Goodman 2.5 Ton Evaporator Coil – 17-1/2" Wide Uncased With TXV | R32 (CAUTA3026B3)
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Key features
- 2.5-ton capacity, 17-1/2" wide uncased configuration for flexible cabinet fitment
- Factory-installed TXV for more precise refrigerant metering versus fixed-orifice designs
- R-32 refrigerant compatible, supporting lower-GWP system builds
- Uncased design requires a separate cabinet or existing enclosure during install
- Designed for use in split systems paired with a matching Goodman or compatible air handler or furnace
- Goodman value-tier pricing, typically 15 to 25 percent below Carrier, Trane, and Lennox equivalents
About this system
The Goodman CAUTA3026B3 is a 2.5-ton uncased evaporator coil measuring 17-1/2 inches wide, designed as a replacement or new-installation component in a split-system setup. It is pre-equipped with a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), which meters refrigerant flow more precisely than a fixed orifice, improving system efficiency and protecting the compressor from liquid slugging. Critically, this coil is engineered for R-32 refrigerant, a lower-global-warming-potential alternative to R-410A that is becoming more common in newer Goodman equipment. If you are pairing this coil with an air handler or furnace, confirm your system is rated for R-32 before purchase.
The uncased design gives installing technicians flexibility to fit the coil into an existing cabinet or a custom enclosure, but it does require more skill and care during installation than a cased coil would. This option suits replacement projects where the existing cabinet is in good condition, or new builds where the installer is building out a custom air handler cabinet. It is not a drop-in swap for most homeowners and is squarely a contractor-supplied-and-installed component. Goodman prices this coil meaningfully below comparable Carrier, Trane, and Lennox coils, making it a budget-conscious choice for contractors and homeowners watching project costs.
The CAUTA3026B3 is a competitively priced R-32 evaporator coil with a factory TXV that suits budget-conscious replacement and new-build projects. Its uncased format adds install complexity, and Goodman's documented history of evaporator coil leaks in owner reviews is a relevant concern for a coil-specific purchase. For contractors who install and commission it carefully, the value proposition is real; for owners expecting set-it-and-forget-it longevity without close attention to install quality, the calculus is tighter.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- Factory-installed TXV improves refrigerant metering efficiency without an add-on cost
- R-32 refrigerant compatibility positions this coil for current and near-future system builds
- Uncased design provides layout flexibility for custom or existing enclosures
- Priced 15 to 25 percent below comparable Carrier, Trane, and Lennox coils
- Goodman's wide dealer and parts network makes service access relatively straightforward
Trade-offs
- Uncased format demands more labor and expertise during installation than a cased coil
- Evaporator coil leaks appear as a documented failure mode in Goodman owner reviews, which is a direct concern for this product category
- R-32 compatibility means the matched outdoor unit and all system components must also be R-32 rated, adding a compatibility check step
- Goodman's ConsumerAffairs score of roughly 2.5 out of 5 reflects owner frustration with repair costs, particularly after the seven-year mark
What homeowners and pros say about Goodman
Homeowners who have dealt with Goodman equipment broadly echo a consistent pattern: the value at purchase is real, but longevity is uneven. Goodman’s ConsumerAffairs score sits at roughly 2.5 out of 5, a channel that skews toward complaints, where the recurring frustration is repair costs creeping up after about year seven. Google dealer reviews land closer to 3.8 out of 5 across hundreds of location-level reviews, where affordability draws consistent praise and problems are tied more often to specific installs than to the brand across the board. For a coil specifically, the documented failure mode most relevant to this purchase is evaporator coil leaks, which appear in a meaningful share of Goodman owner accounts and represent exactly the kind of component-level issue that can turn a value purchase into a costly mid-term repair.
HVAC technicians tend to frame Goodman as a brand that rewards careful installation more than most. Capacitor failures are the most commonly reported service call across Goodman systems generally, usually a low-cost fix, but coil leaks require more involved work to diagnose and repair. Pros who install Goodman coils emphasize thorough leak testing at commissioning and accurate refrigerant charging as non-negotiable steps, not optional finishing touches. The R-32 refrigerant specification on this coil also means technicians need to confirm system-wide compatibility before pulling the trigger, since R-32 and R-410A systems are not interchangeable. Done right by a careful installer, this coil delivers meaningful savings versus Carrier, Trane, or Lennox equivalents; done carelessly, those savings can evaporate quickly.
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 | CAUTA3026B3 | N/A (coil component, no standalone SEER2 rating) | N/A | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance Series CNPVP3017ALA (uncased, TXV-equipped) | N/A (coil component) | N/A | Moderately higher than Goodman |
| Trane | Unitary Products 4TXCU017BS3HCB (cased/uncased TXV coil) | N/A (coil component) | N/A | Higher than Goodman, consistent with Trane's premium positioning |
| Lennox | Lennox C33 Series evaporator coil (2.5-ton range) | N/A (coil component) | N/A | Higher than Goodman, in line with Lennox's upper-tier pricing |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Does this coil work with my existing R-410A system?
No. The CAUTA3026B3 is designed for R-32 refrigerant, which is not interchangeable with R-410A. Using it in an R-410A system would require a full refrigerant circuit conversion, which is not practical. Confirm your outdoor unit and refrigerant lines are R-32 compatible before ordering.
Why is this coil uncased, and does that create problems?
Uncased means the coil ships without a surrounding cabinet, giving the installer flexibility to place it inside an existing air handler cabinet or a field-fabricated enclosure. This is common on replacement jobs where the original cabinet is intact. The trade-off is that installation requires more care around sealing and support, and it is not suited for homeowner self-installation.
What does the factory-installed TXV actually do, and is it worth it?
A thermostatic expansion valve regulates refrigerant flow based on real-time suction line conditions, which improves efficiency across a range of operating temperatures and reduces the risk of liquid refrigerant reaching the compressor. Compared to a fixed-orifice piston, the TXV is generally worth having, and including it from the factory saves an add-on cost at install.
How common are evaporator coil leaks in Goodman equipment, and should that affect my decision here?
Evaporator coil leaks appear as a named, documented failure mode in Goodman owner reviews, so it is a legitimate consideration when buying a Goodman coil specifically. Proper installation, including correct refrigerant charge and leak testing at startup, reduces but does not eliminate the risk. Goodman's warranty covers manufacturing defects, but a leak traced to install error would fall outside that coverage.
What warranty does this coil carry, and do I need to register it?
Goodman typically covers parts for 10 years on registered equipment, with a shorter default period for unregistered units. Registration generally must be completed within a set window after install. Confirm the exact terms for this model number with your dealer, and register the unit promptly after installation to secure the longer coverage period.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 2.5 Ton |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |