Review
Goodman's 5 ton downflow system represents a practical middle ground in the residential HVAC market. Positioned between bare-bones builder-grade equipment and premium high-efficiency units, this 120,000 BTU furnace and 60,000 BTU air conditioner combo offers measurable performance improvements without aggressive pricing. Contractors regularly specify this model for replacement jobs where existing ductwork is tight and budget expectations are realistic. The Energy Star certification and dual-stage components address legitimate efficiency concerns without pushing into boutique territory.
The 96% AFUE rating means this furnace converts nearly all fuel to usable heat, compared to 80-85% typical of older equipment. Paired with a 15 SEER air conditioner featuring a two-stage scroll compressor, the system operates at part capacity during mild days, avoiding the energy waste of constant full-load cycling. Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts CFM between 0-2000 depending on actual heating or cooling demand, reducing runtime and noise during shoulder seasons. Two-stage burner design on the furnace complements the compressor staging, creating consistent comfort without dramatic on-off cycles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace captures 96 cents of every dollar spent on heating, substantially above 80-85% single-stage units
- Two-stage burner and two-stage compressor allow modulated operation, reducing energy waste during partial-load conditions
- 15 SEER cooling efficiency beats base-model 13 SEER units while staying below premium 18-20 SEER pricing
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts to actual heating and cooling demand, improving comfort and reducing runtime noise
- 5 ton capacity handles typical residential loads across 2000-2500 square feet without undersizing issues
- Downflow configuration fits basements and crawl spaces where upflow units won't work
Cons
- 15 SEER is middle-of-road efficiency, not qualifying for aggressive rebates in some states that prioritize 17+ SEER systems
- 75 dB noise level under full cooling load is noticeable, roughly equivalent to a vacuum cleaner running
- Scroll compressor is reliable but less resilient to liquid slugging than rotary designs, requiring proper installation discipline
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors and homeowners replacing 15-20 year old systems in moderate climates who value balanced heating and cooling performance without premium pricing. Ideal for rental properties, multi-family retrofits, and homes where upfront cost matters as much as long-term efficiency.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone in extreme heating climates (Minnesota, Montana) should prioritize higher AFUE units, and homeowners in heavy AC regions (Arizona, Florida) will see better ROI with 17+ SEER systems.
Installation
Downflow/horizontal configuration requires basement or crawl space placement with vertical ductwork drops to basement subfloors or attics above. Plastic PVC exhaust flue is standard and simplifies venting compared to metal alternatives. Electrical requirements are straightforward, 115V single-phase 60Hz with breaker sizing between 37.2-60 amps. Sweat valve connections use standard 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction lines. Most installations take 4-6 hours for experienced technicians.
Warranty & Reliability
10-year parts warranty activates with online registration, covering compressor, furnace heat exchanger, and blower motor against manufacturing defects. This is standard protection, not exceptional. Registration is straightforward through Goodman's website. Labor warranty varies by installer, so confirm details during the sales process. Warranty becomes valuable only if registration completes promptly after installation.
Specifications
| SKU | CAPF4860D6 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Goodman |
| Cooling BTU | 60,000 |
| Heating BTU | 120,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A or R22 |
| Electrical | 115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 75 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 44.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Energy Star | Yes |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 16 |
| Condenser Stages | Two Stage |
| Compressor Type | Scroll |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 7/8" |
| Max Breaker Size | 60 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 37.2 amps |
| Tonnage | 5 Ton |
| Valve Type | Sweat |
| Height | 30" |
| Width | 24.5" |
| Depth | 21" |
| Resources | CAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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. |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368845 |
| Airflow Direction | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
Frequently Asked Questions
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