Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency gas furnace and AC combo at an unbeatable price point

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 - Upflow
Current Price
$643
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors seeking reliable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER air conditioner deliver solid efficiency, making it ideal for retrofits or new installations where cost matters.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system represents practical engineering at an attractive price. At $643, this upflow A-coil combo delivers 80,000 BTU heating output paired with 36,000 BTU cooling capacity. The unit targets contractors and homeowners tired of premium markups on standard efficiency equipment. It replaces three previous Goodman models, suggesting solid market acceptance and parts compatibility.

Performance numbers tell a compelling story. The furnace achieves 96% AFUE efficiency with two-stage burners that modulate for comfort and savings. The air conditioner reaches 13 SEER with a single-stage reciprocating compressor and R454B refrigerant. The ECM blower motor varies speed up to 1,200 CFM, improving humidity control and dehumidification. Energy Star certification confirms these aren't inflated claims. Operating noise runs 74 dB, which is noticeable but typical for mid-range equipment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency with two-stage burners for modulated heating and lower gas bills
  • 13 SEER cooling at 3 tons, 36,000 BTU output, with Energy Star certification
  • Two-speed ECM blower motor handles up to 1,200 CFM with improved airflow control
  • R454B refrigerant meets modern environmental standards without retrofit issues
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year unit replacement and parts coverage

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor limits cooling efficiency compared to variable-speed alternatives
  • 74 dB noise level is moderately loud during AC operation, noticeable in quiet homes
  • Reciprocating compressor may require more maintenance than scroll designs over time

Who Should Buy

Best For

This system suits homeowners replacing aging Goodman units (GSX130362, GSX130363, GSX130365) or contractors installing complete systems in mixed climates where heating and cooling both matter. The $643 price point makes it accessible for tight budgets without sacrificing efficiency ratings.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this if you need variable-speed compressor technology, operate in extremely noise-sensitive areas, or demand cutting-edge SEER2 ratings above 14.

3 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$643
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation demands standard skills for upflow configuration. The A-coil design accommodates horizontal and upflow ducts. Connections use 3/8-inch liquid line, 7/8-inch suction line with 3/8-inch insulation thickness, and sweat-type valves requiring basic soldering. Electrical needs 115V single-phase, 60 Hz power with 19.1 to 30-amp breaker sizing. PVC flue exhaust on the right side suits most modern homes.

Warranty & Reliability

Coverage spans a lifetime heat exchanger, 10-year unit replacement, and 10-year parts with online registration. This approach protects against major failures while requiring minimal paperwork. The heat exchanger warranty addresses furnace longevity concerns, while 10-year parts coverage handles component replacements. Registration unlocks full protection, a smart anti-fraud mechanism that matters little for serious installers.

Specifications

SKUACiQ-36-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU36,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
WarrantyLifetime Heat Exchanger, 10 Years Unit Replacement, and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)74
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
ReplacesGSX130362, GSX130363, GSX130365
Energy StarYes
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"
ResourcesGMEC96 Installation Manual GMEC96 Specifications Sheet GMEC96 Owner's Manual GMEC96 Service Manual GMEC96 Replacement Parts Manual GMEC96 Brochure Goodman Furnace 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 - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/8"
Length30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this 96% AFUE furnace compare to 95% models in real-world savings? +
One percentage point translates to roughly 5-10% fuel cost reduction depending on heating season length and thermostat management. In cold climates, a 96,000 BTU furnace running 1,500 hours annually saves 48-96 therms yearly. At $1.50/therm, expect $72-144 annual savings over 95% units, recovering installation premium in 4-6 years.
Can I install this system myself if I have HVAC basics but no certification? +
Not recommended. Gas furnaces require licensed installers in most jurisdictions due to safety codes, venting, and refrigerant handling regulations. The sweat connections and electrical work demand competency. Hire a certified contractor to avoid liability, warranty voidance, and carbon monoxide risks.
What's the performance difference between this 13 SEER and 14+ SEER systems? +
Higher SEER ratings typically use variable-speed compressors costing $200-400 more. This unit's single-stage compressor cycles on-off, consuming slightly more energy but delivering adequate comfort. In moderate climates, the difference becomes marginal. Higher SEER systems excel in extreme heat or when runtime exceeds 2,000 cooling hours annually.
Does this replace specific older Goodman models or just GSX130362, GSX130363, GSX130365? +
It explicitly replaces those three models, meaning identical mounting holes and electrical connections. If your system is a different GSX model, verify compatibility before purchasing. Using correct model swaps eliminates installation headaches and ensures parts availability, which Goodman honors across their standard lineup.
Is the lifetime heat exchanger warranty actually valuable? +
Yes, heat exchanger failure costs $1,200-2,000 to replace, often exceeding system value in older homes. Lifetime coverage provides real security against corrosion or manufacturing defects. Combined with 10-year parts and unit coverage, this warranty rivals competitors while keeping base price low.

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