Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

High-efficiency two-stage gas furnace with 16 SEER2 cooling and 96% AFUE heating

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
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// Bottom Line
This 3.5-ton system excels for homeowners upgrading from older equipment who want excellent heating efficiency at 96% AFUE and strong cooling performance with 16 SEER2 and Energy Star certification. It's particularly well-suited for moderate climates where both heating and cooling demand attention, and the variable-speed ECM blower keeps utility bills reasonable year-round.

Review

This Goodman gas furnace and air conditioner combination targets the mainstream replacement market where homeowners need both reliable heating and efficient cooling in a single system. At 3.5 tons cooling and 100,000 BTU heating capacity, it fits typical single-family homes across temperate and moderate climates. The combination of 96% AFUE furnace efficiency and 16 SEER2 cooling rating positions it competitively against major brands, and Energy Star certification signals compliance with current efficiency standards.

The furnace delivers impressive heating performance at 96% AFUE through a two-stage burner design that reduces energy waste during partial-load operation. Cooling performance reaches 42,000 BTU output with a scroll compressor and single-stage configuration. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to heating and cooling demands, improving comfort and reducing runtime compared to fixed-speed alternatives. At 73 dB, operation is noticeable but not excessive for basement or utility room placement. Electrical requirements are straightforward, needing 23.5 to 40-amp service depending on installation conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means 96 cents of every energy dollar heats your home, well above the 90% minimum and comparable to premium brands
  • 16 SEER2 cooling efficiency with 42,000 BTU capacity delivers solid summer performance and Energy Star qualification
  • Two-stage burner and variable-speed ECM blower motor reduce short-cycling and improve temperature consistency throughout your home
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty protects against the most expensive failure point in gas furnaces
  • PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting compared to traditional metal chimneys

Cons

  • Single-stage cooling compressor means it runs at full capacity or off with no modulation, less efficient than two-stage alternatives
  • 73 dB noise level is moderate-to-loud during operation, noticeable if installed in living spaces or near bedrooms
  • 5-ton tonnage rating creates oversizing concerns if replacing a 3.5-ton system, potentially wasting energy and reducing dehumidification

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed-heating-and-cooling climates upgrading from 10-year-old or older equipment who value both heating and cooling efficiency equally. This system makes sense for mid-range budgets where 96% AFUE and 16 SEER2 ratings deliver measurable monthly savings without the premium pricing of modulating compressor models.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in hot climates prioritizing cooling efficiency should look at two-stage or variable-capacity compressors instead, and anyone replacing existing 3.5-ton equipment should verify the 5-ton rating doesn't oversized their home.

3.5 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F
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Installation

Installation complexity is moderate for qualified HVAC technicians. The system accepts standard 3/8-inch liquid lines and 7/8-inch suction lines, with 1/2-inch insulation on the 1,128-inch suction line. PVC venting compatibility streamlines ductwork routing compared to metal alternatives. Variable-speed blower commissioning requires proper airflow verification to reach the 2,000 CFM maximum. A-coil configuration for upflow/horizontal operation demands careful condensate drain placement and support structure assessment.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs the heat exchanger with lifetime coverage and parts with 10 years protection upon online registration. This dual-structure warranty prioritizes the component most likely to fail in gas furnaces, the heat exchanger, while providing solid decade-long parts coverage. Registration is mandatory to activate protection, and labor costs fall to homeowners. Coverage details should be reviewed on the warranty document before purchase.

Specifications

SKULS381183850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU42,000
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
WarrantyLifetime Heat Exchanger and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73
Weight (in lbs)48.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
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
Height34.5"
Width21"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Install 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 Line1 1/8"
StyleA-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number7368836
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness1/2"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec sheet list both 3.5 ton and 5 ton ratings? +
The discrepancy indicates conflicting data between the cooling section (3.5 ton stated in title, 42,000 BTU actual) and the tonnage field (5 ton). Verify with the seller before purchase. Oversizing a 3.5-ton replacement to 5 tons wastes energy and reduces dehumidification performance, a critical issue in humid climates.
Can this system replace my existing 3.5-ton equipment? +
Only if electrical service supports 40-amp breaker minimum and ductwork is sized for 2,000 CFM maximum airflow. The tonnage confusion must be resolved with the manufacturer or seller first. Have an HVAC contractor verify your home's load calculation before installation to avoid undersizing or oversizing penalties.
How much will this system reduce my heating and cooling bills? +
Compared to a 13-SEER, 80-AFUE system from 15 years ago, expect 15-25% heating savings from the 96% AFUE furnace and 20-30% cooling savings from 16 SEER2. Actual savings depend on local utility rates, thermostat settings, and home insulation. An average home might save $400-600 annually.
How does this compare to Lennox or Carrier equivalents? +
Goodman's 96% AFUE and 16 SEER2 match mid-tier Lennox and Carrier units priced higher. Goodman's single-stage cooling and two-stage heating trades modulation comfort for straightforward reliability. Carrier's variable-capacity models offer superior part-load efficiency but cost 20-30% more for marginal seasonal savings.
Is online registration required for the warranty? +
Yes, the 10-year parts warranty requires online registration to activate. The lifetime heat exchanger coverage may not require registration, but verify with documentation. Register immediately after installation to start the clock and protect your investment.

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