Goodman 3 Ton Evaporator Coil – 17-1/2" Wide Uncased With TXV | R32 (CAUTA3626B3)
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Key features
- 3-ton capacity, 17-1/2 inch wide uncased design for flexible cabinet installation
- Factory-installed TXV for accurate refrigerant metering and improved system efficiency
- R-32 refrigerant compatible, supporting the current refrigerant transition away from R-410A
- Uncased format intended for field-supplied cabinets or existing air handler enclosures
- Goodman value-tier pricing, typically 15 to 25 percent below comparable Carrier, Trane, and Lennox coils
- Designed for use in matched split systems; system efficiency rating depends on the paired outdoor unit
About this system
The Goodman CAUTA3626B3 is a 3-ton uncased evaporator coil measuring 17-1/2 inches wide, designed for use with R-32 refrigerant systems. Uncased coils are typically installed inside a field-supplied or existing cabinet, making them a common choice for replacement jobs or custom air handler builds where a cased coil’s fixed cabinet dimensions would not fit the available duct opening. The TXV (thermostatic expansion valve) is factory-installed, which provides better refrigerant metering and efficiency control compared to piston-type alternatives, and is a requirement for most modern high-efficiency system ratings.
R-32 refrigerant compatibility is the defining specification here. R-32 has a lower global warming potential than R-410A and is the refrigerant of choice in newer Goodman and Daikin-platform systems rolling out ahead of the ongoing refrigerant transition. If you are pairing this coil with a new R-32 outdoor unit, this coil is matched for that application. It is not compatible with R-410A systems without verification from the manufacturer. As a standalone coil component, this product has no SEER2, AFUE, or BTU rating of its own; system efficiency is determined by the matched outdoor unit and air handler combination.
This coil suits homeowners and contractors looking for a cost-conscious replacement or new-install coil in a 3-ton R-32 split system, particularly where the uncased format is required. Budget-conscious builders and HVAC contractors working on tract housing or rental properties are the most common buyers. Anyone who needs a cased coil or a coil for an R-410A system should confirm compatibility before purchasing.
The CAUTA3626B3 is a practical, budget-friendly evaporator coil for contractors and homeowners who need an R-32-compatible replacement or new-install coil and have the right uncased cabinet to put it in. Goodman's value pricing is real, but so are its documented coil leak reports, and install quality will have an outsized effect on how long this component performs. It is a reasonable choice for cost-sensitive projects but not the lowest-risk option for someone expecting premium longevity.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- Factory-installed TXV supports better refrigerant metering than piston alternatives
- R-32 compatibility aligns with current and near-future refrigerant standards
- Priced 15 to 25 percent below comparable Carrier, Trane, and Lennox coils
- Uncased format offers installation flexibility in custom or retrofit cabinet setups
- Available as a Goodman matched component, supporting full system warranty eligibility when paired correctly
Trade-offs
- Evaporator coil leaks are a documented, recurring failure mode in owner reviews across the Goodman line
- Uncased installation requires a properly fitted, separately sourced cabinet, adding complexity and labor
- No standalone efficiency rating; system SEER2 performance depends entirely on the matched outdoor unit
- R-32 requires certified technicians and dedicated tools, limiting the pool of installers in some markets
What homeowners and pros say about Goodman
Homeowners and HVAC technicians who comment on Goodman products tend to split into two camps. Contractors appreciate the straightforward pricing and the fact that Goodman, backed by Daikin, has improved its manufacturing consistency in recent years. On Google dealer review pages, Goodman-focused locations average around 3.8 out of 5 stars, with affordability coming up repeatedly as the reason customers chose the brand. For a replacement evaporator coil like the CAUTA3626B3, that value gap versus Carrier, Trane, and Lennox, often 15 to 25 percent, is a real factor when a homeowner is already facing an unexpected repair bill.
The more critical feedback clusters on ConsumerAffairs, where Goodman sits at roughly 2.5 out of 5 stars. That platform skews toward dissatisfied owners, but the complaint patterns are consistent enough to take seriously: evaporator coil leaks are one of the named failure modes that show up repeatedly in owner accounts, alongside capacitor failures and compressor longevity that tends to fall short of what premium brands deliver. For an evaporator coil specifically, the leak history is worth acknowledging. Technicians consistently note that installation quality, including proper refrigerant charge and leak testing at startup, is the single biggest variable in how long a Goodman coil performs. Buyers who invest in a thorough professional install and keep up with annual maintenance tend to report far better outcomes than those who cut corners on commissioning.
Sources: ConsumerAffairs Goodman owner reviews, AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance, U.S. DOE appliance and equipment efficiency standards, Goodman product specification sheets.
How it compares
| Brand | Comparable model | SEER2 | Stage | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | CAUTA3626B3 | N/A (coil only) | N/A | Value pick |
| Carrier | CNPVP3617ALA (Performance series uncased coil) | N/A (coil only) | N/A | Moderately higher than Goodman, mid-range positioning |
| Trane | CAUF3636A6 (uncased coil series) | N/A (coil only) | N/A | Higher than Goodman, premium brand pricing |
| Lennox | CH35 series uncased coil (3 ton) | N/A (coil only) | N/A | Higher than Goodman, premium brand pricing |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Can I use this coil with my existing R-410A outdoor unit?
No. The CAUTA3626B3 is designed for R-32 refrigerant systems and is not rated for use with R-410A. Using it with an R-410A unit would void the warranty and could cause system damage. Confirm your outdoor unit's refrigerant type before ordering.
What cabinet or air handler does this uncased coil fit into?
This coil is 17-1/2 inches wide and requires a field-supplied cabinet or an existing air handler enclosure that accommodates that width. It does not come with its own cabinet. Your installer will need to verify that the opening dimensions match before installation.
Does this coil come with a warranty, and what does it cover?
Goodman typically offers a parts warranty on evaporator coils, but full coverage terms and duration depend on product registration and whether the coil is installed as part of a matched Goodman system by a licensed contractor. Check the registration requirements at the time of purchase, as unregistered installations may receive shorter coverage.
Why does Goodman have a reputation for coil leaks, and should I be worried?
Evaporator coil leaks are a documented and recurring complaint in Goodman owner reviews, often showing up after several years of use. The risk is real and worth factoring in, though proper installation, correct refrigerant charge, and compatible equipment reduce the likelihood. It is one reason some contractors prefer premium brands for long-term reliability.
Do I need a special license or tools to work with R-32 refrigerant?
Yes. R-32 requires EPA Section 608 certification to handle, and technicians also need R-32-specific recovery equipment and leak detection tools since it is a mildly flammable refrigerant classified as A2L. Not all HVAC technicians in every market are currently equipped for R-32 work, so confirm your installer is before scheduling.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 3 Ton |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |