4 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system is built for homeowners in moderate to cold climates who want measurable energy savings without breaking the bank. The 16 SEER cooling efficiency and 96% AFUE heating efficiency make it a strong choice for replacing aging dual-fuel setups, especially when paired with professional installation.

Review

This 4-ton Goodman dual-fuel system represents solid mid-market positioning for residential HVAC replacements. The combination of 16 SEER cooling and 96% AFUE heating efficiency sits above commodity brands but below ultra-premium variable-capacity equipment. Designed in upflow configuration with an A-coil, it fits standard residential installations without major ductwork modifications. Energy Star certification confirms its efficiency credentials, and the $117 pricing reflects Goodman's reputation as a contractor-friendly, value-driven manufacturer rather than a luxury brand.

Cooling performance delivers 45,500 BTU of capacity through a scroll compressor, while the furnace provides 120,000 BTU across two burner stages. The multi-speed ECM blower motor supports up to 2,000 CFM airflow, allowing better humidity control and temperature stratification than fixed-speed motors. At 73 dB during operation, expect normal air conditioning noise levels typical of single-stage systems. The 96% AFUE furnace burns nearly all gas fuel efficiently, translating to measurable heating cost reductions over three to five heating seasons in northern climates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

16 SEER rating delivers superior cooling efficiency compared to 14-15 SEER baseline units
96% AFUE furnace efficiency captures nearly all heating fuel energy, reducing gas bills noticeably
Two-stage burner on furnace allows modulated heating to match actual demand
Multi-speed ECM blower motor provides better comfort control and lower operating costs
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty provides long-term peace of mind on the most expensive component

Cons

Single-stage compressor lacks the efficiency gains of two-stage cooling during partial load conditions
73 dB noise level is moderately loud for some residential settings during full-capacity cooling
Right-side flue location may complicate installation in certain roof or wall configurations

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing a 10-15 year old Goodman or competitor system in climates requiring both heating and cooling will see tangible utility bill reductions. Contractors serving suburban and rural markets will appreciate the straightforward upflow A-coil configuration and proven Goodman reliability track record.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers needing a variable-capacity system for maximum efficiency or those in noise-sensitive neighborhoods should consider higher-end models with two-stage compressors.

4 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur

$117

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Installation

Installation requires 40-amp minimum electrical service and supports standard 115V single-phase circuits. The 3/8-inch liquid line and 1 1/8-inch suction line (pre-insulated at 1/2-inch thickness) connect to existing ductwork through an A-coil. Plastic or PVC exhaust flue venting is mandatory, which simplifies venting compared to metal duct requirements. Overall dimensions of 34.5-inch height and 24.5-inch width fit standard utility closets and basements. Professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure proper refrigerant charge and airflow balance.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this unit with a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, 10-year parts coverage, and 10-year unit replacement warranty upon online registration. The lifetime heat exchanger protection is genuinely valuable since replacement costs typically exceed $800-1,200 in labor and materials. Ten-year parts and replacement coverage provides solid post-warranty protection without requiring expensive extended service contracts, giving homeowners predictable long-term costs.

Specifications

SKU	LS381183850
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	45,500
Heating BTU	120,000
Refrigerant	R410A
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)	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	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
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	1 1/8"
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

What's the difference between this 16 SEER unit and a standard 14 SEER system? +

The 16 SEER rating means approximately 14% better cooling efficiency than 14 SEER equipment. Over a 15-year lifespan in a moderate climate, this translates to roughly $1,200-1,800 in cumulative cooling cost savings, depending on local electricity rates and usage patterns.

Can this upflow system work in an attic or crawlspace installation? +

Yes, the upflow/horizontal configuration works in both settings. However, the 34.5-inch height and 50-foot suction line length limit placement options. Attic installations require adequate clearance above the coil return side, while crawlspace setups need proper condensate drainage to avoid standing water issues.

How much will heating bills drop with the 96% AFUE furnace? +

A 96% AFUE furnace typically reduces heating costs by 8-12% compared to older 80-85% AFUE units. In colder climates spending $1,500 annually on heating, expect savings of $120-180 per winter season after accounting for ductwork losses and thermostat settings.

Is this Goodman system comparable to Carrier or Lennox units at similar price points? +

Goodman offers equivalent cooling and heating efficiency to mid-tier Carrier and Lennox models but typically costs 15-25% less. The tradeoff is less premium sound dampening and fewer smart home integrations, though core performance and reliability are competitive for both brands.

What happens after the 10-year warranty expires? +

After 10 years, parts and repairs become customer responsibility, though the lifetime heat exchanger warranty continues. Most systems remain reliable through 15-20 years with routine maintenance, but replacement costs for compressors or motors can reach $1,500-2,500 after warranty expiration.

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