gas and propane? +
Yes, the unit accepts both fuel types with field conversion. Propane requires different burner orifices and regulator adjustment. Your installer handles conversion during setup. Confirm fuel availability in your area before committing.
How much energy does the variable-speed blower actually save? +
ECM motors use 50-75% less blower electricity than fixed-speed units over a heating season. At $0.12 per kWh, expect $15-30 annual savings depending on runtime. Real savings appear in electric bills, not marketing claims.
Is 71.5 dBA noise level acceptable for a bedroom closet installation? +
At 71.5 dBA, this unit equals a busy street or vacuum cleaner. Single-stage operation means full-blast cycling, not gradual ramp-up. Rooms adjacent to furnace closets will hear it. Consider soundproofing if placement near living spaces.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
Covers parts defects and manufacturing failures when registered online. Does not include labor, refrigerant, or damage from poor installation. Annual maintenance is typically required. Read the full AHRI certificate 7368835 for exact exclusions.

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