Review
The Goodman 5-ton upflow system represents mainstream HVAC equipment designed for straightforward residential installation. Rated at 120,000 BTU heating and 57,000 BTU cooling, this unit competes in the practical middle ground between budget basement units and premium variable-capacity systems. Goodman's established supply chain and contractor familiarity make this a reliable choice for replacement projects and new construction where balanced performance and accessible pricing matter.
The furnace delivers genuine 96% AFUE efficiency, meaning 96 cents of every dollar spent on fuel generates usable heat, with only 4% lost through the exhaust. Cooling capacity reaches 57,000 BTU at 18 SEER1, which performs adequately for moderate cooling loads but lags systems rated SEER 20 and above. The variable-speed ECM blower running at up to 2,000 CFM adjusts fan speed to match heating and cooling demand, reducing energy waste during partial-load operation common in spring and fall.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency beats most competitor mid-tier units by 2-3 percentage points
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor reduces electricity consumption and improves comfort control
- Two-stage heating and two-stage cooling provide better temperature modulation than single-stage competitors
- PVC exhaust compatibility simplifies installation in many retrofit scenarios
- 10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and labor in most cases
Cons
- SEER rating of 18 is respectable but trails high-efficiency systems reaching SEER 20-22
- Not ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it misses some utility rebate opportunities
- Requires 36.7 to 60 amp service, which may need electrical upgrades in older homes
- 74 dB noise level is audible during operation, particularly during blower-on cycles
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors installing replacement systems in suburban and rural homes where natural gas or propane is the primary heating fuel, plus budget-conscious homeowners in moderate to cold climates who prioritize heating efficiency over cooling performance. This system makes financial sense when electricity costs are high relative to gas.
Consider Alternatives If
Homeowners in hot climates prioritizing air conditioning performance should look at units with SEER 20 or higher, and those seeking premium efficiency across both heating and cooling should consider variable-refrigerant or higher-tier modulating systems.
Installation
Installation requires PVC or plastic exhaust venting, standard in modern construction but verify existing venting compatibility on retrofits. The unit needs 208 or 230V single-phase 60Hz electrical service with breaker capacity between 36.7 and 60 amps. Upflow configuration suits basement and utility closet placement. Sweat connections for 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines follow industry standard refrigerant piping practices, requiring licensed technician certification.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman provides 10 years parts and labor coverage when registered online within 30 days of installation. This matches or exceeds most competitors in the mid-tier segment. Coverage includes compressor, heat exchanger, and blower components. Registration typically takes minutes and significantly impacts resale value, as warranty transfers to subsequent owners in some regions.
Specifications
| SKU | CAPT4961D4 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Goodman |
| Cooling BTU | 57,000 |
| Heating BTU | 120,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Electrical | 208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 74 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 76.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368842 |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/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 | No |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Height | 30" |
| Width | 24.5" |
| Depth | 21" |
| Resources | CAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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. |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 18 |
| 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 | 36.7 amps |
| Tonnage | 5 Ton |
| Valve Type | Sweat |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
Frequently Asked Questions
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