Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

High-efficiency gas furnace and AC combo with strong SEER and AFUE ratings

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3.5 Ton 14 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 is ideal for homeowners upgrading from older equipment who want solid efficiency gains without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 14 SEER cooling unit deliver real energy savings, making it smart for moderate climates and year-round HVAC needs.

Review

The Goodman 3.5 Ton gas furnace and air conditioner system stands as a mainstream choice for homeowners balancing performance and budget. This upflow A-coil configuration suits retrofit applications where existing ductwork and clearances favor vertical mounting. Goodman's market position emphasizes contractor-friendly service networks and parts availability over premium features, making this system practical for builders and HVAC professionals installing reliable mid-tier equipment.

Performance specs show a 96% AFUE heating efficiency and 14 SEER cooling capacity, translating to measurable utility bill reductions for households replacing older 80-85% furnaces. The 100,000 BTU furnace output handles most residential heating loads, while the 42,000 BTU cooling capacity properly matches the 3.5 ton rating for balanced heating and cooling. Single-stage scroll compressor operation means efficiency stays consistent rather than modulating, a trade-off typical at this price point.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to usable heat, substantially lower operating costs than 80-85% models
  • 14 SEER cooling rating qualifies as above-average for single-stage systems, reducing summer energy consumption noticeably
  • Scroll compressor is proven reliable across thousands of installations with relatively low failure rates
  • Multi-speed blower motor provides flexibility for different comfort and efficiency scenarios
  • 10-year warranty with online registration covers both heating and cooling components

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor and burner limit modulation, so efficiency gains versus variable-capacity units are capped
  • 73 dB noise level is audible during operation, notable for sound-sensitive homeowners or tight quarters
  • Not ENERGY STAR certified, missing federal efficiency badging that some utilities incentivize

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners with existing ductwork seeking a dependable all-in-one heating and cooling solution in moderate climate zones. Contractors valuing straightforward installation and Goodman's parts availability will appreciate the upflow A-coil design and standard electrical requirements.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers prioritizing maximum efficiency or quiet operation should explore variable-capacity systems or higher SEER ratings, as this model caps out at mid-range performance.

3.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F
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Installation

Upflow A-coil design requires vertical installation space around 34.5 inches tall and 21 inches wide. The system accepts standard 115V, 60Hz single-phase power with 22 to 35 amp breaker sizing, compatible with most residential panels. PVC plastic exhaust flue venting simplifies installation versus metal ductwork, and the 3/8 inch liquid line with 7/8 inch suction line connect to existing refrigerant loops without modification.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman covers this system for 10 years on parts and labor when you register online after purchase. This is industry-standard for mid-range equipment and provides meaningful protection against compressor failure and heat exchanger defects. Warranty registration is straightforward but required, so save documentation during installation.

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)73
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarNo
SEER1 (Efficiency)14
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size22 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
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
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
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

Is 14 SEER good efficiency for this price range? +
Yes, 14 SEER ranks above average for single-stage systems and aligns with early 2020s standards. Variable-capacity units reach 16-20 SEER but cost significantly more. For moderate climates, this delivers solid summer energy savings without premium pricing.
Can this system replace my old 15 SEER air conditioner and 80 AFUE furnace? +
Absolutely. The 96% AFUE upgrade alone cuts heating energy use by roughly 16 percent. The 14 SEER rating improves cooling efficiency, though exact savings depend on climate and usage patterns. Most homeowners see 15-25 percent combined utility reductions.
What does the 42,000 BTU cooling capacity mean for a 3.5 ton system? +
One ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour, so 3.5 tons equals 42,000 BTU. This properly sized cooling capacity matches typical residential ductwork and return air paths without undersizing or excess capacity that wastes money.
Is the 73 dB noise level loud? +
Yes, 73 dB compares to heavy traffic or busy restaurant noise. Variable-capacity systems often run quieter. For installations near bedrooms or living spaces, soundproofing blankets or outdoor condenser relocation can help manage noise.
Do I need a contractor to install this, or can I DIY? +
Refrigerant handling and gas connection require EPA certification and licensing. Ductwork and electrical work need licensed professionals. Most jurisdictions prohibit DIY HVAC installation. Hire a certified contractor for safety and warranty compliance.

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