3.5 Ton Goodman 14.5 SEER2 R32 A/C System GLXS4BA4210, AMST42CU1300
This system fills the gap between 3 and 4 tons, where many larger homes land. It pairs the 42,000 BTU/h GLXS4BA4210 R-32 condenser with the AMST42CU1300 multi-position air handler (AHRI #214859880). Homeowners with open-concept living areas, bonus rooms over garages or strong afternoon sun often need more than 3 tons without the humidity trade-off of an oversized 4 ton. This package is built for them. It has a scroll compressor, a 14.5 SEER2 rating and cooling-only operation, with optional field-installed electric heat.
Is a 3.5 Ton Air Conditioning System the Right Size?
A 3.5 ton system supplies 42,000 BTU/h of nominal cooling. It's commonly used in larger single-family homes, often somewhere near 1,800–2,100 sq. ft. as a rough guide. It's the size to consider when a load calculation lands clearly above 3 tons but below 4.
Half-ton sizing matters most in humid climates. A system matched closely to the load runs longer, steadier cycles that pull more moisture from the air. Ceiling height, window area, insulation upgrades, duct leakage and even the number of people living in the home all affect whether 3.5 tons is the best choice.
Ideal for: Larger single-story homes, two-story homes with bonus rooms, open-concept floor plans and homes with significant west or south exposure.
Need more capacity? Step up to the 4 Ton Goodman R32 A/C System GLXS4BA4810, AMST48CU1300 for bigger homes with heavier cooling loads.
Recommended home sizes are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, climate, windows, ductwork, occupancy and a proper load calculation. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | GLXS4BA4210 — 3.5 Ton R32 Split System Air Conditioner |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | AMST42CU1300 Multi-Position ECM Air Handler (C Cabinet, 21" Wide) |
| Application | Cooling-Only Central Air Split System (Electric Heat Kit Optional) |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Compressor | Single-Stage Scroll Compressor with Advanced Copeland® Technology |
| Metering Device | Factory-Installed Internal Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV) |
| Electrical | 208/230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz Condensing Unit — 19.0 MCA / 30A Max Overcurrent |
| Air Handler Electrical | 208/240V, Single Phase — 5.9 MCA / 15A Max Overcurrent (No Heat Kit) |
The GLXS4BA4210 uses the large 35-1/2" x 35-1/2" GLXS4B cabinet at 35-3/4" tall and 210 lbs, so plan for a pad sized to that footprint. Goodman recommends a 1-1/8" suction line for a 25 ft. line set, while the service valve is 7/8". Any adapter is field supplied. Pick up copper line sets and fittings in the right sizes before install day. The AMST42CU1300 shares the 21" C cabinet with the 3 ton model but stands 53-7/16" tall for its larger coil. For year-round electric heating, see the 3.5 ton Goodman R32 heat pump system GLZS4BA4210. The GLXS4BA4210 condenser is also sold separately.
Condensing Unit & Air Handler Features
GLXS4BA4210 Outdoor Condensing Unit
- 42,000 BTU/h nominal cooling capacity
- Single-stage scroll compressor with Advanced Copeland® Technology
- 72 dBA rated sound level
- 1/6 HP PSC condenser fan motor with venturi airflow design
- 83 oz. factory R-32 charge for 15 ft. of tubing
- 3/8" liquid and 7/8" suction sweat service valves (1-1/8" suction line recommended)
- Factory-installed filter drier
- Single-panel access to controls with room for field-installed accessories
- Architectural Gray powder paint with 500-hour salt-spray approval
- Meets 2023 Florida Building Code hurricane-wind requirements when anchored
AMST42CU1300 Multi-Position Air Handler
- 42,000 BTU/h nominal capacity in a 21" C cabinet
- ¾ HP multi-speed ECM blower with nine speed taps
- Internal TXV, ready for cooling and heat pump applications
- All-aluminum evaporator coil
- Upflow or horizontal, with a DFKE-02 downflow kit available
- Cabinet air leakage under 2.0% at 1.0" H₂O (ASHRAE 193)
- Foil-faced insulation and screw-less sides limit sweating
- Secondary drain connections on the thermoplastic drain pan
- 19.5" x 20" filter with tool-less access
- Field-installed HKTS heat kits available from 3 kW to 19 kW
Specifications & Manuals
Documentation covers GLXS4BA4210 refrigerant line sizing and electrical data, AMST42CU1300 airflow and heat kit data, cabinet dimensions and installation steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a home call for 3.5 tons instead of 3 or 4?
When a load calculation comes in clearly above 36,000 BTU/h but well short of 48,000. A 3.5 ton system avoids undersizing with a 3 ton or short-cycling with a 4 ton.
How is the GLXS4BA4210 different from the 3 ton unit?
The GLXS4BA4210 adds 6,000 BTU/h and moves into the larger 35-1/2" x 35-1/2" cabinet. It carries 83 oz. of factory charge and calls for a 1-1/8" suction line, compared with the 3 ton's 7/8".
Will I need a suction line adapter with the GLXS4BA4210?
Usually, yes. The suction service valve is 7/8", but Goodman lists a 1-1/8" suction line for a 25 ft. line set. Goodman notes that any suction line adapter is field supplied.
How much refrigerant is factory charged in the GLXS4BA4210?
It ships with 83 oz. of R-32, enough for 15 ft. of 3/8" liquid line. The charge must be adjusted using Goodman's final charge adjustment procedure.
Is the GLXS4BA4210 condenser rated for Florida hurricane codes?
When properly anchored, the GLXS4B cabinet meets the 2023 Florida Building Code unit integrity requirements for hurricane-type winds. Anchor bracket kits are available.
What is the AHRI number for this 3.5 ton match?
The GLXS4BA4210 with AMST42CU1300 combination is listed under AHRI certificate #214859880. That number is useful for rebate, permit and inspection paperwork.
GLXS4 Technical Specifications
GLXS Installation Manual
AMST Technical Specifications
AMST Installation Manual"SEER2" stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. Specifically, SEER2 is the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season. The M1 testing procedure will increase systems' external static pressure by a factor of five to better reflect field conditions of install equipment. With this change, new nomenclature will be used to denote M1 ratings (including EER2 and HSPF2).
