Goodman 5 Ton 13.4 SEER2 AC With 120000 BTU 96% AFUE 2-Stage Variable-Speed ECM Gas Furnace System – Horizontal | R32
Check current price on AC Direct →
Key features
- 5-ton cooling capacity matched with a 120,000 BTU two-stage gas furnace for large-home coverage
- 96% AFUE condensing furnace converts nearly all fuel to usable heat
- 13.4 SEER2 cooling efficiency meets current federal minimum efficiency standards
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor reduces electricity use and improves airflow consistency
- R-32 refrigerant with lower global-warming potential than legacy R-410A systems
- Horizontal configuration designed for attic, crawlspace, or side-discharge installations
About this system
This Goodman system pairs a 5-ton, 13.4 SEER2 air conditioner with a 120,000 BTU, 96% AFUE two-stage, variable-speed ECM gas furnace in a horizontal configuration, making it a direct fit for homes where equipment sits in a crawlspace, attic, or side-discharge mechanical room. The R-32 refrigerant charge is a forward-looking choice: R-32 has a lower global-warming potential than the older R-410A it replaces, and it is the direction the HVAC industry is moving under updated EPA rules. At 13.4 SEER2, efficiency sits right at the federal minimum for many northern and central U.S. regions, so buyers in the hottest Sun Belt climates may want to weigh whether a higher-efficiency unit narrows the gap over time on electric bills.
The furnace side of this package is where the spec sheet gets more compelling. A 96% AFUE rating means nearly all of the fuel burned becomes usable heat, which is as efficient as a gas furnace gets without moving to a condensing unit that requires a separate condensate drain. The two-stage burner runs at a lower output on mild days, reducing short cycling and improving humidity control, while the variable-speed ECM blower motor ramps airflow gradually, cutting electricity use at the air handler and delivering quieter, more even comfort than a single-speed system. For a 5-ton load, which typically serves homes in the 2,400 to 3,200 square foot range depending on climate and insulation, this combination covers a lot of ground in one package.
Horizontal installation adds real-world complexity. Ductwork connections, condensate management, and physical access all require more planning than a standard upflow closet install. The system’s ultimate performance will reflect installer skill at least as much as the equipment itself, a point that Goodman technicians and independent HVAC contractors repeat consistently. Buyers should budget for a thorough Manual J load calculation and a reputable installing contractor, not just the equipment cost.
This Goodman package delivers a capable two-stage furnace and R-32-ready air conditioner at a price point that undercuts premium brands by 15 to 25 percent, making it a reasonable choice for cost-conscious buyers who prioritize upfront savings and can secure a skilled installer. The 13.4 SEER2 rating is baseline rather than impressive, and Goodman's documented history of capacitor failures, coil leaks, and shorter compressor lifespans compared to premium brands means buyers should factor in service costs over the long run. It is a workable system, not a worry-free one.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- Two-stage furnace reduces short cycling and improves humidity management on mild days
- 96% AFUE is top-tier gas furnace efficiency, lowering heating bills versus 80% AFUE alternatives
- Variable-speed ECM motor cuts blower electricity consumption and runs noticeably quieter
- R-32 refrigerant positions this system for longer regulatory viability than older R-410A equipment
- Priced 15 to 25 percent below comparable Trane, Lennox, and Carrier systems, a meaningful upfront saving at the 5-ton tier
Trade-offs
- 13.4 SEER2 is the federal minimum in many regions, offering no efficiency headroom above baseline cooling performance
- Dual-run capacitors are the most frequently reported failure, typically occurring in years 5 to 9 and adding recurring service costs
- Compressor lifespan averages 10 to 14 years versus 15 to 20 years reported for premium-brand compressors, a real long-term cost factor on a 5-ton unit
- Horizontal configuration requires more installer expertise for proper condensate drainage, refrigerant charge, and duct connection, amplifying the risk of first-year refrigerant leak complaints tied to install quality
What homeowners and pros say about Goodman
Homeowners who have lived with Goodman equipment tend to split into two camps: those who got a solid install and have run the system for years with only minor service calls, and those who encountered problems early and attribute them to poor setup rather than the brand itself. On ConsumerAffairs, Goodman scores roughly 2.5 out of 5, a channel where unhappy owners are disproportionately motivated to leave feedback, and the most repeated theme is repair costs that start climbing after year 7. Google dealer reviews tell a somewhat more balanced story, averaging around 3.8 out of 5, where the most consistent praise is the price-to-spec ratio. For a 5-ton horizontal system where installation is already more demanding than a standard upflow job, both sets of feedback reinforce the same message: the installer matters as much as the equipment.
