Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

Solid 3-ton gas furnace and AC combo with 96% AFUE and 13 SEER efficiency

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$0
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works well for homeowners seeking reliable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER air conditioner deliver strong efficiency for residential applications, making it ideal for climate zones where both heating and cooling matter.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton horizontal furnace and air conditioner system represents a practical middle ground in residential HVAC. This SKU LS38783830 combines an 80,000 BTU gas furnace with a 36,000 BTU cooling coil into one package, addressing both seasonal needs in a single installation. It's engineered for upflow or horizontal mounting, making it suitable for various home configurations. The system uses proven reciprocating compressor technology and single-stage operation, prioritizing reliability over the advanced efficiency features found in premium units.

Performance-wise, the 96% AFUE furnace rating shows strong thermal efficiency on the heating side, while the 13 SEER air conditioner delivers solid cooling efficiency for the 3-ton class. The multi-speed blower motor adapts to heating and cooling demands, improving comfort versus fixed-speed designs. Operating at 74 dB, the unit runs audibly but within typical residential ranges. Electrical requirements are modest at 115 V, 1 phase, 60 Hz, with breaker sizing between 19.1 and 30 amps. These specs make it compatible with most residential electrical panels without upgrades.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE gas furnace with 80,000 BTU output handles serious heating loads efficiently
  • 13 SEER air conditioner with 36,000 BTU cooling capacity matches the 3-ton rating properly
  • Multi-speed blower motor optimizes airflow and comfort across varying load conditions
  • Horizontal configuration works for tight installation spaces like crawlspaces or attics
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid long-term protection at this price point
  • Reciprocating compressor design is field-proven and easily serviced by any competent tech

Cons

  • 13 SEER is competent but not high-efficiency, lacks ENERGY STAR certification for eco-conscious buyers
  • Single-stage compressor and burner limit part-load efficiency versus variable-capacity systems
  • 74 dB noise level runs louder than premium inverter-driven units, noticeable during operation
  • R410A or R22 refrigerant compatibility adds service complexity if older systems need retirement
  • No modulation capability means less precise temperature control in spring and fall shoulder seasons

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed-climate regions who prioritize reliable, straightforward equipment over cutting-edge efficiency. Contractors installing budget-conscious residential replacements where the home's existing ductwork is compatible will appreciate the horizontal configuration and standard field-friendly design.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in SEER2 markets, those seeking ENERGY STAR ratings, or homeowners with noise sensitivity should explore variable-capacity alternatives with higher seasonal efficiency ratings.

3 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$0
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation is straightforward for qualified HVAC technicians. The horizontal A-coil configuration suits crawlspaces and attic applications. Connections use 3/8 inch liquid line and 7/8 inch suction line with 3/8 inch insulation thickness. The unit requires PVC or plastic exhaust flue venting, with the flue exiting right-side on this configuration. Maximum CFM output is 1200 at full blower speed, requiring compatible ductwork sizing. Most standard residential installations complete without complications.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts and labor warranty when registered online at purchase. This coverage applies to the furnace, compressor, and coil, protecting against manufacturing defects. Online registration is required to activate the full term, so buyers must complete this step promptly. This warranty duration is competitive for mid-tier equipment and provides reasonable protection against early failures.

Specifications

SKULS38783830
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU36,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 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 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width17.5"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Installation 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 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 RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti Speed
Maximum CFM1200
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesSingle
Fuel TypeGas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/8"
Length30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this 3-ton system actually deliver 36,000 BTU cooling and 80,000 BTU heating? +
Yes. The 36,000 BTU cooling capacity equals 3 tons (12,000 BTU per ton). The 80,000 BTU heating output suits the 3-ton AC pairing. Both ratings are balanced for whole-home comfort without undersizing or oversizing in typical residential applications. Verify your home's manual J load calculation before purchasing.
Can this horizontal unit fit in my attic, and what clearances do I need? +
The unit measures 34.5 inches tall, 17.5 inches wide, and 28.75 inches deep, weighing 30 pounds. It's designed for horizontal mounting in attics and crawlspaces if framing allows. Verify attic access width accommodates these dimensions and that ductwork can connect properly. Consult installation instructions for required clearances around flue and service areas.
How does 13 SEER compare to newer SEER2 ratings, and is this still efficient enough? +
13 SEER is solid but not exceptional by current standards. SEER2 ratings are roughly 15-20% lower numerically than SEER under new test conditions. This unit performs well for mixed climates with moderate cooling loads. If your electricity costs are high or cooling season is long, higher-efficiency units (15+ SEER) may justify the upgrade cost.
What's the difference between single-stage and variable-capacity compressors for this price? +
This reciprocating single-stage compressor runs at full capacity or off, with less precise modulation. Variable-capacity units ramp output gradually, improving part-load efficiency and comfort during mild weather. Single-stage is simpler to service and costs less, but uses more energy during shoulder seasons. Trade-off depends on your climate and budget priorities.
Does the 10-year warranty cover everything, and what's the registration process? +
The warranty covers manufacturing defects in parts and labor when registered online with Goodman. Registration must occur at purchase to validate coverage. Check the warranty documentation for exclusions, which typically cover improper installation, neglect, or non-authorized repairs. Contact Goodman support or visit their site to register immediately upon system delivery.

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