🛠️ Hey Folks, Tony Here…
Let me tell you something—when you’ve been in this trade as long as I have, you learn two things real quick: no two houses are the same, and no install ever goes exactly as planned. But that’s the job, right? We adapt, troubleshoot, and make things work like they’re supposed to.
Lately, I’ve been seeing more homeowners and installers making the switch to these new 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combos, and for good reason. They’re powerful, energy-efficient, and designed to meet the latest standards. But here’s the thing—installing one of these systems isn’t the same as working on those old-school R-22 dinosaurs. There are new safety rules, tighter tolerances, and a whole lot more that can trip you up if you’re not paying attention.
So whether you’re about to dive into your first R-32 system or just want a refresher to keep things running smooth, I’ve put together this no-nonsense guide based on real installs, real calls, and real fixes. From getting the outdoor unit level to figuring out why the furnace is throwing a pressure switch code, I’m walking you through it all.
Grab your meter, check your charge, and let’s get to work.
🔩 Why 5 Ton R-32 AC + Gas Furnace Systems Make Sense
These combo systems are built for larger homes—think 2,500 to 3,500 square feet or more. The R-32 refrigerant offers high cooling capacity with a lower environmental impact compared to R-410A. It's got a lower global warming potential and better energy transfer, which means the system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool.
And with a high-efficiency furnace rated at 96% AFUE, you’re keeping your winter bills in check, too. Want a solid read on refrigerant trends and why R-32 is here to stay? The ASHRAE refrigerants page breaks down the benefits and future expectations clearly at ashrae.org.
If you’re matching up components, always verify that your combo is AHRI certified to get your full warranty. You can double-check your matchups with the official directory over at ahridirectory.org.
📦 What Comes in a 5 Ton R-32 Combo System
When you order a setup like the Goodman 5 Ton R-32 combo from The Furnace Outlet, here’s what you’re typically working with:
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GLXS4BA6010 R-32 condenser
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CAPTA4830C4 vertical evaporator coil
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GR9T961205DN 120,000 BTU, 96% AFUE gas furnace
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TXV metering device or fixed piston (depending on model)
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Furnace venting hardware (in most kits)
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Control board and wiring, factory-installed
Always read the spec sheet and installation manual. Even pros can miss a factory setting or mismatch without checking the details.
🧯 Safety Steps Before You Start
Now let’s talk about R-32. It’s an A2L refrigerant—mildly flammable but safe when handled properly. Here are some basic precautions:
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Keep the install area ventilated during refrigerant charging or recovery
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No smoking, sparking tools, or exposed flames nearby
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Use R-32-compatible leak detectors and recovery tanks
Not sure what qualifies as safe handling? The EPA’s refrigerant safety overview is solid reading at epa.gov. I keep a laminated safety checklist in my truck just in case.
🔧 Step-by-Step Installation Walkthrough
1. Setting the condenser outside 🏡
Start with a level pad and give it breathing room—at least 18 inches on all sides and 60 inches above. Anchor it down securely, especially if you’re in a wind-prone zone. For line sets, a 5-ton system usually needs:
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3/8 inch liquid line
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1-1/8 inch suction line
2. Mounting the furnace and coil 🔥
This is a vertical upflow setup. You’ll mount the coil above the furnace and seal the plenum tight—use foil tape, mastic, or a combo of both. Slope the furnace toward the drain pan and confirm your pressure switch tubing is clear and secure.
Watch your transition fittings if you're adapting to existing ductwork. Leaky ducts kill efficiency and will cost your customer long-term.
3. Electrical and thermostat wiring ⚡
Most condensers run on 240V and require at least 8-2 gauge wire with a grounded disconnect. Furnaces run on 115V with their own dedicated breaker.
Use a two-stage thermostat like the Honeywell T6 Pro to get the most out of your furnace. It’s listed on ENERGY STAR and works well with Goodman’s staging logic.
4. Charging with R-32 refrigerant ❄️
This part takes finesse. R-32 requires precise subcooling (usually 10°F to 15°F) and a solid vacuum pull—down to 500 microns minimum.
Purge with nitrogen, triple evacuate if you’re feeling ambitious, and weigh your charge by the manufacturer’s specs on the data plate. Make sure you’ve got a manifold and recovery gear approved for A2L refrigerants.
🔍 Troubleshooting Tips From the Field
Furnace runs, but no heat
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Dirty flame sensor? Give it a quick emery cloth polish
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Pressure switch stuck? Check for clogged drains or blocked intake
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No voltage at the gas valve? Confirm 24V at the terminals
AC blowing, but no cold air
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Check subcooling and superheat—low refrigerant charge is common
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Verify blower speed—5-ton needs proper airflow (around 2,000 CFM)
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Dirty indoor coil? That’ll tank your cooling in no time
LED error codes on the furnace board
Most Goodman boards flash codes. Three flashes? Pressure switch open. Five? Rollout switch triggered. I keep the Goodman diagnostic manual on my phone from goodmanmfg.com and reference it regularly.
🔁 Seasonal Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability
Twice a year—once before summer and once before winter—is a solid service schedule. Here’s what I run through:
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Outdoor coil cleaning with non-acidic cleaner
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Replace return filters (every 90 days minimum)
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Test the flame sensor and draft inducer
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Measure charge and tweak subcooling if needed
This isn’t just good practice—it’s backed by the Department of Energy. Proper maintenance is the number one way to save energy and avoid mid-season failures.
🧠 Wrapping It Up with Tony
Alright, if you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of half the techs I’ve bumped into on rooftops and in crawl spaces. A properly installed and maintained 5-ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combo system will give you years of comfort and peace of mind—as long as you take the time to do it right.
From refrigerant safety to airflow balance, these newer systems aren’t something you just slap together. But with a little know-how and the right tools, you can make them run like a dream. Just don’t skip steps, double-check your matchups, and always pull a clean vacuum. No shortcuts.
And if you're looking to get your hands on a complete system that’s already matched and ready for action, I recommend checking out the lineup of Goodman 5 Ton R-32 AC and gas furnace combos over at The Furnace Outlet. They’ve done the legwork on compatibility and documentation, which means less time reading tech sheets and more time actually getting the job done.
Want to know more about venting and intake best practices for your 5-ton system? Visit my guide: Clear the Air.
That’s it for now. Time for me to throw my tools in the truck and head to the next service call. Stay sharp, don’t overcharge your system, and remember—every solid install you do today saves you a headache tomorrow.
Catch you in the field,
Tony the Trusted Tech 🧢