Among HVAC technicians, Goodman has a reputation as a serviceable but not premium platform. The dual-run capacitor is the component they replace most often on these units, a repair that is straightforward and affordable but signals that budget components are doing real work inside the cabinet. Evaporator coil leaks appear in a meaningful share of longer-term owner reports, and technicians note that Goodman compressors realistically average 10 to 14 years, a shorter horizon than the 15 to 20 years they associate with Carrier, Trane, or Lennox compressors. On this specific system, the two-stage furnace and ECM motor are genuine upgrades over base-model configurations, and the R-32 refrigerant is a responsible choice for longevity under evolving regulations. The honest summary from both owner experience and trade feedback is that Goodman delivers workable, not worry-free, comfort at a price that reflects exactly that.
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 13.4 SEER2, cooling this 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 $913 per year in cooling, about $0 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: (60,000 BTU/hr ÷ 13.4 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 | 5-Ton 13.4 SEER2 AC / 120K BTU 96% AFUE 2-Stage Variable-Speed Horizontal R-32 | 13.4 | Two-stage furnace / standard AC | Value pick |
| Carrier | Comfort Series (24ACC636 / 59SC2) | 13.4-14 | Single-stage | Typically 15 to 25 percent more than this Goodman package |
| Trane | XR14 / S9X2 (XR series gas furnace) | 13.4-14 | Single-stage | Typically 15 to 25 percent more than this Goodman package |
| Lennox | Merit Series (14ACX / ML196) | 13.4-14 | Single-stage | Typically 15 to 25 percent more than this Goodman package |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Is 13.4 SEER2 going to cost me noticeably more on my electric bill than a higher-rated system?
At the 5-ton scale, the gap between 13.4 SEER2 and, say, 16 SEER2 can amount to several hundred dollars per cooling season in hot climates. In moderate climates with shorter cooling seasons, the payback period on the premium unit often stretches beyond 10 years, so the value math depends heavily on your local climate and utility rates.
What does the horizontal configuration actually require that a standard upflow install does not?
Horizontal units need a proper drain pan and pitched condensate line to prevent water backup, adequate structural support for the weight of a 5-ton system lying on its side, and careful duct alignment to avoid airflow restrictions. These details require an installer experienced with horizontal applications, and skipping them is a common source of the first-year issues owners report.
How worried should I be about the documented capacitor failures in Goodman equipment?
Dual-run capacitor failures are Goodman's most commonly cited repair, but they are also one of the least expensive HVAC repairs, typically in the 300 to 600 dollar range including labor. The real concern is that they often appear after year 5 and can recur, so setting aside a small annual service reserve is a practical approach.
Does this system use R-32 refrigerant, and does that affect who can service it?
Yes, R-32 is a mildly flammable (A2L-classified) refrigerant, and not every HVAC technician in every market has completed the additional handling training it requires. Before purchasing, confirm that your installing contractor and at least one local service provider are certified to work with A2L refrigerants, since availability varies by region.
What warranty comes with this Goodman system and what should I watch out for?
Goodman typically offers a 10-year parts warranty when registered within 60 days of installation, covering the compressor, coil, and other functional components. Labor is not included, which matters because a compressor or coil replacement on a 5-ton horizontal system can run several hundred to over a thousand dollars in labor alone. Confirm registration requirements with your dealer and keep all paperwork, because unregistered units often default to shorter coverage periods.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 5 Ton |
| Efficiency | 13.4 SEER2 |
| Furnace output | 120000 BTU |
| Furnace efficiency | 96% AFUE |
| Configuration | Horizontal |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |