Review
The Goodman 3.5 ton combined furnace and AC system sits squarely in the mid-tier efficiency market, targeting contractors and homeowners who want measurable energy improvements without high-end pricing. This SKU (LS381183850) combines a 96% AFUE gas furnace with a 14 SEER air conditioning coil, both certified ENERGY STAR. The downflow configuration fits typical basement or crawlspace installations common in North American homes.
The furnace delivers 42,000 BTU heating output using single-stage gas burner technology and includes a multi-speed blower motor that adjusts to different load conditions. Cooling capacity matches at 42,000 BTU using R410A refrigerant with a scroll compressor. The 96% efficiency rating reflects modern combustion technology, meaning 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to usable heat. However, the single-stage design means it runs at full capacity whenever heating or cooling is needed, rather than modulating output.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs compared to standard 80-90% units
- 14 SEER cooling with R410A refrigerant meets current EPA standards
- Multi-speed blower motor optimizes comfort and efficiency across different load conditions
- PVC exhaust capability simplifies installation in tight spaces or retrofit applications
- 10-year parts warranty with online registration provides solid peace of mind
Cons
- Single-stage burner and compressor limit modulation, reducing efficiency at partial loads compared to variable-stage models
- 73 dB noise level runs louder than premium units, which can exceed 70 dB at some outdoor distances
- Spec sheet shows conflicting tonnage claims (3.5 tons in title, 5 tons in specs), creating confusion for proper sizing
Who Should Buy
Best For
Budget-conscious homeowners and contractors replacing 15+ year old systems who prioritize heating efficiency. This system makes sense for cold-climate regions where furnace runtime is high and modest electrical costs matter.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone needing variable-capacity heating for superior part-load efficiency or customers in noise-sensitive neighborhoods should look at higher-tier models with variable-speed compressors.
Installation
Downflow configuration requires vertical clearance of 30 inches and horizontal space of 21x21 inches. PVC exhaust option eliminates corrosive flue issues common with older steel venting. The 208/230V, 1-phase 60 Hz electrical requirement needs 22.4 to 35 amp breaker sizing. Suction and liquid line sizes (1 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch respectively) are standard for residential coil connections. Multi-speed blower requires proper ductwork design to avoid pressure imbalances.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman provides 10 years parts coverage with online registration, which is standard across their product line. This covers compressor, heat exchanger, and blower components. Labor is not included, so actual repair costs depend on service call fees and part availability. Registration is mandatory to activate full coverage, so save documentation at purchase.
Specifications
| SKU | LS381183850 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 42,000 |
| Heating BTU | 42,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A or R22 |
| Electrical | 208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 73 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 48.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Airflow Direction | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Multi Speed |
| Maximum CFM | 1600 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Flue Location | Right |
| Burner Stages | Single |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 1 1/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 1/2" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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