Installation Guide: What Samantha Learned Putting in a 2 Ton Goodman W

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When I decided to upgrade my home’s HVAC system, I was excited—but also a little nervous. Like many homeowners, I wanted something efficient, compact, and future-proof. That’s why I went with the Goodman 2 Ton R-32 Compatible Wall-Mounted Air Handler with a Built-In TXV and 5 kW Heater.

But buying the unit was only half the battle—the real challenge was installation. I wanted to understand the process, and while I didn’t do every step myself, I learned so much by working alongside my HVAC contractor.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what I learned during the installation process—from preparation to start-up—so you know what to expect if you’re considering this air handler for your own home.

📦 Step 0: Before You Begin – Prep & Tools

Electrical & Safety Prep

The Goodman wall-mounted air handler requires 208–230V power. Because it includes a 5 kW electric heater, it needs a dedicated breaker. That was the first thing my electrician checked before installation.

Pro tip: If you don’t already have a 230V line in place, factor in an extra $400–$800 for electrical work.

Tools & Materials Checklist

Here’s what the team used during my install:

Power drill + wall anchors
Level (critical for mounting)
Sheet metal screws & duct tape
Duct sealant (mastic)
Refrigerant line kit (R-32 compatible)
Electrical whip + disconnect box
Manifold gauges & vacuum pump (for refrigerant side)

👉 The U.S. Department of Energy strongly recommends leaving electrical and refrigerant work to licensed professionals for safety and warranty reasons.

🧰 Step 1: Choosing the Location

Goodman’s unit is just 20.2 inches wide, which makes it compact enough for small spaces.

I considered three possible spots:

Attic – too hot in summer, difficult to service.
Basement utility room – possible, but required more duct rerouting.
Hall closet – ✅ perfect fit, easy access for filter changes.

Lesson learned: Wall-mounted air handlers are ideal for closets, hallways, or apartments where every inch matters.

👉 The ACCA’s Manual D recommends ensuring at least 30 inches clearance for service access. I left 36 inches, just to be safe.

🔧 Step 2: Mounting the Unit

This was the part I was most curious about.

First, the contractor installed a wall bracket and checked it with a level.
The air handler was then carefully lifted and mounted onto the bracket.
Once secured, it sat flush against the wall, saving tons of floor space.

Pro tip: Use heavy-duty anchors if you’re not attaching directly to studs. The unit isn’t extremely heavy (under 100 lbs), but it needs to be secure.

👉 HVAC.com notes that improper mounting can cause vibrations and noise issues, so don’t cut corners here.

🌬️ Step 3: Connecting the Ductwork

Ductwork is where airflow meets efficiency.

The supply side (where conditioned air leaves) was aligned to the existing ducts.
The return side (where air re-enters) was routed from the hallway grille.
Every seam was sealed with mastic and wrapped with foil tape.

Lesson learned: Leaky ducts = wasted energy. Even the best unit won’t perform if ducts are poorly sealed.

👉 According to the EPA, sealing ducts can improve HVAC efficiency by 20% or more.

⚡ Step 4: Electrical & 5 kW Heater Hookup

This was the step where I knew better than to DIY.

The electrician ran a dedicated 230V line from the breaker box.
A disconnect switch was mounted near the unit for safety.
The 5 kW heater was wired in, ready to provide backup heat in winter.

Lesson learned: Electrical codes vary by state—always check local requirements.

👉 The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates proper grounding and breaker sizing for HVAC equipment.

❄️ Step 5: Refrigerant Line & R-32 Compatibility

This Goodman unit is R-32 compatible, which is big news for 2025 since refrigerant regulations are shifting away from R-410A.

The contractor ran a pre-charged refrigerant line between the air handler and the outdoor condenser.
The built-in TXV (thermal expansion valve) automatically adjusted refrigerant flow.
After pulling a vacuum and checking for leaks, the system was charged and ready.

Lesson learned: The TXV makes life easier—it ensures optimal refrigerant flow without constant tweaking.

✅ Step 6: Testing & Start-Up

The final moment of truth!

The blower fan kicked on immediately.
Supply air measured a 20°F drop across the coil.
Humidity started dropping within 15 minutes.
The 5 kW heater engaged smoothly when tested.

I stood there smiling, tablet in hand, watching the thermostat readings stabilize. The system was quiet, efficient, and perfectly suited to my home.

👩🔧 Lessons I Learned Along the Way

Here’s what stood out most from the process:

Prep makes everything smoother.
- Having the closet cleared and ducts pre-inspected saved hours.
Don’t DIY electrical or refrigerant.
- It’s not worth the risk—or voiding your warranty.
Wall-mounted = space-saving magic.
- I gained back floor space compared to my old unit.
TXV is a game changer.
- It keeps comfort steady, no more cold blasts or sticky afternoons.

💡 DIY vs. Pro Install: What Makes Sense?

DIY-friendly tasks:

Clearing space & prepping location
Installing return grille and supply diffusers
Minor duct sealing

Pro-required tasks:

Electrical hookup (230V + 5 kW heater)
Refrigerant lines & vacuum test
Start-up and commissioning

👉 According to HomeAdvisor , professional HVAC installation adds $1,800–$3,500 to project cost—but it ensures safety, efficiency, and warranty coverage.

🏠 Samantha’s Final Advice

If you’re considering a Goodman 2 Ton Wall-Mounted Air Handler, here’s my takeaway:

✅ Great fit for small-to-mid homes and apartments
✅ Space-saving and efficient (thanks to TXV + R-32)
✅ Budget-friendly compared to Lennox or Carrier
✅ DIYers can prep, but pros should handle final hookups

👉 My install took one full day—prep in the morning, mounting mid-day, and electrical/refrigerant by late afternoon. By dinner time, we were sitting in cool, comfortable air.