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

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system delivers excellent efficiency ratings (16 SEER, 96% AFUE) for homeowners replacing aging furnace-AC combos in downflow installations. At $3136, it offers solid value for contractors and DIY installers willing to handle the complete system setup themselves.

Review

The Goodman 5-ton downflow system sits squarely in the mid-tier residential market where efficiency meets affordability. At $3136 before rebates, it competes against Bryant and Carrier models priced 20 to 30 percent higher while delivering similar SEER and AFUE ratings. Goodman's reputation has evolved from budget-basement to genuinely capable over the past decade, and this SKU LS381183850 reflects that shift with legitimate high-efficiency components rather than rebranded lower-tier equipment.

The numbers tell the real story. The 96% AFUE furnace outperforms standard 80-85% models by roughly 12 to 16 percentage points, translating to 300 to 400 dollars in annual heating savings on average. On cooling, 16 SEER1 efficiency means your AC runs leaner during summer peaks. The variable-speed ECM blower reduces parasitic electrical draw compared to fixed-speed motors. With 120,000 BTU heating and 54,000 BTU cooling across 5 tons, capacity matches typical 2,000 to 2,500 square foot homes in temperate climates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency means lower heating bills compared to standard 80-85% units
16 SEER cooling rating qualifies for Energy Star and most utility rebates
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts to actual heating/cooling demand, reducing runtime costs
Two-stage burner provides better heating modulation and comfort during mild weather
PVC exhaust compatibility eliminates costly Category III chimney venting requirements
Dual-fuel capability handles both natural gas and propane without modification

Cons

73 dBA noise level is audible under full load, comparable to window AC units
Single-stage condenser means no capacity modulation on cooling side, less efficient than two-stage units
Downflow configuration limits placement to attics or basement ceilings, not suitable for crawlspaces
R410A refrigerant adds cost if future service is needed, as fewer technicians stock it
10-year warranty requires online registration and covers parts only, not labor

Who Should Buy

Best For

This system works best for homeowners replacing 15+ year old furnace-AC combinations in two-story homes with attic return air plenum. It's also ideal for contractors offering complete system packages where labor is their value-add, not parts markup.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this if your attic or mechanical space cannot accommodate a 38.25-inch tall unit, or if you need a quieter system running at less than 70 dBA.

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

$3136

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Downflow installation requires mounted position above the living space, typically attic or mechanical closet with at least 38.25 inches of clearance. Flexible ducting connects to floor registers. PVC plastic exhaust venting keeps installation costs down compared to masonry chimney alternatives. The unit weighs 48 pounds, manageable for two-person installation. Electrical demands 208/230V single-phase 60Hz at 29.6 to 50 amp breaker capacity, standard in most homes.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years parts coverage with online registration. This is competitive against Lennox and Carrier, though some builders offer 12-year warranties. Coverage excludes labor, meaning homeowners fund technician service calls out of pocket. Extended warranties are available through distributors for roughly 150 to 300 dollars additional, worthwhile protection for homes beyond Year 5.

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
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
Energy Star	Yes
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural 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

What does 16 SEER actually mean for my cooling costs? +

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency. 16 SEER means roughly 12 to 18 percent lower cooling electricity than 13 SEER baseline units. On a 3,000-dollar annual cooling bill, expect 360 to 540 dollars savings, depending on climate and runtime. Over 15 years, that's 5,400 to 8,100 dollars recovered.

Can I install this myself or do I need a licensed technician? +

EPA regulations require licensed certification to handle R410A refrigerant in most states. You can perform mechanical installation, but refrigerant charge and evacuation must be done by EPA 608-certified technicians. Labor typically costs 800 to 1,500 dollars for complete system setup and commissioning.

Is 96% AFUE furnace efficiency worth the extra cost versus 80% AFUE? +

Yes, especially in northern climates. A 96% unit recovers 16 percent more heating energy per dollar spent on fuel. In Minnesota or New York, heating season runtime exceeds 1,500 hours yearly, making efficiency gains pay back in five to seven years through reduced gas consumption.

How does this Goodman compare to Bryant or Carrier equivalents? +

This Goodman matches Bryant Evolution and Carrier Infinity specs at 3,000 to 4,000 dollars less. The trade-off is fewer smart controls and no two-stage compressor. All three use similar scroll compressors and achieve identical SEER/AFUE ratings in real-world operation.

What happens if the compressor fails after Year 10? +

Compressor replacement runs 1,500 to 2,500 dollars labor plus 1,200 to 1,800 dollars parts. Extended warranty through your distributor covers this scenario, making it valuable insurance for units beyond initial warranty period.

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