Independent Review · Updated June 2026

1.5 Ton 14.5 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Heat Pump System - Horizontal

Goodman's efficient 1.5 ton heat pump with 96% furnace backbone for tight spaces

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
1.5 Ton 14.5 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Heat Pump System - Horizontal
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// Bottom Line
This horizontal configuration works best for homeowners with space constraints like attics, crawlspaces, or basements where vertical units won't fit. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with 14.5 SEER cooling makes it a solid dual-purpose unit for mixed climates without breaking budget.

Review

The Goodman LS38343850 targets contractors and homeowners who need serious heating performance without the vertical footprint. This horizontal configuration model bundles a high-efficiency gas furnace with a 1.5 ton heat pump into one compact unit. At 96% AFUE, it delivers measurable savings on heating bills while maintaining respectable 14.5 SEER cooling. The unit qualifies as ENERGY STAR certified, appealing to efficiency-conscious buyers and contractors working on tighter project budgets.

Performance specs show 40,000 BTU total capacity split between 18,000 BTU heating and 18,000 BTU cooling output. The variable-speed ECM blower runs up to 1,200 CFM and adjusts based on actual demand, avoiding the energy waste of fixed-speed motors. Two-stage burner operation provides modulated heating rather than simple on-off cycling. However, the condenser remains single-stage, meaning cooling stays at one fixed capacity. This furnace accepts both natural gas and propane, offering installation flexibility without major modifications.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency cuts heating costs significantly compared to 80-90% models
  • Variable-speed ECM blower adjusts to actual heating/cooling demand, reducing energy waste
  • 14.5 SEER rating earns ENERGY STAR certification for measurable cooling efficiency
  • Horizontal configuration fits tight installation spaces where standard upflow units can't work
  • Two-stage burner provides modulated heating for better comfort and efficiency control
  • Dual fuel flexibility handles natural gas or propane without system redesign

Cons

  • Spec sheet lists conflicting tonnage values, 1.5 ton in product title but 3 ton in specs, creating confusion
  • Single-stage condenser limits cooling efficiency optimization compared to two-stage compressors
  • 70 dB noise level runs louder than some premium competitors in the same class
  • Warranty requires online registration, which many users skip and lose coverage

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing systems in space-constrained homes, particularly attics or crawlspaces where horizontal orientation is mandatory. Homeowners in moderate climates wanting to maximize heating efficiency while keeping cooling performance competitive without premium pricing.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone needing a true 1.5 ton system should verify actual capacity specs before purchase, as documentation appears inconsistent. Buyers prioritizing quietest operation should explore units rated below 68 dB.

1.5 Ton 14.5 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas
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Installation

Horizontal mounting requires adequate clearance in crawlspaces, attics, or basement corners, typically 26 inches deep and 21.125 inches tall. PVC exhaust flue setup simplifies venting compared to metal ducts. The unit needs 208/230V single-phase power at 11.8 to 20 amps, standard in most homes. Proper refrigerant line sizing matters, using 3/8 inch liquid and 3/4 inch suction lines with 3/4 inch insulation to prevent condensation.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman covers parts for 10 years after online registration at no charge. Registration is straightforward but essential, as unregistered units typically default to shorter coverage periods. This length rivals many competitors in the mid-tier category. However, labor costs and service calls remain the buyer's responsibility, so factor in local HVAC service rates when budgeting.

Specifications

SKULS38343850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU18000
Heating BTU18000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)70
Weight (in lbs)22.000000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7368841
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
ConfigurationHorizontal
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height21.125"
Width17.5"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety InformationPROPOSITION 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.
ReplacesGSZ140191
SEER1 (Efficiency)14
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeRotary
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size20 amps
Min. Breaker Size11.8 amps
Tonnage3 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 1.5 ton and 3 ton specs listed? +
Documentation shows conflicting tonnage values. The product title states 1.5 ton, but internal specs list 3 ton. Verify with seller before purchase, as this directly impacts heating and cooling capacity. Contact technical support with the AHRI certificate number 7368841 to confirm actual capacity for your home's requirements.
Can I install this in a standard attic space? +
Yes, the horizontal configuration is designed for attics and crawlspaces. Dimensions are 26 inches deep, 21.125 inches tall, and 17.5 inches wide. Ensure adequate airflow around the unit and clearance for refrigerant lines, suction insulation, and exhaust ducting. Most standard attics with 24-inch joist spacing can accommodate this unit with proper framing adjustments.
How much will this save on heating costs compared to an 80% AFUE unit? +
A 96% AFUE furnace converts 96 cents of every energy dollar into heat versus 80 cents for standard models. Over a heating season, this translates to roughly 16-20% lower fuel bills depending on climate and home insulation. Exact savings vary by local gas prices, home size, and thermostat programming habits.
Is 14.5 SEER competitive with other systems at this price point? +
Yes, 14.5 SEER performs well for budget-conscious buyers. Premium units reach 18-20 SEER, but cost significantly more. This unit balances cooling efficiency with affordability. Single-stage condenser limits optimization potential, but ECM blower efficiency partially compensates for the simpler compressor design.
What happens to my warranty if I don't register online? +
Unregistered units typically drop to limited coverage, often 1-2 years on parts. Online registration takes minutes and protects your 10-year investment. Keep proof of registration and purchase receipt with your HVAC documentation for warranty claims.

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