3.5 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system is ideal for homeowners replacing aging equipment or upgrading to high-efficiency heating and cooling in mixed climates. The 16 SEER rating and 96% AFUE furnace deliver measurable energy savings, particularly for households with substantial heating and cooling demands.

Review

Goodman's 3.5 ton system pairs a high-efficiency air conditioner with a powerful furnace, addressing both summer cooling and winter heating in a single package. The 100,000 BTU furnace delivers ample heat for homes up to 3,500 square feet, while the scroll compressor handles 42,000 BTU of cooling capacity. This system hits the Energy Star threshold and includes plastic PVC exhaust requirements compatible with modern venting codes. It's a conventional choice for contractors and homeowners seeking proven reliability without cutting-edge variable-capacity features.

Performance metrics show genuine efficiency gains. The 16 SEER cooling rating matches premium single-stage units, and the 96% AFUE furnace is excellent for gas equipment, meaning minimal heat escapes through exhaust. The variable-speed ECM blower motor operates at 2,000 CFM maximum but adjusts speed based on demand, avoiding the energy penalty of constant full-speed operation. Two burner stages on the furnace allow it to reduce output during mild winter days. Electrical demands are reasonable at 23.5 to 40 amps, fitting standard residential service.

Pros & Cons

Pros

16 SEER2 cooling efficiency qualifies for Energy Star certification and reduces summer electricity costs
96% AFUE furnace converts nearly all fuel to usable heat, minimizing waste during winter months
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts output to actual demand rather than running full throttle, saving energy
Dual fuel capability supports natural gas or propane, offering flexibility for different installations
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty covers the most expensive component, backed by 10-year parts coverage with registration

Cons

Single-stage cooling compressor cannot modulate capacity, so efficiency gains diminish during partial-load operation
73 dB noise level is moderate to high, noticeable from nearby indoor spaces
Upflow A-coil configuration limits placement options and may require attic or closet installation

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate to cold climates seeking to replace 10-plus year old systems should consider this unit. Budget-conscious buyers willing to invest upfront in high-efficiency equipment will recoup costs through reduced utility bills over 15-20 years of operation.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in consistently warm climates where heating is minimal should look at cooling-only solutions, as the furnace component becomes unnecessary cost.

3.5 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F

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Installation

This upflow A-coil unit needs vertical mounting in attics or utility closets where warm air rises through ductwork. The 34.5-inch height, 21-inch width, and 28.75-inch depth require careful space planning. Suction lines use 1 1/8-inch tubing with 1/2-inch insulation, and liquid lines are 3/8-inch. PVC plastic exhaust venting is required and must slope properly for condensate drainage. Typical installation takes 4-6 hours for experienced technicians.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman covers the heat exchanger for the unit's lifetime, protecting against the most costly failure point. Parts carry 10-year coverage when you register online, significantly longer than many competitors' standard 5-year terms. Labor is not covered, so installation warranty depends on your contractor's policy. Registration is straightforward and recommended immediately after installation.

Specifications

SKU	LS381183850
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	42,000
Heating BTU	100,000
Refrigerant	R410A
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	Lifetime Heat Exchanger and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	73
Weight (in lbs)	48.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	16
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	7/8"
Max Breaker Size	40 amps
Min. Breaker Size	23.5 amps
Tonnage	5 Ton
Height	34.5"
Width	21"
Depth	28.75"
Resources	Goodman 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 Information	PROPOSITION 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.
Configuration	Upflow/Horizontal
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	1 1/8"
Style	A-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number	7368836
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	2000
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	1/2"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this unit claim 3.5 tons but the specs list 5 tons? +

The title references cooling capacity, while tonnage specs indicate the system's full designation. The 42,000 BTU cooling output translates to 3.5 tons. The 5-ton reference in specs may indicate oversizing classification. Always reference the 42,000 BTU figure for actual cooling performance.

Can I install this in a crawlspace instead of an attic? +

Technically yes, but upflow A-coils perform best with warm air rising through vertical ductwork. Horizontal installation is possible but reduces airflow efficiency. Consult your HVAC contractor about orientation in crawlspace applications to avoid condensate pooling issues.

How much will this system reduce my utility bills? +

Results vary by climate and current system efficiency. Upgrading from 10-13 SEER and 78-80% AFUE equipment typically saves 25-35% on combined heating and cooling costs. A 3,000 square foot home might save $400-600 annually, reaching payback within 10-15 years depending on local energy rates.

Is single-stage cooling a drawback compared to two-stage systems? +

Single-stage runs at full capacity until reaching setpoint, then cycles off. Two-stage systems run partially at lower load, improving efficiency during mild weather. However, this unit's variable blower helps offset that limitation. Savings difference is typically 2-5% SEER in real-world use.

Does the lifetime heat exchanger warranty transfer to subsequent homeowners? +

Most Goodman policies limit transferability. Check your warranty documentation after registration. Parts warranty (10 years) typically does not transfer. Ask your contractor for specific terms before purchase if future resale is a concern.

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