Independent Review · Updated June 2026

4 Ton 14.5 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Vertical 21" Cased Coil

Energy Star 16 SEER coil hits efficiency targets at contractor-friendly pricing

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
4 Ton 14.5 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Vertical 21
Current Price
$117
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 5-ton vertical A-coil works best for contractors replacing older Goodman systems or homeowners in moderate climates wanting solid efficiency without premium pricing. The 16 SEER1 rating and Energy Star certification deliver measurable energy savings, though single-stage operation means less precise temperature control than two-stage alternatives.

Review

Goodman's 5-ton vertical cased coil sits firmly in the contractor workhorse category, not the luxury segment. This unit replaces the older GSX16S481 model and targets HVAC professionals and homeowners who need reliable mid-range efficiency without spending on high-end features. At $117, it undercuts specialty brands while maintaining Energy Star certification, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious replacements and new builds in non-extreme climates.

Performance specs tell a straightforward story. The 16 SEER1 efficiency rating and 45,500 BTU cooling capacity handle full 5-ton loads through a scroll compressor, the industry standard for durability. R410A refrigerant compatibility aligns with current residential standards. Single-stage operation means the compressor runs full-bore or off, without the modulation that two-stage units offer. The 73 dB noise level is acceptable for most residential installations but ranks higher than comparable variable-capacity models in quiet suburban settings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 16 SEER1 rating exceeds most baseline efficiency standards and qualifies for Energy Star
  • 45,500 BTU cooling capacity handles 5-ton loads with scroll compressor reliability
  • Vertical 21-inch cased A-coil design fits tight attic and closet spaces contractors encounter regularly
  • Affordable at $117 compared to premium variable-capacity competitors
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid protection for residential installations

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor limits precise humidity control during mild weather operation
  • 73 dB noise level runs louder than two-stage models, noticeable in quiet neighborhoods
  • Specs show conflicting tonnage ratings (4 ton in title, 5 ton in specs), creating ordering confusion

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors doing equipment replacements on existing Goodman systems will appreciate the straightforward compatibility and proven scroll compressor design. Homeowners in moderate climates replacing aging single-stage units will see energy bill reductions without paying for advanced staging they don't need.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this if you live in a high-heat zone where variable-capacity compressors justify premium pricing, or if you prioritize ultra-quiet operation below 70 dB.

4 Ton 14.5 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Verti
$117
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

The vertical 21-inch width and depth fit typical attic joist spacing and tight utility closets where horizontal coils won't fit. Electrical requirements are reasonable at 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz with 23.9 to 40 amp breaker sizing, well within standard residential service. Line sets include 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction ports with 3/4-inch insulation on 50-foot maximum runs, standard for residential splits. Installation difficulty remains moderate for licensed technicians familiar with Goodman equipment.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year parts coverage with online registration is solid for residential work. This warranty is comparable to entry-level competitors but shorter than some premium brands offering 12-15 years. Registration is required, so contractors need to either register units themselves or ensure homeowners complete the online process within 30 days. Coverage excludes refrigerant and labor, following industry norms.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU45,500
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
ReplacesGSX16S481
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size40 amps
Min. Breaker Size23.9 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Height30"
Width21"
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.
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 16 SEER1 translate to real energy savings compared to older 10 SEER units? +
A 16 SEER unit costs roughly 35-40% less to operate annually than a 10 SEER model for the same cooling load. With 45,500 BTU capacity running 8-10 hours daily, homeowners typically save $400-600 per cooling season in moderate climates. Payback on higher efficiency coils usually occurs within 3-5 years.
Is this coil compatible with variable-speed blower motors or only standard single-speed fans? +
This unit works with both standard single-speed and variable-speed motors. However, pairing it with variable-speed equipment doesn't unlock additional efficiency since the compressor itself remains single-stage. You get comfort benefits, not major energy gains, from upgraded fan motors.
Why does the product listing show both 4-ton and 5-ton ratings? +
The title references 4-ton but specs clearly state 5 tonnage with 45,500 BTU capacity, which is the accurate 5-ton rating. Contractors should order based on 5-ton specifications. Contact Online Supply to clarify if ordering, as this discrepancy creates potential confusion on capacity.
How does this coil compare to Carrier or Lennox equivalents in the same price range? +
Goodman coils cost 15-20% less than Carrier or Lennox while delivering comparable SEER ratings. Goodman sacrifices brand prestige and premium materials, not core performance. For budget-conscious replacements, Goodman delivers efficiency; brand loyalists typically stick with original equipment manufacturers.
Will I need to register this coil warranty immediately, or is there a grace period? +
Online registration is required within 30 days of installation to activate the 10-year warranty. Without registration, coverage defaults to 5 years. Contractors should provide homeowners with registration instructions or handle it themselves at startup.

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