Goodman 3 Ton 13 SEER Central Air Conditioner Condenser - R410A Single Stage Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This unit is best for contractors and homeowners replacing older systems or installing in moderate climates where 13 SEER meets code requirements without premium pricing. It delivers 36,000 BTU of cooling capacity with single-stage reliability that's proven across thousands of residential installations.

Review

The Goodman GSX130361 is a straightforward 3-ton air conditioning condenser built for residential comfort cooling. It occupies a practical middle ground in Goodman's lineup, offering established engineering without premium features. At 1256 dollars, it positions itself as a value option for contractors managing fleet replacements and homeowners replacing end-of-life equipment. This unit has earned trust through widespread deployment across North American HVAC installations.

Performance specs show 36,000 BTU cooling capacity with 13 SEER1 efficiency rating, meeting current minimum standards for most jurisdictions. The reciprocating compressor operates on 208/230V single-phase power with breaker requirements between 19.1 and 30 amps. Suction and liquid valve sizes of 3/4 inch and 3/8 inch respectively handle R410A refrigerant using sweat connections. A 74 dB noise level is typical for single-stage units, acceptable for most residential locations but noticeable during peak summer operation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

13 SEER efficiency rating matches current minimum standards and qualifies for many rebate programs
36,000 BTU capacity properly sized for most 3-ton applications in residential settings
Single-stage reciprocating compressor design is durable and easy for service technicians to diagnose
Compact footprint at 26 inches by 26 inches by 27.5 inches fits standard pad installations
10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage for parts and labor

Cons

74 dB noise level runs louder than two-stage units, may be noticeable in quiet neighborhoods
Not Energy Star certified, eliminating eligibility for premium efficiency rebates
Single-stage operation lacks the part-load efficiency gains of variable-capacity competitors

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors handling routine replacements in suburban markets and homeowners upgrading 10+ year old systems who want reliability over cutting-edge efficiency. This unit fits budget-conscious installations where 13 SEER meets local code and the payback math works.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone seeking Energy Star certification, living in noise-sensitive areas, or needing peak efficiency for long-term cost minimization should explore two-stage alternatives.

Goodman 3 Ton 13 SEER Central Air Conditioner Cond

$1256

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard HVAC tools and procedures for sweat copper connections. The 135-pound unit fits typical concrete pad foundations with its compact 26 by 26 by 27.5-inch profile. Electrical setup demands either 208 or 230V single-phase 60 Hz service with appropriate breaker sizing between 19.1 and 30 amps. Technicians familiar with R410A systems will find this unit straightforward to connect and commission.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this condenser with a 10-year warranty on parts and labor when registered online at purchase. This coverage standard protects against compressor failure, coil defects, and mechanical breakdowns. Online registration is straightforward and extends protection during the critical first decade of operation. Proof of professional installation typically required for full coverage.

Specifications

SKU	GSX130361
Brand/Manufacturer	Goodman
Cooling BTU	36,000
Refrigerant	R410A
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	74
Weight (in lbs)	135.000000
Feature	Spec
Replaces	GSX130362, GSX130363, GSX130365
Energy Star	No
SEER1 (Efficiency)	13
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Reciprocating
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	3/4"
Max Breaker Size	30 amps
Min. Breaker Size	19.1 amps
Tonnage	3 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Height	27.5"
Width	26"
Depth	26"
Resources	Goodman Installation Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Manual Goodman Warranty Information Goodman Brochure Goodman Service Instructions Goodman Kit Instructions Goodman Parts Manual You will need AdobeÂ® AcrobatÂ® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety Information	PROPOSITION 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the actual cooling capacity of this 3-ton unit? +

The GSX130361 delivers 36,000 BTU of cooling per hour, which equals exactly 3 tons of refrigeration capacity. This matches the unit's tonnage designation and handles cooling loads in homes between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet under moderate climate conditions.

Can this condenser work with my existing 208V electrical service? +

Yes, this unit is rated for both 208V and 230V single-phase 60 Hz power. Your existing 208V service will work fine as long as your breaker can handle the 19.1 to 30 amp requirement. Have an electrician confirm your service capacity before installation.

How does 13 SEER efficiency compare to newer systems? +

13 SEER meets current minimum efficiency standards but lags behind newer 16 to 21 SEER units available today. For every 10 degree temperature difference, expect 10 to 15 percent higher energy consumption compared to higher-rated systems. The efficiency gap widens in hot climates where AC runs continuously.

Is this unit quieter than other Goodman condensers? +

At 74 dB, this single-stage unit runs slightly louder than two-stage models at 70 to 72 dB. The noise level is comparable to most standard efficiency condensers. Neighbors should expect audible compressor sound during operation on warm days.

What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +

Goodman covers parts and labor against defects for 10 years when you register online. Coverage includes compressor failure, coil leaks, and component failures. Professional installation is typically required, and registration must occur within 30 days of purchase.

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