3.5 Ton 13 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman combo excels for homeowners prioritizing affordability without sacrificing durability in moderate climates. It delivers respectable 80% AFUE heating and 13 SEER cooling at an accessible price point, though it won't match premium systems in overall efficiency ratings.

Review

Goodman's 3.5 ton combination system represents the practical middle ground in residential HVAC. This upflow unit pairs a gas furnace with an air conditioning condenser, offering homeowners and contractors a straightforward replacement solution. While not cutting-edge, the system's proven Goodman reliability and accessible pricing make it popular for budget-conscious installations where efficiency gains matter less than simplicity and affordability.

Performance metrics show competent, if unspectacular, capability across both heating and cooling. The furnace delivers 100,000 BTU output with two-stage combustion and 80% AFUE efficiency, meaning 20% of fuel energy escapes through the flue. The matched condenser provides 42,000 BTU cooling capacity with a 13 SEER rating, translating to reasonable summer efficiency. The variable-speed blower motor running up to 2,000 CFM helps offset single-stage compressor limitations, though it never reaches premium multi-stage modulation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Two-stage burner with 100,000 BTU heating capacity handles cold winters effectively
13 SEER rating provides reasonable cooling efficiency for mid-market residential applications
Variable-speed blower motor improves comfort and reduces energy waste versus single-speed units
Compact 30x21x21 inch footprint and light 30-pound weight facilitate easier installation
10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and compressor protection
Flexible fuel options, propane or natural gas, match existing home infrastructure

Cons

80% AFUE trails modern 95% high-efficiency systems by significant operating costs over time
Single-stage compressor lacks modulation capability, reducing part-load efficiency
75 dB noise level runs louder than premium variable-capacity alternatives
Not ENERGY STAR certified despite modern variable-speed blower motor
R410A refrigerant requirement limits future compatibility if market shifts

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners in moderate climates seeking a reliable, straightforward system replacement. Contractors installing rental properties or upgrade jobs where upfront cost outweighs long-term efficiency gains deserve serious consideration.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in extreme climates, those prioritizing lowest operating costs, or buyers seeking ENERGY STAR certification should explore higher SEER/AFUE alternatives.

3.5 Ton 13 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F

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Installation

Installation is straightforward for experienced HVAC technicians. The A-coil configuration requires upflow orientation in this model, with metal exhaust flue requirements. Refrigerant lines use standard 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction connections with 3/8 inch insulation. Electrical demand ranges from 23.9 to 40 amp breaker sizing at 120V single-phase 60 Hz. The compact 30-pound weight reduces installation labor compared to heavier units.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts and compressor warranty requires online registration to activate. This matches industry standards for mid-tier equipment but trails premium manufacturers offering 12-year coverage. Real-world claims experience with Goodman systems shows reasonable support, though warranty processing varies by regional dealers. Coverage extends to original owners only, not subsequent buyers.

Specifications

SKU	LS38783830
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	42,000
Heating BTU	100,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	120 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	75
Weight (in lbs)	30.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	No
SEER1 (Efficiency)	13
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Reciprocating
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Max Breaker Size	40 amps
Min. Breaker Size	23.9 amps
Tonnage	5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Height	30"
Width	21"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety Information	PROPOSITION 65 WARNING This product and many products on our site may contain a chemical know to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information about Proposition 65 please Click Here.
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Metal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	80%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/8"
Length	30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 13 SEER compare to modern air conditioners? +

13 SEER represents entry-level modern cooling efficiency. New systems typically range 14-18 SEER. Each SEER point difference costs roughly 3-5% more annually in electricity. For 2,000-hour cooling seasons, that's $150-300 yearly variance in moderate climates. Acceptable for budget replacements, suboptimal for long-term ownership.

Can this system use both R410A and R22 refrigerant? +

The specs note compatibility with R410A or R22, but confirm actual refrigerant type at purchase. R22 units are older discontinued models increasingly difficult to service. Most modern Goodman systems use R410A exclusively. Installation technicians should verify refrigerant type before commissioning to ensure proper oil and component compatibility.

Will the variable-speed blower reduce electricity bills significantly? +

Variable-speed blowers modulate output to match heating and cooling demand, improving part-load efficiency by 10-15% versus single-speed motors. However, single-stage compressor limits overall system modulation. Real savings depend on climate and usage patterns. Moderate climates see 8-12% furnace fan energy reduction, but cooling savings remain modest due to compressor constraints.

How does 80% AFUE impact long-term heating costs? +

80% AFUE means 20 cents of every heating dollar escapes unburned through the flue. Modern 95% AFUE systems waste only 5 cents. Over 20 years in cold climates, efficiency differences cost $3,000-5,000 extra in natural gas. Better for mild climates or budget-conscious owners accepting higher operating expenses.

Is the 10-year warranty adequate protection? +

Ten years matches baseline industry standards. Most component failures occur in years 2-7, so coverage is reasonable. However, compressors occasionally fail beyond year 10 when costs escalate. Extended warranties or dealer maintenance plans provide added peace of mind beyond the base registration requirement.

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