4 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This 4-ton Goodman system works best for homeowners replacing older equipment in moderate climates who want solid efficiency without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER cooler deliver measurable energy savings, though the single-stage cooling design means slightly less precise temperature control than variable-capacity units.

Review

The Goodman 4-ton gas furnace and air conditioner combination targets the practical middle of the residential HVAC market. This unit replaces the GSX16S481 and ships with complete documentation for contractor installations. At 96% AFUE and 16 SEER, it positions itself as an efficiency upgrade over baseline equipment while remaining accessible on price. The system uses R410A or R22 refrigerant and features a scroll compressor paired with a variable-speed ECM blower.

Performance specs show 80,000 BTU heating output on two burner stages and 45,500 BTU cooling capacity. The 16 SEER cooler outperforms many mid-tier units, though single-stage compression means it either runs full-blast or shuts down with no modulation between those points. The variable-speed blower maxes at 1600 CFM for airflow matching, and electrical requirements stay modest at 115V single-phase with 23.9 to 40 amp breaker sizing. At 73 dBA during operation, noise sits at acceptable levels for most installations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace rating reduces heating costs by 15-20% compared to 80 AFUE models on identical properties
16 SEER cooling efficiency qualifies for ENERGY STAR, supporting utility rebates in most regions
Two-stage burner operation minimizes short-cycling and improves comfort during partial-load heating
Variable-speed ECM blower handles up to 1600 CFM and automatically adjusts for balanced airflow
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty protects against the costliest furnace failure point

Cons

Single-stage compressor cycles on and off rather than modulating, limiting part-load efficiency gains
73 dBA noise level at full capacity slightly higher than high-efficiency variable models, noticeable in quiet homes
Product listing shows spec contradictions (title states 4-ton, specs show 5-ton tonnage), creating confusion

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners in climates with moderate cooling demands and cold winters who prioritize heating efficiency. This system delivers when replacing 15+ year old equipment where the AFUE jump alone justifies replacement ROI.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in hot climates needing sub-35 dB quiet operation, or buyers seeking variable-capacity cooling for superior dehumidification and humidity control.

4 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn

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Installation

Installation uses standard 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction valve connections, with 3/8 inch and 1 1/8 inch line sizing respectively. The A-coil design fits upflow or horizontal configurations, supported by 1/2 inch suction line insulation rated for 50 feet. PVC exhaust flue exits on the right, compatible with modern venting codes. Documentation includes install instructions, parts manual, and technical data.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs the heat exchanger for the owner's lifetime and components for 10 years upon online registration. The heat exchanger warranty covers the most expensive potential failure, making this a solid protection tier. Registration requirement is straightforward and unlocks full coverage terms.

Specifications

SKU	LS381183850
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	45,500
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	Lifetime Heat Exchanger and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	73
Weight (in lbs)	48.000000
Feature	Spec
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
Height	34.5"
Width	21"
Depth	28.75"
Resources	Goodman Brochure Goodman Install Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman 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
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	1 1/8"
Style	A-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number	7368835
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	1/2"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the product title say 4-ton but the specs list 5-ton? +

This appears to be a data entry error between the marketing title and technical specs. Verify tonnage with your installer before purchase. The AHRI certificate number 7368835 will clarify exact model capability. Contact supplier to confirm which rating applies to your SKU LS381183850.

Can I use this system with my existing ductwork from a 3-ton unit? +

The 1600 CFM maximum airflow requires properly sized ducts. Undersized ductwork will choke the blower and reduce efficiency below the 16 SEER rating. Have a technician calculate duct friction loss. Upgrading to 1.5-inch diameter suction line (vs. 1 1/8 inch) may improve performance on older installations.

How does 96% AFUE compare to my old furnace efficiency? +

If replacing a furnace built before 2010, expect 20-25% annual heating cost reduction. Models from 2010-2015 typically rated 90-92% AFUE, so your savings drop to 4-6%. A 96% AFUE unit also runs cleaner exhaust and qualifies for many utility rebates ranging from $300-$800.

Is 16 SEER sufficient or should I spend more for 18+ SEER? +

16 SEER performs well in moderate climates where cooling season runs 4-6 months. Hot climates benefit more from 18+ SEER models with variable compressors. The single-stage design here suits intermittent cooling demand better than continuous air-conditioning needs.

What happens if I don't register for the 10-year parts warranty? +

Without registration, parts coverage defaults to 5 years. The lifetime heat exchanger warranty applies regardless of registration, but securing the full 10-year parts protection requires completing registration within 30-60 days of installation.

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