Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

96% AFUE furnace with 13 SEER cooling delivers solid efficiency 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 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works best for homeowners in moderate climates who prioritize heating efficiency and want reliable, affordable cooling without premium SEER ratings. It's a practical choice for replacement jobs where existing ductwork supports the 3-ton capacity and horizontal configuration.

Review

Goodman's 3-ton horizontal gas furnace and air conditioner system occupies a comfortable middle ground in the HVAC market. It targets cost-conscious homeowners and contractors who need reliable equipment without premium pricing. The horizontal configuration suits homes with basement or crawlspace layouts where traditional upflow furnaces don't fit. Online Supply positions this as a replacement option for legacy Goodman models, leveraging existing installation familiarity among service technicians.

The furnace delivers impressive heating performance with a 96% AFUE rating and 80,000 BTU output, making it genuinely efficient for winter months. Cooling comes from a reciprocating compressor pushing 36,000 BTU through an A-coil design with 13 SEER efficiency. The multi-speed blower motor rated for 1,600 CFM maximum allows contractors to balance comfort and energy use. Electrical requirements are modest, drawing between 19.1 and 30 amps at 115V single-phase, simplifying installation in homes without dedicated circuits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency ranks among the best for gas heating, delivering superior warmth from every BTU burned
  • 80,000 BTU heating capacity with single-stage burner is sufficient for most three-ton cooling zones
  • 13 SEER cooling efficiency exceeds baseline standards, providing reasonable AC performance at competitive pricing
  • Multi-speed blower motor allows flexibility in airflow control for both heating and cooling seasons
  • Plastic PVC exhaust compatibility simplifies venting installation compared to metal ductwork requirements
  • 10-year warranty with online registration protects against major component failures

Cons

  • 36,000 BTU cooling capacity falls short of the marketed 3-ton rating, creating a mismatch between heating and cooling output
  • Single-stage compressor and burner lack modulation, resulting in less efficient operation at partial loads common in spring and fall
  • Not Energy Star certified, which means higher standby energy consumption than premium models
  • 74 dBA noise level is louder than variable-speed competitors, potentially noticeable in quiet neighborhoods

Who Should Buy

Best For

This system suits homeowners replacing older Goodman units (GSX130362, GSX130363, GSX130365) in homes with existing ductwork designed for horizontal installation. It's ideal for those who heat more than they cool and want a straightforward, dependable system without smart controls or premium efficiency tiers.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this model if you need balanced heating and cooling capacity, live in a hot climate requiring heavy AC use, or want quiet operation and advanced modulation features.

3 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
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Installation

Installation complexity is moderate. The horizontal configuration demands careful positioning in tight spaces, and the right-side flue location must align with PVC exhaust routing. Valve sizes require 3/8 inch liquid line and 7/8 inch suction line connections with 3/8 inch insulation thickness on the suction side. Sweat valve connections need proper brazing or soldering experience. Most contractors familiar with Goodman equipment will handle this quickly, but first-timers should allocate extra time for ductwork measurements.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty applies when you register online after purchase, which is standard practice in the industry. This covers compressor, heat exchanger, and major components against manufacturing defects. Labor is not included, so repair costs beyond parts fall on the homeowner. Registration is straightforward but required, so don't skip this step immediately after installation.

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
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height21"
Width21.125"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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.
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti Speed
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationHorizontal
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesSingle
Fuel TypeGas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/8"
Length30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this 3-ton system have 36,000 BTU cooling when 3 tons equals 36,000 BTU? +
The rating appears inconsistent because the furnace output (80,000 BTU heating) doesn't match the cooling capacity. This creates a heating-heavy system better suited to cold climates. Verify compatibility with your existing ductwork before purchasing, as undersized cooling can leave homes uncomfortable on hot days.
Can I install this horizontally in an attic or crawlspace? +
Yes, the downflow/horizontal design accommodates both locations. Ensure adequate clearance for the 21 by 21.125 by 26 inch dimensions plus ductwork connections. The right-side flue location must allow PVC exhaust routing to the exterior. Insulation thickness and condensation drainage need proper planning in attics.
How does 13 SEER compare to modern high-efficiency systems? +
13 SEER is respectable but not cutting-edge. Current SEER2 standards are more stringent, making this model equivalent to roughly SEER2 9 to 10. For cooling-heavy climates, 16+ SEER systems offer better long-term savings, but this works fine in moderate zones.
What refrigerant does this system use? +
The specs list R410A or R22 compatibility, though R22 is being phased out. Clarify with the retailer which refrigerant comes charged. R410A is the current standard, so confirm your system arrives with R410A to ensure future service availability and regulatory compliance.
Is the 10-year warranty comprehensive enough? +
It covers parts but not labor or routine maintenance. Ten years is solid for components, but you're responsible for service call costs. Extended warranties through retailers may add labor protection, so explore those options at purchase.

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