Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 13 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Budget-friendly 3-ton combo with solid 80% AFUE and 13 SEER for moderate climates

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 13 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$2053
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system delivers respectable efficiency at an attractive $2,053 price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners in mixed climates who want dependable heating and cooling without premium tier costs. The 80% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER air conditioner handle moderate loads well, though it won't compete with high-efficiency units in extreme climates.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton system at $2,053 occupies the practical sweet spot of the residential HVAC market. This is not a premium unit, nor is it a stripped-down commodity. It's a straightforward, no-frills combination furnace and air conditioner designed for homeowners and contractors who need competent climate control without paying for high-efficiency bells and whistles. Goodman's reputation for reliable, workable equipment supports this positioning across mainstream residential applications.

Performance data reflects middle-of-the-road efficiency. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU heating output at 80% AFUE through two burner stages and a variable-speed motor that adjusts to actual heating demand. The matching air conditioner produces 36,000 BTU cooling at 13 SEER with a single-stage reciprocating compressor. This translates to reasonable summer comfort in moderate climates, though the single-stage design means compressor cycling rather than capacity modulation, which slightly impacts dehumidification. The 2,000 CFM maximum airflow handles typical ductwork without resistance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 80,000 BTU two-stage furnace with variable-speed blower maximizes comfort and efficiency across heating cycles
  • 13 SEER cooling efficiency delivers reasonable summer performance for moderate-load applications
  • 36,000 BTU cooling capacity properly matched to 3-ton tonnage standard
  • Compact A-coil design fits upflow/horizontal configurations in most utility closets and attic spaces
  • 10-year parts warranty with online registration provides solid consumer protection at this price tier
  • R410A refrigerant and reciprocating compressor are industry standard, ensuring parts availability

Cons

  • 80% AFUE is mid-range, not qualifying for Energy Star, so heating costs run higher than 90%+ models
  • Single-stage cooling compressor cycles on/off rather than modulating, reducing dehumidification in humid climates
  • 74 dB noise level is noticeably audible, particularly during compressor operation on hot days
  • No Energy Star rating limits rebate eligibility in many utility districts

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners in HVAC zones 3-4 who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge efficiency. Contractors managing rental properties or spec homes where upfront cost matters more than long-term operating expenses will find strong value here.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in high-heating areas (zones 1-2) or high-cooling areas (zones 5+) should explore 90%+ AFUE and 14+ SEER models, as the payback period on the efficiency upgrade justifies higher upfront costs.

3 Ton 13 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$2053
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This A-coil configuration is straightforward for experienced HVAC technicians. The upflow/horizontal design fits standard closets and attic plenums. Refrigerant line sizing uses 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction connections, with 30 feet of precharged line included. Electrical requirements are modest, 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz with 19.1 to 30 amp breaker capacity. Installation complexity is moderate, well within standard contractor scope.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman offers 10 years parts coverage upon online registration. This is solid consumer protection, though shorter than some competitors offering 12-year or lifetime compressor warranties. The registration requirement means homeowners must complete paperwork promptly. Five years is typical without registration, so the online step is worth the effort for doubling coverage duration.

Specifications

SKULS38783830
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU36,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)74
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
ConfigurationUpflow/Horizontal
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
Tonnage3 Ton
StyleA-Coil
Height27.5"
Width26"
Depth26"
ResourcesGoodman Installation Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Manual Goodman Warranty Information Goodman Brochure Goodman Service Instructions Goodman Kit Instructions Goodman Parts Manual 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 Number204633302
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementMetal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE80%
Blower MotorVariable Speed
Maximum CFM2000
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
ReplacesGSX130362, GSX130363, GSX130365
Energy StarNo
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeReciprocating
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size30 amps
Min. Breaker Size19.1 amps
Valve TypeSweat
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/8"
Length30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 80% AFUE compare to higher-efficiency furnaces? +
80% AFUE means 20% of fuel energy exits through the exhaust flue as waste heat. Systems rated 90%+ retain more heat for living space. On a $1,000 annual heating bill, you'd spend roughly $50-75 more in fuel costs compared to a 95% AFUE unit. Over ten years, that premium efficiency costs $500-750 extra upfront but saves $5,000-7,500 in fuel.
What electrical work is needed before installation? +
The system requires 208 or 230V single-phase 60 Hz power. Most homes have this available. A dedicated 30-amp breaker is the maximum requirement, typically standard in residential panels. Have an electrician verify your panel has capacity and proper grounding before scheduling HVAC installation.
Will this system handle my 2,000 square-foot home? +
The 36,000 BTU cooling and 80,000 BTU heating are nominal 3-ton sizing. A 2,000 square-foot well-insulated home in moderate climates usually needs exactly this capacity. Have a Manual J load calculation done locally, considering your insulation, windows, and climate zone. Oversizing wastes money, undersizing leaves you uncomfortable.
How does 13 SEER compare to newer SEER2 ratings? +
SEER and SEER2 use different test conditions, making direct comparison difficult. Roughly, a 13 SEER unit performs similarly to a 10-11 SEER2. If shopping against newer equipment, check SEER2 specs directly. This unit's cooling efficiency is respectable but not cutting-edge for 2024 standards.
Is the 10-year warranty worth the online registration hassle? +
Yes. The default five-year warranty doubles to ten years with registration, a significant extension at no cost. Complete registration within 30 days of installation to activate full coverage. Keep your proof of registration and paperwork for warranty claims.

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