Review
Goodman's 5-ton horizontal gas furnace and air conditioner system targets mainstream residential replacement market, where balance between efficiency and affordability matters most. The 96% AFUE heating combined with 16 SEER cooling positions it as a solid mid-tier performer. This horizontal A-coil configuration suits homes with limited basement space, and the two-stage burner provides flexibility that single-stage systems lack. Real-world contractors value Goodman for straightforward installation and parts availability.
The numbers tell a practical story. Cooling capacity hits 54,000 BTU with 16 SEER efficiency, translating to roughly 25% lower summer bills versus older 13 SEER equipment. Heating output reaches 120,000 BTU at 96% AFUE, recovering almost all fuel energy as warmth. The scroll compressor and ECM blower motor support this efficiency, with maximum CFM at 2000 for adequate airflow distribution. Single-stage compression limits modulation compared to variable alternatives, but both-stage gas burner operation softens this gap.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace means heating costs stay low, especially for gas-heavy climates where winter heating dominates the bill
- 16 SEER cooling efficiency qualifies as Energy Star, delivering meaningful AC cost reductions in summer months
- Two-stage gas burner and ECM multi-speed blower provide flexible operation and comfort modulation
- Scroll compressor is proven for reliability, with fewer moving parts than alternatives
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year unit and parts coverage with registration offers genuine protection
Cons
- Single-stage compressor limits capacity modulation, so cooling cycles on and off rather than ramping smoothly
- 73 dB noise level is louder than high-end variable systems, noticeable to nearby residents during operation
- Horizontal A-coil configuration limits installation flexibility for some homes and retrofit scenarios
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners upgrading 10-plus-year-old systems in mixed climates where heating and cooling are both significant loads appreciate the balanced efficiency and warranty depth. Budget-conscious buyers valuing upfront savings and straightforward installation will find solid value here.
Consider Alternatives If
Skip this if you need whisper-quiet operation or live in extreme heat zones where variable-stage cooling pays for itself quickly through energy savings.
Installation
Horizontal mounting requires right-side flue exit and PVC exhaust venting, common in modern homes but worth confirming during assessment. At 48 pounds and 34.5 inches tall, physical handling is manageable for two installers. Electrical demand ranges 29.6 to 50 amps at 115V single-phase, so verify existing breaker capacity before ordering. Suction and liquid line sizes (1 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch respectively) demand proper refrigerant tubing and insulation thickness of 1/2 inch minimum.
Warranty & Reliability
Lifetime heat exchanger coverage protects against cracking, the most expensive failure point in furnaces. Ten-year unit replacement and parts warranties apply with online registration, reducing out-of-pocket costs for covered repairs during the critical first decade. Goodman's registration process is straightforward, and parts availability remains strong due to market penetration among contractors.
Specifications
| SKU | LS381183850 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 54,000 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 50 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 29.6 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
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