Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency Goodman system with 96% AFUE and 13 SEER for residential comfort

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 is ideal for homeowners replacing older furnace-AC combos in homes with horizontal ductwork or attic installations. The 96% AFUE heating efficiency and 13 SEER cooling make it a solid mid-range choice that balances performance with reasonable equipment costs.

Review

The 3 Ton Goodman gas furnace and air conditioner system represents solid middle-market equipment for residential HVAC replacement. With 80,000 BTU heating capacity and 36,000 BTU cooling output, it's sized appropriately for typical three-ton installations. The horizontal A-coil configuration and plastic PVC flue compatibility make it particularly useful for attic or crawlspace applications where vertical units won't fit. This system bridges affordability with respectable efficiency ratings that appeal to cost-conscious homeowners and budget-focused contractors.

Performance specifications are straightforward and competitive for the price point. The 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to warmth, substantially better than older 80% units still operating in many homes. On the cooling side, 13 SEER provides baseline modern efficiency for the air conditioning function. The single-stage reciprocating compressor and multi-speed blower motor keep things simple, which reduces repair complexity down the road. Maximum airflow reaches 1,600 CFM, adequate for three-ton systems in homes with properly sized ductwork.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs significantly compared to 80-90% units
  • 13 SEER cooling rating meets Energy Star baseline for better summer performance
  • Horizontal A-coil configuration fits tight attic or crawlspace installations where vertical units won't fit
  • Multi-speed blower motor optimizes airflow across load conditions, reducing noise at part load
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid protection for equipment investment
  • Single-stage reciprocating compressor is proven technology with low repair rates in field

Cons

  • 13 SEER is now the minimum standard, not premium cooling efficiency like higher SEER2 models offer
  • No Energy Star certification despite 96% AFUE, suggesting cooling side doesn't meet combined efficiency thresholds
  • Single-stage cooling means compressor runs at full capacity, less efficient than two-stage units during moderate weather
  • 74 dB noise level runs slightly louder than premium variable-speed models at full capacity

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in northern climates who prioritize heating efficiency and need horizontal coil configurations for space constraints. Contractors replacing legacy Goodman systems who want straightforward reciprocating compressor technology with proven reliability.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in hot climates seeking premium cooling efficiency should consider higher SEER2 models, and those wanting quieter operation should look at variable-speed compressor units.

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

Installation requires standard horizontal ductwork connections and PVC flue venting capability. The 3/8-inch liquid line and 7/8-inch suction line with 3/8-inch insulation thickness accommodate typical refrigerant piping runs up to 30 feet. Electrical requirements are modest at 115V single-phase, needing 19.1 to 30 amps of breaker capacity. Technicians familiar with Goodman systems will recognize the familiar reciprocating platform. The 21-inch by 21.125-inch footprint fits most standard horizontal installations.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten years of parts coverage with online registration is standard protection that covers compressor, coil, and component failures. Registration is straightforward and required to activate the full term. This matches industry baseline for mid-tier equipment. No labor coverage is mentioned, so actual service costs depend on local technician rates and service plan options.

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 DirectionUpflow/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

How much will this system reduce my heating bills compared to my old furnace? +
If replacing a 78% AFUE unit with this 96% AFUE furnace, expect 18-20% lower heating costs in cold climates. Actual savings depend on local gas rates, home insulation, and thermostat settings. A $150 monthly winter bill could drop to $120-125 with efficient operation and proper maintenance.
Will this fit in my attic installation with limited vertical space? +
Yes, the horizontal A-coil configuration and 21-inch height make it compatible with attic or crawlspace constraints. Verify your existing ductwork connections match the flue location on the right side. PVC venting must be properly sloped to prevent condensate backup.
Is 13 SEER good cooling efficiency for 2024 standards? +
13 SEER meets current minimum standards but isn't premium. Newer two-stage and variable-capacity systems achieve 16-20 SEER2 ratings. For hot climates with heavy cooling loads, higher efficiency models justify the investment through summer bill reductions over the system's 15-20 year lifespan.
Can this system use R22 refrigerant or does it require R410A? +
The unit is compatible with both R410A and R22, offering flexibility for retrofit situations. However, R22 is being phased out and supplies are limited and expensive. New installations should use R410A. Confirm which refrigerant your current system uses before ordering.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship on parts including the compressor and evaporator coil. Labor is typically not included, so repair costs depend on your local service provider. Online registration is required to activate coverage within 30 days of installation.

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