Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

Solid mid-tier comfort system balancing efficiency and affordability for budget-conscious homeowners

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
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// Bottom Line
This 3 ton Goodman split system works best for homeowners replacing older equipment in moderate climates who need reliable cooling and heating without premium pricing. The 13 SEER rating and 80% AFUE balance reasonable operating costs with upfront affordability.

Review

The Goodman 3 ton split system represents the practical middle ground in residential HVAC equipment. This upflow-configured unit pairs a 36,000 BTU air conditioner with an 80,000 BTU gas furnace, making it suitable for homes in the 1,500 to 2,000 square foot range. Goodman's reputation for straightforward engineering and parts availability appeals to contractors and DIY-minded homeowners alike. While not a premium system, it delivers honest performance at a competitive price point without shortcuts that compromise durability.

Performance metrics tell a practical story here. The 13 SEER1 rating on the cooling side reflects acceptable efficiency for a single-stage reciprocating compressor design, using R410A refrigerant. The furnace delivers 80% AFUE efficiency with a two-stage burner, meaning 80 cents of every heating dollar becomes heat, a respectable figure for non-condensing equipment. The high-efficiency multi-speed blower motor pulls up to 2000 CFM, distributing conditioned air effectively throughout the home. These specs won't dazzle efficiency-focused buyers, but they represent genuine improvements over systems from the early 2000s.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 13 SEER cooling efficiency delivers solid year-round operating cost savings for a single-stage unit
  • 80,000 BTU heating capacity with two-stage burner and 80% AFUE provides dependable warmth and fuel economy
  • High-efficiency multi-speed blower motor with 2000 CFM maximum airflow improves comfort and distribution
  • 10-year parts warranty with online registration offers meaningful protection at this price point
  • Upflow/horizontal A-coil configuration suits most residential installations with flexible mounting

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor means the unit runs at full capacity or off, limiting part-load efficiency versus two-stage models
  • Not ENERGY STAR certified, so it misses rebate opportunities available for higher-efficiency units
  • 74 dB noise level is audible from inside during operation, slightly louder than quieter models

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing 10-plus year old equipment who prioritize value and straightforward reliability over cutting-edge efficiency. This system works well for people in moderate climates where heating and cooling loads don't demand premium modulating equipment.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers seeking ENERGY STAR eligibility for utility rebates or those in extreme climates needing variable-capacity compressors should explore higher-SEER alternatives.

3 Ton 13 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
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Installation

Installation demands standard residential HVAC skills. The A-coil accepts 3/8 inch liquid and 3/4 inch suction lines with 3/8 inch insulation thickness on the suction side. Electrical requirements are straightforward: 120V single-phase 60 Hz service with 19.1 to 30 amp breaker sizing. The condenser weighs 30 pounds and measures 34.5 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 28.75 inches deep, fitting standard outdoor pad installations. Metal exhaust flue is required for the furnace section.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years of parts coverage when you register the unit online after installation. This is industry-standard for mid-tier equipment and covers compressor failure, motor burnout, and most internal components. Labor is not included. Registration is essential, not automatic, so new owners should complete this immediately after startup to activate coverage.

Specifications

SKULS38783830
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU36,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical120 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)74
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
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
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width21"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Installation Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Parts Manual Goodman User Information Goodman Service Manual Goodman Technical 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 Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementMetal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE80%
Blower MotorHigh Efficiency Multi-Speed
Maximum CFM2000
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/8"
Length30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 13 SEER rating compare to newer equipment? +
13 SEER is solid for a single-stage unit but trails modern 16-18 SEER two-stage systems. You'll see noticeably lower cooling costs than 10 SEER equipment from 2005, though newer high-SEER units run more efficiently during mild weather. For moderate climates, 13 SEER balances reasonable utility bills with manageable equipment costs.
Can this system work with my existing ductwork? +
Most likely yes. The 2000 CFM maximum airflow suits standard residential ducts. However, older homes with undersized or leaky ducts may need modifications. Verify your furnace plenum accepts the coil configuration and that return/supply trunk sizes match spec before purchase.
Is 80% AFUE heating efficiency good? +
Yes, for a non-condensing furnace. Modern high-efficiency units reach 95% AFUE by capturing exhaust heat. At 80%, this furnace loses 20% of gas energy up the flue, but outperforms 70% equipment common in pre-2005 homes. Energy costs will be noticeably lower than aging systems.
Should I buy this or wait for a higher-SEER model? +
If your current system is 12-plus years old and failing, this unit pays back through efficiency gains quickly. If your system still works, holding out for 16 SEER saves more long-term. Consider climate severity and local rebate programs before deciding.
Does the 10-year warranty cover refrigerant leaks? +
Warranty covers compressor and internal component failures. Refrigerant itself is often charged separately per service call. Verify coverage details with your installer at the time of registration to avoid surprises.

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