Installation Planning: What to Know Before Setting Up a 5 Ton Goodman R-32 System

Tony Marino’s Complete Pre-Install Checklist for Homeowners

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🧰 Tony’s Intro: Measure Twice, Cool Once

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after 25 years of installs, it’s this — the installation makes or breaks an air conditioner.

A Goodman 5 Ton 14 SEER2 R-32 system is a serious piece of equipment. It can cool an entire house or small commercial space with ease — but only if it’s installed right.

I’ve seen perfect systems ruined by sloppy planning: line sets kinked, pads unlevel, breakers undersized, airflow choked by bad duct design.

Before you spend a dime on labor or equipment, this guide will walk you through exactly what to plan, measure, and verify — Tony style: practical, honest, and proven in the field.

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⚙️ 1. The Big Picture: What You’re Installing

The Goodman 5 Ton 14 SEER2 R-32 setup includes:

• GLXS4BA6010 – R-32 outdoor condenser (60,000 BTU/hr)

• AMST60DU1300 – Multi-position air handler (5 Ton compatible)

• TXV metering and ECM blower motor

• Optional heat strips for supplemental heating

It’s a two-part system — refrigerant runs between the indoor air handler and outdoor condenser via copper line sets. Proper installation ensures refrigerant charge, airflow, and electrical systems all work in sync.

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🧾 2. Start with the Right Load Calculation

Never guess. Get your Manual J load calculation done.

This determines your home’s cooling demand based on:

• Square footage

• Insulation

• Window type and direction

• Ceiling height

• Occupancy and appliances

(ACCA Manual J guide)

Even if your contractor “knows by feel,” insist on data. Oversizing or undersizing a 5 Ton unit leads to short cycling, uneven temps, and wasted power.

👉 Tony’s Tip: A proper load calc should also list duct CFM requirements and supply register counts.

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📏 3. Space Planning: Where It All Fits

A. Outdoor Condenser Placement

• Leave 24 inches of clearance on all sides.

• Keep 60 inches of open space above.

• Never place near bedrooms — compressors hum under load.

• Avoid under decks or overhangs that trap heat.

B. Indoor Air Handler Location

• Leave 30 inches of front clearance for service.

• Avoid tight attics unless airflow and drainage are guaranteed.

• Place near the main return duct for best efficiency.

(Energy.gov outdoor unit placement guide)

👉 Tony’s Field Note:
I’ve replaced condensers buried in bushes, under decks, even under porch stairs — all ran hot, noisy, and inefficient. Give it breathing room, and it’ll reward you.

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🧱 4. Concrete Pad & Leveling

Your condenser must sit on a solid, level pad.

Steps:

1. Excavate a 4–6 in deep base.

2. Add gravel and compact.

3. Level pad using a spirit level.

4. Ensure the top of the pad is 2 in above grade for drainage.

👉 Tony’s Tip: If the pad wobbles even a hair, that compressor will vibrate itself into early retirement.

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⚡ 5. Electrical Planning & Code Basics

A. Breaker and Wire Size

• Breaker: 40A (per Goodman spec)

• Wire: 8 AWG copper minimum

• Disconnect box: Weatherproof, within 6 ft of condenser

(NEC Article 440 – Air Conditioning Equipment)

B. Dedicated Circuit

The system needs its own circuit — never share with dryers, ovens, or other heavy loads.

C. Voltage Drop

Keep wire runs under 100 ft. Anything longer and you’ll lose voltage, hurting compressor performance.

👉 Tony’s Warning: Don’t let your electrician “reuse” old wiring. Most R-22 systems used 10 AWG — not enough for a modern 5 Ton.

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🧊 6. Refrigerant Line Set Routing

The R-32 system uses a smaller refrigerant charge but requires precision routing.

(EPA refrigerant handling guide)

Routing Tips:

• Keep lines under 50 ft where possible.

• Limit vertical rise to ≤25 ft.

• Avoid sharp 90° bends.

• Secure with rubber clamps every 4 ft.

• Use UV-resistant insulation outdoors.

👉 Tony’s Trick: Always pull vacuum to ≤500 microns before charging. Moisture + R-32 = acid that eats your compressor from the inside.

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🌬️ 7. Airflow & Duct Design

Every 5 Ton Goodman needs 2,000 CFM airflow.

(Energy Star duct design reference)

Key Considerations

• Use smooth-radius elbows — not sharp turns.

• Keep duct runs under 50 ft each for the best balance.

• Seal all joints with foil-backed mastic tape.

👉 Tony’s Advice: If your ducts whistle, your installer rushed the job. Noise = static pressure = efficiency loss.

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💧 8. Drainage & Condensate Line

Air handlers generate up to 5 gallons/hour of condensate in humid conditions.

