Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3.5 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

96% AFUE furnace with 16 SEER 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 16 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works best for contractors and homeowners upgrading older equipment in moderate climates where heating and cooling demands are balanced. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with 16 SEER cooling provides strong year-round efficiency without the premium pricing of high-end brands.

Review

The Goodman 3.5 Ton Upflow Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System represents a middle-ground option in the residential HVAC market. Goodman equipment typically appeals to cost-conscious contractors and homeowners seeking reliability without premium branding. This particular configuration bundles a 96% AFUE furnace capable of 80,000 BTU heating output with a 42,000 BTU (3.5-ton) cooling coil. The upflow design suits basements and crawlspaces where horizontal or upflow discharge makes sense for ductwork distribution.

Performance specs here tell a solid efficiency story. The furnace's 96% AFUE rating means 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to home warmth, with minimal stack losses thanks to PVC flue venting. Cooling efficiency registers at 16 SEER, competitive for non-variable-compressor designs. The variable-speed ECM blower motor is the efficiency workhorse, modulating airflow between 0-1600 CFM to match actual heating and cooling demand rather than running full-blast constantly. Two-stage burner heating provides capacity matching that reduces cycling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency exceeds most baseline models by 5-10 percentage points, reducing heating costs measurably
  • 16 SEER cooling delivers above-average air conditioning efficiency for residential applications
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor automatically adjusts airflow, improving comfort and reducing runtime energy use
  • Two-stage burner and single-stage compressor provide flexible heating and cooling capacity matching
  • PVC/plastic flue requirement simplifies installation compared to metal vent systems
  • Energy Star certified configuration qualifies for utility rebates in many regions

Cons

  • Tonnage mismatch is problematic: 3.5 ton cooling capacity paired with 5 ton listed tonnage creates confusion and potential oversizing issues
  • 73 dBA noise level runs slightly loud for a residential unit, noticeable during operation
  • Single-stage compressor lacks variable capacity for quieter, more efficient partial-load cooling

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing systems in new construction or major retrofits where upflow configuration fits the layout, and homeowners in heating-dominant climates seeking straightforward efficiency gains. Budget-conscious buyers willing to skip name-brand premiums will appreciate the value proposition here.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in hot climates needing aggressive cooling efficiency should explore true 5-ton units or variable-capacity compressors instead of this mismatched 3.5-ton/5-ton design.

3.5 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
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Installation

This upflow unit ships at 48 pounds and measures 30 inches tall, 21 wide, and 21 deep, fitting standard equipment closets and utility spaces. PVC flue requirements simplify venting compared to metal systems, typically reducing installation time by 2-4 hours. Electrical needs are modest: 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz service with breaker sizing between 23.5 and 40 amps. The 3/8-inch liquid and 1 1/8-inch suction lines with 1/2-inch insulation follow standard refrigerant line practices.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year parts coverage applies with online registration, which is competitive against industry standards. This covers the compressor, coil, and cabinet defects but excludes filter and refrigerant charges. Registration takes minutes and protects your investment meaningfully. Labor and service calls fall outside coverage, so budget separately for emergency repairs beyond year two.

Specifications

SKULS381183850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU42,000
Heating BTU80,000
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
AHRI Certificate Number7368835
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
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

Why does the spec sheet list both 3.5 ton cooling and 5 ton tonnage? +
This is a compatibility notation issue. The actual cooling capacity is 3.5 tons (42,000 BTU), matching the air conditioner coil. The 5-ton reference reflects furnace casing size accommodating larger coils. Install this as a 3.5-ton system to avoid oversizing heating load calculations.
Can this unit handle both natural gas and propane? +
Yes. The two-stage burner accepts either fuel type via simple orifice plate changes during installation. No compressor or electrical modifications needed. Confirm your local fuel supply and ensure proper regulator pressure settings, typically 3.5 inches water column for propane.
How much will the variable-speed blower save on electricity? +
ECM motors use 50-70% less blower energy than fixed-speed models, translating to roughly $100-150 annual savings on blower operation alone. Combined with the high AFUE rating, expect 15-25% total heating cost reduction compared to 14 AFUE systems.
Is 16 SEER good, or should I wait for 18 SEER? +
16 SEER sits solidly above minimum requirements and qualifies for most Energy Star rebates. Higher SEER units typically cost 30-40% more for 10-15% efficiency gains, making payback lengthy in moderate climates. This strikes a practical balance for most homeowners.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
Compressor, coil, and furnace cabinet parts are covered against manufacturer defects. Refrigerant top-ups, filters, blower motors, and labor are excluded. Register online within 30 days of installation to activate coverage.

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