Review
The Goodman 3.5-ton system at $2,053 occupies the middle ground between budget builders and premium contractors. It pairs a proven gas furnace with a scroll-compressor air conditioner, combining 80,000 BTU heating output with 42,000 BTU cooling capacity. Online Supply positions this as a no-frills replacement option for homeowners and contractors tired of mid-tier equipment pricing, while still delivering respectable seasonal efficiency ratings that beat budget-tier alternatives.
The 14 SEER cooling efficiency and 80% AFUE furnace efficiency represent honest mid-market performance. The variable-speed blower motor on the furnace side distinguishes this from truly budget units, allowing lower-speed operation during partial-load conditions for better comfort. The scroll compressor handles 42,000 BTU cooling through single-stage operation, meaning it cycles on and off rather than modulating, which is typical at this price but less refined than two-stage alternatives.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 14 SEER rating delivers solid cooling efficiency for a sub-$2100 system, reducing summer energy bills noticeably
- Dual-stage burner with variable-speed blower motor allows the furnace to modulate output, improving comfort and reducing short-cycling
- 42,000 cooling BTU and 80,000 heating BTU provide honest capacity for 3.5-ton applications without oversizing
- Scroll compressor is proven Goodman architecture known for reliability across thousands of installations
- 10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and labor concerns for the critical decade
Cons
- 80% AFUE is dated by today's standards, qualifying only as baseline efficiency rather than high-efficiency, costing more in winter utility bills
- Single-stage cooling compressor cannot modulate capacity, leading to on-off cycling instead of continuous variable cooling
- 73 dB noise level runs louder than premium units, which matters for bedroom windows or patios near the condenser
- Not Energy Star certified despite decent SEER rating, suggesting it missed efficiency thresholds by a margin
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors and homeowners replacing aging 10-year-old systems who prioritize upfront affordability and don't want to jump to high-efficiency equipment. This unit fits renovation projects in moderate climates where energy costs aren't prohibitive and simplicity matters.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone in cold climates needing heating reliability should explore 90+ AFUE units, and energy-conscious buyers should target 16+ SEER systems to recover the upfront premium within 5-7 years.
Installation
Installation follows standard industry practice. The upflow A-coil configuration fits horizontal or vertical furnace cabinets, and the 30-inch dimensions accommodate most utility closets and basements. Suction and liquid line sizes match standard 3/8-inch and 7/8-inch copper tubing. Metal exhaust flue requirement means no plastic venting allowed. Most HVAC contractors complete installation in one to two days on straightforward replacements.
Warranty & Reliability
The 10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and evaporator coil failures, standard practice for Goodman equipment. Online registration is quick and extends protection beyond basic coverage. This warranty protects against manufacturing defects but doesn't cover improper installation or refrigerant recharges after initial commissioning.
Specifications
| SKU | LS38783830 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 42,000 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A or R22 |
| Electrical | 120 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 73 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 30.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Energy Star | No |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 14 |
| Condenser Stages | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Scroll |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 7/8" |
| Max Breaker Size | 35 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 22 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 | 204633302 |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Metal |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 80% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| 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 | 3/8" |
| Length | 30 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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