4 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman combination system works best for homeowners replacing older 4-5 ton units who want reliable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER air conditioner deliver strong efficiency gains, and the multi-speed ECM blower adapts to real comfort needs.

Review

This 4-ton Goodman gas furnace and air conditioner combination represents the reliable middle ground that contractors and homeowners have trusted for decades. The system pairs a 120,000 BTU furnace with a 48,000 BTU air conditioner in a horizontal A-coil configuration, making it suitable for basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Energy Star certification and modern refrigerant compliance indicate this unit meets current efficiency and environmental standards without cutting corners on durability.

Performance numbers tell a practical story. The 96% AFUE furnace converts nearly all fuel to usable heat, while the 13 SEER air conditioner delivers solid cooling efficiency for warm months. The multi-speed ECM blower reaches 2000 CFM maximum, cycling intelligently rather than running at full power continuously. Two-stage burner operation on the heating side reduces energy waste during milder days, which matters in transitional seasons when full capacity heating isn't needed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs compared to 80-90% alternatives
13 SEER air conditioner with R454B refrigerant meets current environmental standards
Multi-speed ECM blower motor improves comfort and reduces runtime noise
Two-stage burner operation minimizes short cycling and energy waste
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year parts coverage with online registration

Cons

Single-stage compressor limits efficiency gains on partial-load cooling days
76 dB noise level is audible during operation, louder than some competitors
PVC flue requirement limits installation flexibility in some older homes

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates upgrading from 10-15 year old systems who want to lower energy bills without spending on premium equipment. Contractors valuing straightforward installation and reliable Goodman parts availability.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone needing ultra-quiet operation or seeking the highest seasonal efficiency ratings should look at variable-capacity alternatives or higher-SEER models.

4 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur

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Installation

Installation requires standard gas line connections, 115V single-phase power (26.3-45 amp breaker), and PVC exhaust venting. The 34.5 inch height and horizontal orientation fit tight spaces where vertical furnaces won't work. Sweat valve connections on the refrigerant lines demand competent HVAC technicians, but the system uses industry-standard 3/8 inch and 1 1/8 inch line sizes that most contractors stock.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs the heat exchanger for life, addressing homeowners' biggest failure concern. The 10-year unit replacement and 10-year parts warranty (with online registration) provides meaningful coverage without the premium pricing of extended plans. Registration is straightforward and worth the few minutes required.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-48-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	48,000
Heating BTU	120,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	Lifetime Heat Exchanger, 10 Years Unit Replacement, and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	76
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
Replaces	GSX130483, GSX130484, GSX130485
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	13
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Reciprocating
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	1 1/8"
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Max Breaker Size	45 amps
Min. Breaker Size	26.3 amps
Tonnage	5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Height	34.5"
Width	24.5"
Depth	28.75"
Resources	GMEC96 Installation Manual GMEC96 Specifications Sheet GMEC96 Owner's Manual GMEC96 Service Manual GMEC96 Replacement Parts Manual GMEC96 Brochure Goodman Furnace 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	Upflow/Horizontal
Style	A-Coil
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	2000
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	1/2"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 96% AFUE compare to older furnaces? +

Systems installed 15+ years ago typically run 78-85% AFUE, meaning 16-18% more fuel wasted. At typical heating costs, upgrading a 4-ton system to this 96% model saves $200-400 annually depending on climate. The payback period rarely exceeds 7 years.

Can this replace my existing outdoor air conditioner and indoor furnace? +

Yes, if your current system is 4-5 tons and uses 115V single-phase power. Check that your breaker panel has space for a 26.3-45 amp breaker and verify your ductwork fits the 2000 CFM maximum. Have a contractor inspect refrigerant line sizes before purchasing.

Why single-stage cooling on a 13 SEER unit? +

Single-stage compressors run at full capacity whenever cooling is needed, then stop. Variable-capacity compressors would improve part-load efficiency and comfort, but cost significantly more. The 13 SEER rating still beats most 10-year-old systems substantially.

How does this compare to Carrier or Lennox equivalents? +

Goodman trades brand prestige for lower upfront cost. Performance specs are competitive at this price tier. Carrier and Lennox offer more noise reduction and variable-capacity options at 20-40% higher prices. Choose Goodman if budget matters; choose premium brands if noise concerns you.

Does the warranty transfer if I sell my house? +

The 10-year parts and 10-year unit replacement warranty transfers to the new owner. The lifetime heat exchanger coverage typically applies only to the original purchaser. Check your registration details with Goodman.

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