Goodman Furnace AC Combo – 1.5 Ton 14.5 SEER2 AC With 60000 BTU 97% AFUE Modulating Variable-Speed ECM Gas Furnace System – Horizontal | R32
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Key features
- 97% AFUE modulating gas furnace with variable-speed ECM blower motor
- 14.5 SEER2 rated cooling efficiency, meeting current federal minimum standards
- 1.5-ton cooling capacity suited for smaller homes or zones
- Horizontal configuration designed for attic, crawl-space, or side-mount installs
- R-32 refrigerant with lower global warming potential than outgoing R-410A
- 60,000 BTU heating output with modulating gas valve for precise temperature control
About this system
This Goodman combo pairs a 1.5-ton, 14.5 SEER2 central air conditioner with a 60,000 BTU, 97% AFUE modulating gas furnace in a horizontal configuration, making it a strong candidate for homes with attic or crawl-space installations where upflow orientation is not practical. The system uses R-32 refrigerant, a lower-global-warming-potential alternative to the older R-410A, which is being phased out under current EPA regulations. At 1.5 tons, the cooling side is sized for smaller conditioned spaces, typically in the 600 to 900 square foot range depending on climate, insulation, and ceiling height, so a proper Manual J load calculation before purchase is not optional.
The standout component here is the furnace. A 97% AFUE modulating, variable-speed ECM unit is genuinely high-performance equipment. Modulating means the gas valve adjusts output in small increments rather than cycling fully on and off, which reduces temperature swings, lowers noise, and cuts fuel consumption compared to single-stage or even two-stage furnaces. The ECM blower motor runs at variable speeds to match airflow precisely to demand, improving humidity control in cooling mode and reducing electricity draw compared to a standard PSC motor. For a value-brand product, this furnace specification punches above its price class.
This system offers a legitimately premium furnace spec bundled with an entry-level cooling efficiency, sold at a price that undercuts Trane, Carrier, and Lennox by a meaningful margin. The 97% AFUE modulating furnace is the real value here, while the 14.5 SEER2 AC is adequate but not exceptional. Buyers should budget for quality installation, since Goodman's real-world longevity depends on it more than most brands.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- 97% AFUE modulating furnace is a high-spec unit at a value-brand price
- Variable-speed ECM blower improves humidity control and lowers operating noise
- R-32 refrigerant is forward-looking and easier to service as R-410A supply tightens
- Horizontal configuration is one of the less common orientations, broadening installation options
- Priced 15 to 25 percent below comparable Carrier, Trane, and Lennox systems
Trade-offs
- 14.5 SEER2 is only at the federal efficiency floor; higher-SEER2 options exist in this class
- Dual-run capacitors and evaporator coil leaks are documented recurring failure points
- Compressor longevity averages 10 to 14 years versus 15 to 20 years for premium brands
- ConsumerAffairs score of roughly 2.5 out of 5 reflects a pattern of rising repair costs after year 7
What homeowners and pros say about Goodman
Homeowners who praise Goodman most consistently do so on price, and that holds true here. The combination of a modulating 97% AFUE furnace with a variable-speed ECM blower at a value-brand price point gets attention from budget-aware buyers who know enough to read the specs. Google dealer reviews for Goodman installers average around 3.8 out of 5, where affordability and installer responsiveness drive the better scores. The ConsumerAffairs picture is less flattering, sitting at roughly 2.5 out of 5, and the pattern there is consistent: systems that run well for the first six or seven years start generating repair bills afterward, particularly around dual-run capacitors on the outdoor unit and evaporator coil integrity.
HVAC technicians who work on Goodman equipment regularly describe a split opinion. Many will install it without hesitation for customers prioritizing upfront cost, but nearly all of them emphasize that install quality is the single biggest variable in how long the equipment lasts. The documented failure modes, capacitor failures, evaporator coil leaks, and compressor lifespans averaging 10 to 14 years rather than the 15 to 20 years common with premium brands, are not dealbreakers for every buyer, but they are real trade-offs to weigh. The advice that comes up repeatedly: do not cut corners on the installation, register the warranty immediately, and have the system checked annually so a failing capacitor does not cascade into a compressor replacement.
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 14.5 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 $253 per year in cooling, about $21 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 ÷ 14.5 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 | 1.5T 14.5 SEER2 AC / 60K BTU 97% AFUE Modulating ECM Furnace (Horizontal, R-32) | 14.5 | Modulating / Variable (furnace); single-stage (AC) | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance 14 (24ACC4) with 59TP6 96% AFUE two-stage furnace | 14.3 | Two-stage | 15 to 25 percent higher than this Goodman system |
| Trane | XR14c (4TTR4) with S9V2 96% AFUE variable-speed furnace | 14.3 | Single-stage AC / variable-speed furnace | 20 to 30 percent higher than this Goodman system |
| Lennox | Merit 14ACX with ML296V 96% AFUE variable-speed furnace | 14.3 | Single-stage AC / variable-speed furnace | 20 to 30 percent higher than this Goodman system |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Is 1.5 tons enough cooling for my house?
At 14.5 SEER2 and 1.5 tons, this unit is sized for roughly 600 to 900 square feet in a moderately insulated home, though climate, ceiling height, window area, and sun exposure all shift that range. Have a licensed HVAC contractor perform a Manual J load calculation before ordering; buying undersized equipment is a common and costly mistake.
Why does this furnace have a higher AFUE than the AC has SEER2?
These are separate efficiency metrics for separate components. The 97% AFUE furnace is near the top of what is commercially available and reflects genuine engineering in the gas-to-heat conversion. The 14.5 SEER2 AC sits at the current federal efficiency floor for this equipment class, so the combo is unbalanced by design, and that is largely why the price is competitive.
What does the horizontal configuration mean for installation?
Horizontal means the air handler section is designed to lie on its side, which is common in attic platforms, crawl spaces, or closet applications where vertical height is limited. It is a less common orientation than upflow, so confirm your installer has experience with horizontal gas furnace setups, since venting and condensate drainage require specific attention in this position.
What are the most likely repairs I should plan for over 10 years?
Based on documented owner and technician reports, the dual-run capacitor on the outdoor unit is the most common failure, typically a 300 to 600 dollar fix. Evaporator coil refrigerant leaks show up in a notable share of owner histories and can run higher. Budgeting for a preventive maintenance contract is a practical way to catch capacitor degradation before it causes a compressor cascade.
Does this system come with a warranty, and what does it actually cover?
Goodman typically offers a 10-year parts limited warranty when the equipment is registered within a set window after installation, covering components like the compressor, heat exchanger, and coil. Labor is not covered by the manufacturer, which is where repair costs can climb after year 7 based on owner feedback. Read the registration terms carefully and register immediately after install.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 1.5 Ton |
| Efficiency | 14.5 SEER2 |
| Furnace output | 60000 BTU |
| Furnace efficiency | 97% AFUE |
| Configuration | Horizontal |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |