Independent Review · Updated June 2026

4 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Solid mid-tier efficiency for budget-conscious homeowners upgrading older systems

7.8
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.0
Reliability
7.5
Value
8.2
Installation
8.3
Warranty
7.8
4 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$0
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 4-ton Goodman combo works best for homeowners replacing early-2000s equipment who prioritize upfront savings over premium efficiency. The 96% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER air conditioner deliver respectable performance without the ENERGY STAR premium, making it ideal for moderate climates and secondary homes.

Review

The Goodman 4-ton gas furnace and air conditioning system represents practical equipment for contractors and homeowners seeking reliable climate control without premium pricing. This upflow configuration handles heating via a 120,000 BTU burner and cooling through a 48,000 BTU capacity unit, making it suitable for homes averaging 1,400 to 1,600 square feet. Goodman's reputation centers on durability and contractor accessibility rather than cutting-edge technology, positioning this model as a workhorse replacement system.

The furnace delivers 96% AFUE efficiency, meaning 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to usable warmth, well above the federal 90% minimum. Cooling efficiency registers at 13 SEER, adequate for moderate climates but trailing modern 15-16 SEER competitors. The multi-speed blower motor adjusts airflow between 0 and 2,000 CFM depending on heating or cooling demand. Single-stage operation means the compressor runs at full capacity or shuts off entirely, lacking the efficiency gains of variable-speed designs during partial-load conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency beats industry minimum and recovers heat well for gas heating
  • 13 SEER cooling rating covers most midwestern and northern climate needs adequately
  • Multi-speed blower motor allows better airflow control and comfort than single-speed alternatives
  • PVC/plastic exhaust flue simplifies installation and reduces corrosion risks compared to metal
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage at this price point

Cons

  • Not ENERGY STAR certified, meaning higher operating costs versus 14+ SEER competitors
  • Single-stage compressor runs full-blast or off with no modulation, reducing efficiency on mild days
  • 76 dB noise level noticeably louder than variable-capacity units, may irritate noise-sensitive homeowners
  • Reciprocating compressor technology is older and requires more maintenance than scroll designs

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates replacing 15-20 year old furnace-AC combos who have budget constraints and don't run systems year-round. This system makes sense for secondary properties, rental units, or primary homes where payback period matters more than utility bill minimization.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone living in hot southern climates should consider 15+ SEER units, and homeowners seeking ENERGY STAR certification or variable-capacity comfort should explore higher tiers.

4 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$0
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard 3/8-inch liquid and 1 1/8-inch suction refrigerant lines with 1/2-inch insulation already applied for 50 feet of run length. The upflow A-coil configuration fits above or beside the furnace in typical closet or attic installations. Electrical demand runs 115V single-phase 60Hz with breaker requirements between 26.3 and 45 amps, standard for residential circuits. PVC exhaust flue routing simplifies venting compared to metal alternatives.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman includes 10 years of parts and labor coverage when you register the unit online after purchase. This warranty covers compressor, compressor valves, and heat exchanger defects but excludes normal wear items like filters and capacitors. Registration is essential, so don't overlook this requirement at installation time to activate the full coverage period.

Specifications

SKULS381183850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU48,000
Heating BTU120,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)76
Weight (in lbs)48.000000
FeatureSpec
ReplacesGSX130483, GSX130484, GSX130485
Energy StarNo
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeReciprocating
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line1 1/8"
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Max Breaker Size45 amps
Min. Breaker Size26.3 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width24.5"
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.
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti Speed
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesSingle
Fuel TypeGas
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness1/2"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 13 SEER compare to newer air conditioners? +
13 SEER is solid for 2015-era equipment but trails current 15-16 SEER models by 15-20% efficiency. In hot climates, the higher tier recovers costs within 8-10 years through reduced cooling bills. In mild climates, the gap narrows significantly since cooling runtime stays modest.
Can this system work with my existing ductwork? +
Yes, the 2,000 CFM maximum airflow accommodates standard residential duct sizing. However, ductwork sealed before 1995 may have leaks causing 15-25% efficiency loss. Have a contractor inspect and seal any obvious gaps before connecting this new equipment.
What is the difference between this and a 14 SEER unit? +
A 14 SEER model costs roughly 8-12% more but uses 7-8% less electricity for cooling annually. Over 15 years, you'll save $400-800 in electricity depending on local rates and cooling demand. The payback typically spans 12-15 years, so 13 SEER makes sense if budget is tight now.
Does the R410A refrigerant matter compared to R22? +
This system accepts both, though R410A is mandatory for new installations in the US. R410A requires thicker-walled components and different oil types. R22 is being phased out and costs $15-25 per pound versus $8-12 for R410A, making retrofit options limited.
How do I activate the 10-year warranty? +
Register your unit at Goodman's website within 30 days of installation using your model and serial numbers. Without registration, coverage defaults to five years. Keep your proof of installation and registration documents in a safe place for warranty claims.

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