5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This 5-ton Goodman system delivers solid efficiency gains for homeowners upgrading from older equipment, particularly those in mixed climates where heating dominates annual runtime. It's a practical choice for contractors seeking reliable equipment without premium pricing, backed by straightforward installation requirements and solid warranty protection.

Review

The Goodman 5-ton upflow system represents the practical middle ground in residential HVAC equipment. It combines legitimate efficiency improvements with straightforward engineering that contractors trust and homeowners can afford. At 96% AFUE and 16 SEER2, this unit meets current efficiency standards without requiring specialized maintenance or exotic components. The system emphasizes real-world performance over marketing complexity, making it appealing for replacement projects in established neighborhoods.

Performance specs tell a solid story. The furnace delivers 120,000 BTU heating output with two-stage burner modulation, while the 5-ton air conditioning section produces 54,000 BTU cooling capacity at 16 SEER2. The ECM multi-speed blower handles up to 2000 CFM and adapts to ductwork static pressure, reducing short-cycling and fan noise during partial-load operation. These are genuine efficiency features, not marketing claims, resulting in measurable utility bill reductions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional heating efficiency at 96% AFUE with 120,000 BTU output, reducing winter heating costs significantly
16 SEER2 cooling rating delivers modern efficiency standards without exotic refrigerant or complex controls
ECM multi-speed blower motor allows variable airflow, improving comfort and reducing unnecessary runtime
PVC/plastic exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting in retrofit applications and new builds
Two-stage gas burner provides modulated heating, reducing temperature swings and improving comfort

Cons

73 dBA noise level is moderately loud for indoor units, noticeable in quiet residential settings
Single-stage cooling condenser lacks the efficiency bump of two-stage or variable-speed designs
Requires 208/230V single-phase power, limiting installation flexibility in some older homes with 120V service

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate to cold climates upgrading 15+ year old systems will see meaningful energy savings from the 96% AFUE rating and 16 SEER2 efficiency. Contractors appreciate this unit for standard residential installs where reliability matters more than cutting-edge features.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this if your home runs primarily on cooling (hot climates), as single-stage condenser cooling lacks efficiency advantages; look at two-stage units instead.

5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur

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Installation

Installation remains contractor-friendly. The upflow configuration suits most basement or utility room installations, while the compact 38.25 inch height fits tight spaces. PVC exhaust flue requirement eliminates costly masonry venting and simplifies retrofit work. The system requires 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz service with 29.6 to 50 amp breaker sizing depending on local codes. Refrigerant line sizes (3/8 inch liquid, 7/8 inch suction valve) follow standard practices.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman's 10-year parts and labor warranty requires online registration but covers manufacturing defects comprehensively. This length is competitive for mid-tier equipment and provides meaningful protection through the system's most critical decade of operation. Registration is simple and substantially extends coverage, making it worthwhile for homeowners planning long-term occupancy.

Specifications

SKU	LS381183850
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	54,000
Heating BTU	120,000
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
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	Yes
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Height	38.25"
Width	35.5"
Depth	35.5"
Resources	Goodman Brochure Goodman Specifications Goodman Installation Manual Goodman Warranty Information Goodman Service Instructions Goodman Kit Instructions Goodman Parts Manual You will need AdobeÂ® AcrobatÂ® 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.
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	1 1/8"
Tonnage	5 Ton
Style	A-Coil
SEER1 (Efficiency)	16
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	7/8"
Max Breaker Size	50 amps
Min. Breaker Size	29.6 amps
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	1/2"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save on heating costs compared to an 80% AFUE furnace? +

A 96% AFUE system captures 16 percentage points more heat energy than 80% units. On a 120,000 BTU furnace running 1500 hours annually, that translates to approximately 2400 BTU worth of wasted heat avoided, typically saving $300-500 yearly depending on gas prices and local rates.

Does this system require a special condensate drain setup? +

Yes. The 96% AFUE efficiency produces condensation that requires a floor drain or condensate pump. Most installations use gravity drains to a basement floor drain. Installers should verify drainage accessibility before ordering, as retrofit installations may need pump kits.

What's the real-world difference between 16 SEER2 and older 15 SEER ratings? +

SEER2 testing uses more realistic outdoor temperatures than old SEER ratings. A 16 SEER2 system is approximately equivalent to 18-19 SEER in older metrics, representing genuine cooling improvements though single-stage condenser operation limits efficiency gains versus two-stage models.

How does the ECM blower compare to fixed-speed motors in terms of energy use? +

ECM motors use 50-70% less blower electricity than standard fixed-speed motors by reducing speed during partial-load operation. On 500+ furnace runtime hours annually, expect $100-150 yearly savings in blower electricity costs, plus improved temperature consistency.

Is the 10-year warranty any good, and what does online registration actually cover? +

Ten years is solid mid-tier coverage. Registration unlocks the full warranty period and parts replacement. Without registration, Goodman limits coverage to one year, making registration essential and easily completed through Goodman's website at purchase.

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