Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Solid 96% AFUE furnace paired with 13 SEER cooling for balanced performance

7.8
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.2
Reliability
7.9
Value
7.5
Installation
8.1
Warranty
8.0
3.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system delivers dependable heating and cooling for homeowners seeking mid-range efficiency without premium pricing. Best suited for residential replacements in moderate climates where a single-stage, non-ENERGY STAR unit meets budget constraints.

Review

The Goodman 3.5 ton gas furnace and air conditioner system sits squarely in the middle market for residential HVAC. With a 96% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER cooling unit, this upflow A-coil configuration targets contractors and homeowners seeking efficient replacements without premium pricing. The system uses R410A or R22 refrigerant and includes a multi-speed blower motor rated for 2000 CFM maximum airflow, delivering flexible temperature management across seasons.

Heating performance centers on the 100,000 BTU single-stage burner, which produces reliable warmth but lacks modulating capability for low-load efficiency gains. The 42,000 BTU cooling capacity with single-stage reciprocating compressor operates at 75 dB, which some users find audible during peak operation. Electrical requirements run straightforward: 115V single-phase 60 Hz with a minimum 23.9 amp and maximum 40 amp breaker. The 3/8-inch suction line insulation and corresponding liquid line sizing follow industry standards for the tonnage class.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency translates to lower heating bills compared to older 80-85% units
  • 13 SEER cooling efficiency is respectable for single-stage operation in standard applications
  • 100,000 BTU heating capacity handles most residential heating demands without oversizing
  • Multi-speed blower motor provides flexible airflow control across varying load conditions
  • 10-year warranty with online registration offers meaningful protection for the investment
  • PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies installation in modern homes with plastic ductwork

Cons

  • Single-stage burner and compressor prevent variable modulation, reducing efficiency in partial-load scenarios
  • 75 dB noise level is noticeably louder than variable-speed competitors during operation
  • Not ENERGY STAR certified, disqualifying homeowners from certain rebate programs
  • Reciprocating compressor is louder and less efficient than scroll or rotary options
  • Tonnage mismatch in specs (advertised as 3.5 ton but listed as 5 ton) creates confusion

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners replacing failing systems who prioritize heating efficiency and want proven Goodman reliability without paying for variable-stage technology. Contractors managing cost-conscious residential projects where mid-tier efficiency meets customer expectations.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners chasing ENERGY STAR rebates, those in noise-sensitive environments, or anyone seeking variable-speed modulation should explore higher-tier Goodman models or competitors like Lennox or York.

3.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F
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Installation

Installation follows conventional upflow configuration with right-side flue location and plastic PVC exhaust compatibility. The unit measures 34.5 inches tall, 21 inches wide, and 28.75 inches deep, fitting standard equipment closets and utility spaces. Sweat-type valve connections require basic soldering skills or professional HVAC service. Multi-speed blower wiring integrates with most modern thermostats, simplifying controls setup during replacement projects.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts warranty upon online registration, protecting against premature compressor or furnace failures. This coverage is industry-standard for mid-tier equipment and covers labor at authorized dealers in most regions. Registration is mandatory to activate the full warranty term, so documentation must be completed immediately after installation to avoid coverage gaps.

Specifications

SKULS38783830
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU42,000
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)75
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarNo
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeReciprocating
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Max Breaker Size40 amps
Min. Breaker Size23.9 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width21"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Installation Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety InformationPROPOSITION 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.
ConfigurationUpflow/Horizontal
StyleA-Coil
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti Speed
Maximum CFM2000
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesSingle
Fuel TypeGas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/8"
Length30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec sheet list both 3.5 ton and 5 ton? +
This appears to be a manufacturer documentation error. The 42,000 BTU cooling capacity aligns with 3.5 ton rating. Verify tonnage with your dealer before purchase to confirm the system matches your home's load calculation and existing ductwork capacity.
Can this system use R22 refrigerant if installed today? +
R22 is being phased out under EPA regulations and is illegal for new installations as of January 2020. Any new unit must use R410A. The spec listing R22 compatibility appears to reference legacy documentation and should not influence your purchasing decision.
How much will this system reduce my heating bill compared to my 15-year-old furnace? +
If replacing an 80% AFUE unit with this 96% system, expect 15-20% lower heating costs depending on fuel prices and usage patterns. Over 20 years, this efficiency gain typically offsets the equipment cost, especially in cold climates with longer heating seasons.
Is 13 SEER competitive with current air conditioning standards? +
13 SEER met minimum efficiency requirements in 2015 but lags behind today's 14-16 SEER units. For single-stage cooling, this rating is adequate but not exceptional. Variable-speed competitors deliver 16-18 SEER for 10-20% better efficiency on cooling-heavy utility bills.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
The registered warranty covers defective compressors, furnace heat exchangers, and major components. Labor coverage varies by dealer. Review Goodman's warranty document before purchase to understand exclusions and regional service availability.

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