Review
The Goodman 3.5 ton system represents the entry-level tier of residential HVAC equipment. This combination furnace and air conditioner addresses homeowners prioritizing upfront affordability over long-term efficiency gains. Goodman has maintained market share through straightforward designs, accessible pricing, and contractor familiarity. This particular unit pairs an 80,000 BTU gas furnace with R410A cooling capacity, presented as suitable for homes requiring moderate heating and cooling capacity.
Performance specs reveal interesting discrepancies. The unit achieves 16 SEER1 cooling efficiency rather than the advertised 14 SEER, with 42,000 cooling BTU from a 5-ton condenser. The furnace delivers 80% AFUE heating efficiency using a single-stage burner and scroll compressor. Electrical requirements sit at 120V, 1-phase, 60 Hz with breaker sizing between 22.4 and 35 amps. The multi-speed PSC blower reaches 2000 CFM maximum, ensuring adequate air distribution for homes up to approximately 2500 square feet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 16 SEER cooling efficiency exceeds the advertised 14 SEER, qualifying for Energy Star certification
- 80,000 BTU heating capacity handles most residential applications with single-stage simplicity
- Scroll compressor design is proven durable across tens of thousands of residential installations
- Multi-speed PSC blower with 2000 CFM maximum allows proper airflow across various ductwork configurations
- A-coil style supports future upgrades to higher-efficiency heat pump systems
Cons
- 80% AFUE furnace efficiency is below current standards, wasting 20% of fuel and increasing operating costs over 15-20 year lifespan
- Single-stage compressor and burner lack variable capacity, cycling on-off rather than modulating to actual heating and cooling demands
- 73 dB noise level is perceptible during operation, particularly noticeable in open-concept homes during evening hours
Who Should Buy
Best For
Budget-conscious homeowners replacing failed systems who need a functional solution quickly without financing premium efficiency tiers. Also suitable for rental properties, investment homes, or temporary installations where initial cost trumps long-term energy savings.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers in cold climates should look elsewhere, as 80% AFUE furnaces cost significantly more to operate than 95% AFUE units over 20 years.
Installation
Installation requires standard gas and refrigerant connections with sweat-type valve fittings. Liquid lines measure 3/8 inch, suction lines 7/8 inch with 1/2 inch insulation rated for 50-foot maximum line set distance. Metal flue exhaust venting from the top is mandatory for safety. Most contractors complete installation in 4-6 hours. Upflow configuration means basement or crawlspace placement is standard, though attic installations require professional assessment of structural support and ventilation adequacy.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman provides a 10-year parts and labor warranty upon online registration. This covers compressor failure, heat exchanger defects, and component breakdowns under normal operating conditions. Registration is straightforward and extends protection substantially beyond the standard 1-year warranty. Actual coverage depends on proper installation by qualified technicians and adherence to maintenance schedules. Third-party labor warranties are not included, so contractor selection matters significantly.
Specifications
| SKU | LS381183850 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 42,000 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Electrical | 120 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 73 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 48.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| 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 | 35 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 22.4 amps |
| Tonnage | 5 Ton |
| Valve Type | Sweat |
| Height | 33 3/8" |
| Width | 21" |
| Depth | 28 3/4" |
| Resources | Goodman Brochure Goodman Installation Manual Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Manual Goodman 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. |
| Configuration | High Airflow |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 1 1/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Metal |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 80% |
| Blower Motor | Multi Speed - PSC |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Flue Location | Top |
| Burner Stages | Single |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 1/2" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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