Review
Goodman's 4-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system positions itself squarely in the value segment, targeting cost-conscious homeowners and contractors managing equipment budgets. At $2,071, it undercuts premium brands while maintaining solid specifications: 15 SEER cooling, 80% AFUE heating, and ENERGY STAR qualification. The unit ships in a compact footprint (30 inches high, 24.5 inches wide, 21 inches deep) that fits most upflow installations. SKU LS381183850 replaces the older GSX16S481, signaling this as an update rather than a budget compromise.
Performance metrics reveal a capable mid-range system. The 80,000 BTU two-stage burner delivers adequate heating for moderate climates, while the 45,500 BTU cooling capacity (scaled to 4 tons) handles typical residential demand. The variable-speed blower reaches 2,000 CFM maximum, allowing zone balancing across multi-story homes. Refrigerant R410A and scroll compressor technology are industry standard. Electrical requirements fall between 23.9 and 40 amps at 208/230V single-phase, fitting most residential service panels without upgrades.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 15 SEER cooling efficiency exceeds baseline standards and qualifies for ENERGY STAR certification
- Two-stage burner with 80,000 BTU heating capacity handles cold snaps effectively in northern climates
- Variable-speed blower motor adjusts airflow between 0-2,000 CFM for balanced comfort and efficiency
- A-coil design integrates seamlessly with horizontal or upflow installations in most home configurations
- 10-year warranty with online registration provides meaningful coverage at this price tier
- Dual-fuel capability supports both natural gas and propane for flexible installation options
Cons
- 80% AFUE furnace efficiency lags high-efficiency models (90-98%) and costs more to operate long-term
- Single-stage condenser limits cooling modulation during mild weather, reducing seasonal efficiency gains
- 73 dB noise level ranks higher than quieter premium units, noticeable during operation
- 5-ton tonnage specification conflicts with 4-ton marketing claim, requiring verification before purchase
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors and homeowners in moderate climates seeking a reliable entry-level system without premium costs, or budget-conscious replacements for 15-20 year old equipment. This works well for single-family homes in zones 4-6 where heating demands are moderate and cooling season lasts 4-6 months.
Consider Alternatives If
Cold-climate homeowners needing 95%+ AFUE efficiency, or anyone prioritizing whisper-quiet operation should explore models with higher AFUE ratings and lower decibel ratings.
Installation
Installation demands standard HVAC practices. The unit requires metal exhaust flue for the furnace portion and proper refrigerant line sizing using the included 3/8-inch liquid and 1 1/8-inch suction lines with 1/2-inch insulation. A-coil configuration suits upflow and downflow installations. The CAPT Installation Manual provides detailed guidance. Most experienced technicians complete installation in 4-6 hours, though first-time installers should budget additional time for AHRI certification verification and ductwork adjustments.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman includes a 10-year parts warranty upon online registration, covering both furnace and air conditioning components. This mid-tier protection exceeds basic 5-year coverage but trails extended 10-15 year programs. Registration is mandatory to activate coverage. Evaporator coil carries separate protection under Goodman's coil warranty terms. Warranty is non-transferable, affecting resale value considerations for second homeowners.
Specifications
| SKU | LS381183850 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 45,500 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| 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 |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 204633307 |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Metal |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 80% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Height | 30" |
| Width | 24.5" |
| Depth | 21" |
| Resources | CAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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. |
| Replaces | GSX16S481 |
| 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 | 40 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 23.9 amps |
| Tonnage | 5 Ton |
| 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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