Goodman 1.5 Ton Up To 16.5 SEER2 R32 High-Efficiency Cooling Only Condenser (GLXS5BA1810)
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Key features
- 1.5-ton cooling capacity rated up to 16.5 SEER2 for high-efficiency cooling in smaller spaces
- R-32 refrigerant charge with lower global warming potential than R-410A
- Single-stage cooling-only condenser, requires a separate compatible air handler or evaporator coil
- Louvered cabinet with baked enamel finish for corrosion resistance
- Copeland scroll compressor with factory-installed filter drier
- 10-year parts limited warranty with registration within 60 days of installation
About this system
The Goodman GLXS5BA1810 is a 1.5-ton, cooling-only condenser rated up to 16.5 SEER2, making it a solid fit for smaller homes, conditioned rooms, or add-on spaces in moderate to warm climates where a heating component is already handled separately. The 1.5-ton capacity is sized for roughly 600 to 900 square feet of well-insulated space, though actual load depends on local climate, ceiling height, and building envelope. At 16.5 SEER2, this unit sits in the high-efficiency tier without crossing into premium variable-speed territory, meaning real-world energy savings over a baseline 14 SEER2 unit are noticeable on a monthly utility bill without the added cost of inverter-driven compressor technology.
A notable spec for 2024 and beyond is the R-32 refrigerant charge. R-32 has a lower global warming potential than the R-410A it replaces and is becoming the new standard as R-410A is phased down under EPA rules. Practically speaking, R-32 operates at similar pressures to R-410A, so most certified technicians can work with it, but you will want to confirm your installer has completed the required R-32 handling certification before scheduling service or repair. This is a single-stage, cooling-only condenser, so it pairs with a compatible air handler or coil and an existing or separate heating system. It is not a heat pump, and it will not provide any supplemental heat.
The GLXS5BA1810 delivers a legitimate 16.5 SEER2 efficiency rating at a price point that undercuts premium brands by 15 to 25 percent, making it a reasonable choice for budget-conscious buyers who understand the trade-offs. Long-term ownership costs depend heavily on installation quality and willingness to budget for eventual capacitor or coil service. It is not the most durable option on the market, but for the right buyer it offers real value.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- 16.5 SEER2 efficiency qualifies as high-efficiency and reduces monthly cooling costs compared to baseline equipment
- R-32 refrigerant is forward-compatible with the ongoing industry phase-down of R-410A
- Purchase price is meaningfully lower than comparable Carrier, Trane, or Lennox units
- 10-year parts warranty with timely registration is competitive for a value-tier brand
- Copeland scroll compressor is a well-regarded component in the HVAC industry
Trade-offs
- Dual-run capacitors are the most frequently reported failure point, typically needing replacement within the first 7 to 10 years
- Compressor lifespan averages 10 to 14 years versus 15 to 20 years reported for premium-brand equipment
- A minority of owners report refrigerant leaks in the first year, most tied to install or initial charge issues rather than the unit itself
- Evaporator coil leaks appear in a meaningful share of longer-term owner reviews, which can be a costly repair
What homeowners and pros say about Goodman
Homeowners who shop Goodman tend to land on one of two experiences: those who had a clean installation by a skilled technician often report years of trouble-free cooling and cite the lower purchase price as a genuine win; those who ran into problems point to repair bills that start adding up around year 7 or 8. On ConsumerAffairs, Goodman scores around 2.5 out of 5, but that channel skews toward people who had a bad experience and felt motivated to write about it. Google dealer reviews tell a more balanced story, averaging roughly 3.8 out of 5 across locations, where the most common praise is straightforward: the price made the system accessible. For a 1.5-ton unit like the GLXS5BA1810, the stakes of a poor install are real because a slightly undercharged or overcharged R-32 system will run less efficiently and stress components sooner.
HVAC technicians who work on Goodman equipment regularly will tell you that dual-run capacitors are the first thing they expect to replace, usually a quick and relatively affordable fix in the 300 to 600 dollar range but worth knowing about going in. Evaporator coil leaks are a longer-term concern that shows up in a meaningful share of owner accounts, and the compressor lifespan, while adequate, averages 10 to 14 years compared to 15 to 20 years cited for premium brands. The R-32 refrigerant in this specific model is a newer variable, and technicians note that owners should confirm their service provider is R-32-certified before any future refrigerant work. None of these issues make the GLXS5BA1810 a bad buy, but they do reward owners who go in with realistic expectations and a maintenance plan.
Sources: ConsumerAffairs Goodman owner reviews, AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance, U.S. DOE appliance and equipment efficiency standards, Goodman product specification sheets.
What it costs to run
At 16.5 SEER2, cooling this 1.5-ton system for a typical 1200-hour cooling season at the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh works out to roughly $223 per year in cooling, about $51 less per year than a minimum-efficiency 13.4 SEER2 unit of the same size. Your real cost depends on your climate and local rate.
Method: (18,000 BTU/hr ÷ 16.5 SEER2) × 1200 hours ÷ 1000 × $0.17/kWh. Rate source: U.S. EIA average; cooling hours: moderate-climate estimate.
How it compares
| Brand | Comparable model | SEER2 | Stage | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | GLXS5BA1810 | 16.5 | Single-stage | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance 16 (24ACC6) | 16 | Single-stage | 15 to 25 percent higher than Goodman |
| Trane | XR16 (4TTR6) | 16 | Single-stage | 15 to 25 percent higher than Goodman |
| Lennox | Merit 16ACX | 16 | Single-stage | Roughly 20 to 30 percent higher than Goodman |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Does this unit work as a heat pump, or is it cooling only?
It is strictly a cooling-only condenser and provides no heating function. You will need a separate furnace, heat pump, or other heating source to condition your space in winter.
What air handler or coil does this condenser need to be paired with?
You need a compatible Goodman or approved-brand air handler or evaporator coil rated for R-32 refrigerant and matched to 1.5-ton capacity. Goodman publishes a matchup guide, and your installer should pull an AHRI-certified matched pair to protect the warranty and efficiency rating.
My technician says he has not worked with R-32 before. Is that a problem?
Yes, it is worth addressing before installation. R-32 requires specific EPA Section 608 certification and ideally R-32-specific safety training because it is mildly flammable. Ask your installer to confirm their certification, or find one who has completed R-32 training.
How important is it to register the warranty within 60 days?
Very important. Without registration, the parts warranty typically drops to five years. Registration within 60 days of installation is what unlocks the full 10-year parts coverage, so do it promptly through Goodman's website.
What are the most likely repair costs I should budget for over the life of this unit?
Dual-run capacitor replacement is the most commonly reported issue and typically runs 300 to 600 dollars including labor. Evaporator coil replacement, if a leak develops, is significantly more expensive and varies by coil and labor market. Budgeting a small annual maintenance reserve is a reasonable approach given the brand's documented repair pattern after year 7.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 1.5 Ton |
| Efficiency | 16.5 SEER2 |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Model | GLXS5BA1810 |