Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

96% AFUE furnace with 16 SEER2 cooling delivers solid efficiency at contractor-friendly pricing

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 and contractors seeking balanced efficiency without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with 16 SEER2 cooling makes it suitable for mixed climates where both heating and cooling matter.

Review

The Goodman 3.5-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system occupies a practical middle ground in the HVAC market. Goodman brand equipment has built solid contractor trust through dependable performance and reasonable pricing. This upflow configuration handles both furnace and AC duties, making it a complete solution for homeowners replacing aging split systems. The unit measures 30 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 21 inches deep, fitting standard installation spaces.

Performance specs show a 96% AFUE furnace firing 100,000 BTU with two-stage burner control, paired with a 42,000 BTU cooling capacity at 16 SEER2 rating. The multi-speed ECM blower motor delivers up to 1600 CFM, adjusting output based on actual heating and cooling demand. At 73 dB, noise levels are acceptable for residential installation. The single-stage condenser with scroll compressor keeps complexity manageable, though it sacrifices part-load efficiency that dual-stage units offer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means lower winter heating bills and minimal energy waste
  • 16 SEER2 cooling rating delivers solid air conditioning performance for 3.5-ton loads
  • Two-stage burner and single-stage compressor reduce short-cycling and improve comfort consistency
  • Multi-speed ECM blower motor runs efficiently across demand levels, not just full speed
  • PVC flue compatibility simplifies venting in modern homes without masonry chimneys
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides reasonable protection for both components

Cons

  • 73 dB noise level is moderate, noticeable at full speed during winter heating cycles
  • Single-stage condenser limits ability to modulate cooling capacity in mild weather
  • Specs show both 5-ton tonnage and 3.5-ton designation, creating potential ordering confusion
  • R22 refrigerant compatibility adds complexity since R22 is being phased out

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing systems in Midwest and Northern climates where heating efficiency is critical will appreciate the 96% AFUE rating. Homeowners replacing older 80-85% AFUE furnaces will see measurable winter savings while getting competent cooling performance.

Consider Alternatives If

Homes in hot climates needing maximum cooling capacity should look at true 4 or 5-ton units with dual-stage compressors for better part-load efficiency.

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

Installation requires 208/230V single-phase 60Hz power with breaker sizing between 23.5 and 40 amps. PVC flue venting simplifies routing compared to traditional metal chimneys. Standard lineset lengths measure 3/8-inch liquid line with 1-1/8-inch suction line, both with 1/2-inch insulation good for 50 feet. Technicians should verify existing ductwork matches the 1600 CFM maximum airflow rating.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year limited warranty on parts when you register online after purchase. Coverage applies to both furnace and air conditioning components under standard residential use. Registration is straightforward through Goodman's website. This warranty length matches industry standards for mid-tier equipment and provides reasonable protection against manufacturing defects.

Specifications

SKULS381183850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU42,000
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73
Weight (in lbs)48.000000
FeatureSpec
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Height30"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size40 amps
Min. Breaker Size23.5 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line1 1/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness1/2"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the listed 16 SEER2 and typical SEER ratings I see online? +
SEER2 is the newer testing standard required since 2023, reflecting real-world performance more accurately than the older SEER metric. A 16 SEER2 rating roughly equals 19-20 SEER under the old scale. This unit delivers solid cooling without ultra-premium pricing found in 18-20 SEER2 models.
Will this furnace work with my existing ductwork from a 1990s system? +
Probably yes, but verify CFM capacity. Your old system likely handled 1200-1400 CFM. This unit maxes at 1600 CFM, so undersized ducts won't cause problems but may reduce efficiency. Have a technician measure your main trunk diameter before installation.
How much will my heating bill drop compared to an 80% AFUE furnace? +
A 96% AFUE unit uses 16% less fuel than an 80% system for identical heating output. If your old furnace cost $1500 annually to operate, expect savings around $240 yearly in heating costs, assuming similar usage patterns and gas rates.
Should I choose this system or pay more for a two-stage compressor unit? +
The single-stage compressor keeps cost lower but cycles on/off more in mild weather. Dual-stage units run partially loaded and improve spring/fall efficiency. Choose single-stage if winters are harsh, dual-stage if you want better part-load performance.
Does the 10-year warranty cover labor, or just parts? +
Goodman's standard warranty covers parts only, not installation labor. You'll pay labor costs if repairs are needed outside the manufacturer's defect coverage. Check your contractor's service agreement for separate labor warranties they may offer.

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