Setup:

• Primary drain: 3/4" PVC sloped ¼" per foot.

• Secondary drain or float switch required by code.

• Trap loop: 2" minimum.

(Energy.gov condensation control)

👉 Tony’s Rule: Always pour a cup of water through your drain pan before startup. If it doesn’t flow freely, it’ll overflow when you least expect it.

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🔋 9. Thermostat & Control Wiring

Most 5 Ton systems use standard 24V 5-wire control:

Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and efficiency.

(Energy Star thermostat guide)

👉 Tony’s Tip: Avoid cheap Wi-Fi thermostats that draw too much power from R and C — they cause low-voltage lockouts in ECM blowers.

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🧊 10. Air Handler Mounting Options

The AMST60DU1300 supports multiple positions:

• Vertical upflow (basement)

• Vertical downflow (closet or crawlspace)

• Horizontal left/right (attic or crawlspace)

Mounting Rules

• Always support the full unit length with solid framing.

• Add vibration isolators under the feet.

• Maintain 3 ft clearance on the coil access side.

👉 Tony’s Trick: When mounting in an attic, put a drip pan under the unit with a secondary drain — you’ll thank me later.

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🧱 11. Sealing & Insulating the Plenum

Good airflow means tight connections.

• Seal all joints with UL-181 foil tape and mastic.

• Wrap plenum and ducts with R-6 or higher insulation.

• Check for condensation leaks near the coil outlet.

👉 Tony’s Saying: “If it leaks air, it leaks money.”

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🌡️ 12. R-32 Safety & Handling Notes

R-32 is mildly flammable (A2L), so follow safety basics:

• Use proper leak detectors rated for A2L.

• Ventilate during brazing.

• Never mix R-32 with R-410A.

• Store cylinders upright, away from heat.

(EPA R-32 refrigerant safety page)

👉 Tony’s Experience: It’s not dangerous if handled properly — no worse than propane on a grill. Respect it, don’t fear it.

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💡 13. Local Codes & Permits

Most municipalities require:

• Electrical permit (for 240V circuits)

• Mechanical permit (for condenser replacement)

• Final inspection

👉 Tony’s Tip: Pull the permit in your contractor’s name, not yours — it holds them accountable for code compliance.

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💰 14. Typical Installation Costs

👉 Tony’s Math: $6–7k all-in for a proper install is fair. Less than that, and corners were probably cut.

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🧰 15. Tony’s Pre-Install Checklist

✅ Site measured, pad leveled
✅ Ducts inspected for leaks
✅ Electrical verified (40A, 8 AWG)
✅ Drain slope tested
✅ Thermostat wiring labeled
✅ Line set flushed and insulated
✅ Unit registered for warranty

👉 Tony’s Motto: Preparation is the cheapest part of the job — but it’s the one most people skip.

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🔊 16. Noise Reduction & Vibration Control

👉 Tony’s Trick: A 1/8" rubber pad under mounting bolts kills half your vibration noise.

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🧩 17. Startup & System Verification

Before calling it done, a pro should verify:

• Subcooling and superheat values match Goodman specs.

• Supply/return temp split ~18–22°F.

• Static pressure within design limit (≤0.5 in. WC).

• Condensate drains properly.

👉 Tony’s Standard: “Don’t sign off till you see 20°F split on the gauge and dry air blowing out the vents.”

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🧾 18. Warranties & Registration

Goodman’s 10-year limited parts warranty requires registration within 60 days.

• Compressor: 10 years

• Parts: 10 years

• Labor: usually 1 year (installer provided)

👉 Tony’s Reminder: Keep your install receipt and model/serial photos. That’s your golden ticket for future claims.

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🧠 19. Mistakes That Kill 5 Ton Installs

1. Reusing old R-22 line sets (wrong diameter + residue).

2. Forgetting to vacuum moisture from the system.

3. Blocking condenser airflow with lattice or plants.

4. Neglecting to slope the condensate line.

5. Using mismatched thermostats.

👉 Tony’s Saying: “Bad installs don’t fail Day 1 — they fail Year 3, right after warranty labor expires.”

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🏁 20. Tony’s Final Word

Installing a 5 Ton Goodman 14 SEER2 R-32 system isn’t rocket science, but it’s not a DIY project either. It takes planning, precision, and respect for the equipment.

When done right, it’ll run quietly and efficiently for 15+ years. When done sloppily, it’ll leak, hum, or burn compressors every three summers.

👉 Tony’s Bottom Line:

“Spend an extra hour planning and you’ll save ten years of headaches.”

So take your time. Check your clearances, wiring, and airflow before that first bolt turns. Because a properly installed R-32 Goodman doesn’t just cool your house — it protects your investment.

Now Tony will explain How Efficient a 5 Ton 14 SEER2 R-32 System is.