Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3.5 Ton 15 SEER 97% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

High-efficiency Goodman split system delivers 97% heating and 16 SEER cooling performance

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3.5 Ton 15 SEER 97% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$0
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 3.5-ton Goodman system is ideal for homeowners upgrading to a high-efficiency split system who want solid performance without premium pricing. The 97% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER condenser make it Energy Star certified, delivering meaningful energy savings for heating-dominant climates and moderate cooling loads.

Review

Goodman remains one of the most accessible split system brands for contractors and homeowners balancing performance with cost. This particular configuration combines a high-efficiency 97% AFUE furnace with a 16 SEER air conditioner condenser, both Energy Star rated. The upflow configuration and A-coil design suit retrofit installations in homes with basements or crawl spaces. The modulating burner and variable-speed blower suggest Goodman positioned this unit as a mid-tier efficiency option rather than budget baseline.

The furnace delivers 120,000 BTU heating capacity with modulating burner stages that continuously adjust output rather than cycling on and off. The air conditioner handles 42,000 BTU cooling using a scroll compressor in single-stage operation, paired with R410A or R22 refrigerant compatibility. The variable-speed ECM blower reaches 2000 CFM maximum and ramps automatically based on demand, which typically improves efficiency by 10 to 15 percent compared to fixed-speed motors. The 97% AFUE rating reflects excellent heat exchanger design and combustion efficiency.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 97% AFUE furnace efficiency minimizes heating waste and fuel costs, especially valuable in cold climates
  • 16 SEER condenser meets Energy Star standards with single-stage scroll compressor reliability
  • Modulating burner stages enable precise heating output, reducing temperature swings and improving comfort
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor automatically adjusts airflow from 0 to 2000 CFM for optimal efficiency
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage and manufacturer support
  • PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies installation in modern homes with plastic ductwork

Cons

  • Single-stage air conditioning lacks the efficiency gains of two-stage or variable-capacity systems
  • 73 dB noise level is moderately loud for cooling operation, noticeable in quiet neighborhoods
  • Product listing shows spec inconsistencies (title states 3.5 tons, specs list 5 tons), requiring clarification before purchase
  • Requires 23.5 to 40 amp electrical service, potentially demanding upgraded breaker panels in older homes

Who Should Buy

Best For

This system suits homeowners in moderate to cold climates upgrading older furnaces who prioritize heating efficiency and want Energy Star certification without paying for advanced staging. It works well in homes requiring 3.5 to 5 tons of capacity with adequate electrical service already installed.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this system if you live in consistently hot climates where cooling dominates, need ultra-quiet operation below 70 dB, or want variable-capacity cooling for maximum efficiency.

3.5 Ton 15 SEER 97% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas F
$0
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This upflow unit requires 115V single-phase 60 Hz power with 23.5 to 40 amp breaker sizing, so electrical service assessment is essential before ordering. The plastic PVC exhaust flue simplifies venting compared to metal options. Installation demands proper refrigerant line sizing, with 3/8 inch liquid and 1 1/8 inch suction lines specified, plus half-inch insulation on suction lines to prevent condensation loss. CAPF installation manual and AHRI certificate 7424268 provide documentation for licensed installers.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts warranty when registered online, a standard industry offering for residential systems. Registration typically takes minutes through the manufacturer website. Coverage extends to compressor, heat exchanger, and other major components, though labor is usually excluded. This warranty protects against manufacturing defects but not installation issues or refrigerant losses.

Specifications

SKULS381183850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU42,000
Heating BTU120,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years 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
Height30"
Width24.5"
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.
AHRI Certificate Number7424268
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line1 1/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness1/2"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this system actually deliver 3.5 or 5 tons of cooling capacity? +
The product title states 3.5 tons, but the specifications list 5 tons. This discrepancy requires clarification from Online Supply before purchase. The 42,000 BTU cooling capacity translates to 3.5 tons, so the title appears correct. Confirm tonnage matches your home's requirements using a Manual J load calculation.
Can I install this myself or does it require a licensed technician? +
Refrigerant work requires EPA certification in most states. While you can install ductwork and electrical connections, hiring a licensed HVAC contractor is strongly recommended. They'll perform proper refrigerant charging, airflow balancing, and ensure the AHRI certificate remains valid, protecting your warranty.
How does 16 SEER cooling efficiency compare to newer systems? +
16 SEER is respectable mid-tier cooling efficiency, meeting Energy Star requirements. However, newer variable-capacity systems achieve 18 to 22 SEER. This single-stage compressor cycles fully on and off rather than modulating, which explains the lower rating. For moderate cooling climates, 16 SEER still delivers acceptable efficiency.
Is Goodman reliability comparable to Carrier, Lennox, or Trane? +
Goodman uses proven scroll compressors and proven component designs, offering solid reliability for the price point. Industry data shows comparable failure rates to Carrier or Lennox mid-tier units. Goodman costs 15 to 25 percent less, making it attractive when budget matters more than brand prestige.
What's included in the 10-year warranty and what's not? +
The warranty covers compressor, heat exchanger, coil, and most components. Installation labor, refrigerant, ductwork, and damage from poor maintenance are excluded. Online registration through Goodman's website is required within 60 days of installation to activate coverage.

Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.