Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 30,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

High-efficiency horizontal furnace-AC combo with exceptional AFUE and modern controls

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 30,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$0
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for contractors installing horizontal configurations in attics or crawl spaces where space is tight. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with 16 SEER2 cooling delivers strong efficiency gains, particularly valuable in moderate to cold climates where heating runs 6+ months annually.

Review

The Goodman 2-ton horizontal system bridges affordability and competent efficiency for a specific market: contractors and homeowners facing spatial constraints. At 96% AFUE and 16 SEER2, this unit lands in the high-efficiency segment without premium pricing. The horizontal A-coil configuration and plastic PVC exhaust reflect modern venting standards. Weighing just 22 pounds, it's genuinely portable for installation. The ECM blower and two-stage burner signal thoughtful engineering, though single-stage cooling reflects cost discipline.

The furnace delivers 30,000 BTU heating across two burner stages, adapting to actual demand rather than cycling on-off constantly. That 96% AFUE rating means roughly 96 cents of every heating dollar reaches living space, a meaningful jump from older 80% units still common in existing homes. Cooling output hits 23,600 BTU at 16 SEER2, paired with a scroll compressor on R410A or R22 refrigerant. Maximum CFM of 1,200 suits the 2-ton cooling load. The multi-speed ECM motor prevents the energy waste of single-speed blowers running full blast during light load periods.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace rating puts it in the high-efficiency tier, reducing heating costs significantly versus 80% baseline units
  • Two-stage burner adapts to heating demand, minimizing temperature swings and energy waste during mild weather
  • Multi-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow based on actual need, avoiding the constant full-speed noise and consumption of single-speed designs
  • Horizontal configuration fits compact spaces like attics and low crawl spaces where traditional upflow units won't work
  • PVC exhaust option simplifies venting in modern homes and reduces condensation corrosion risk versus metal flue pipes

Cons

  • 16 SEER2 cooling efficiency is solid but not premium, trailing units reaching 18+ SEER2 by roughly 10-15% in seasonal performance
  • Single-stage condenser limits cooling modulation, meaning full compressor load even during light cooling demand on mild days
  • 71.5 dBA operating noise edges toward the upper threshold for occupied spaces, noticeable in finished basements or utility rooms

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners upgrading horizontal systems in attics, crawl spaces, or tight mechanical rooms where standard upflow won't fit. This system makes sense for cold-climate homes where the 96% AFUE furnace justifies the upfront investment through fuel savings.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in mild climates prioritizing pure air conditioning efficiency should compare 18+ SEER2 units, and those wanting whisper-quiet operation should audition lower decibel alternatives first.

2 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 30,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$0
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation demands standard HVAC skills and tooling. The horizontal orientation requires mounting in an attic or crawl space with adequate clearance for the 21.125-inch height and 26-inch depth. PVC exhaust simplifies venting compared to rigid metal flues. Electrical requires 208/230V single-phase 60Hz service, with breaker sizing between 12.4 and 20 amps. Refrigerant line sizing uses 3/8-inch liquid and 3/4-inch suction lines with 3/4-inch insulation thickness.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a 10-year parts warranty when registered online, a reasonable mid-tier commitment. This covers compressor and major components, though labor and refrigerant typically fall to the owner or installer. Online registration is mandatory to unlock the full warranty period, so documentation matters.

Specifications

SKULS38343850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU23,600
Heating BTU30,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71.5
Weight (in lbs)22.000000
FeatureSpec
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
ConfigurationHorizontal
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
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.
ReplacesGSX16S241
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size20 amps
Min. Breaker Size12.4 amps
Tonnage3 Ton
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec sheet list both 2 ton and 3 ton tonnage? +
The system is rated as 2-ton cooling (23,600 BTU output) but the condenser unit may be compatible with 3-ton configurations. For this horizontal furnace, the 2-ton specification is the operative rating. Verify your actual cooling load before installation.
Can this horizontal unit replace my old upflow furnace? +
Only if your mechanical space accommodates a horizontal layout and you have proper return air ducting configured for horizontal flow. Ductwork redesign may be necessary. Consult a qualified HVAC contractor to assess your existing infrastructure compatibility.
How much will the 96% AFUE save me versus an 80% furnace? +
A 96% furnace wastes 4% of fuel; an 80% furnace wastes 20%. Over a heating season, that 16-point difference saves roughly 20% on gas bills in cold climates. Actual savings depend on local gas prices, climate severity, and your home's insulation quality.
Should I choose this over a higher SEER2 unit? +
If heating dominates your climate (heating costs exceed cooling), this 96% AFUE furnace justifies selection despite 16 SEER2 being mid-tier cooling. In hot climates, prioritize 18+ SEER2 units. Most buyers benefit from balancing both metrics against their actual heating-to-cooling ratio.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
Parts only, with online registration required. Compressor and major components are included. Labor, refrigerant, and shipping are your responsibility. Keep registration records and proof of installation for claims.

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