3 Ton 14 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman combo works well for contractors installing budget-conscious systems in moderate climates where 80% AFUE meets code. Best suited for homeowners upgrading from decade-old equipment who want decent efficiency without premium pricing.

Review

Goodman's 3-ton combo system sits squarely in the contractor-grade middle of the HVAC market. At $2705, it undercuts premium brands while offering legitimate efficiency gains over entry-level equipment. This upflow configuration targets basements and closets common in residential retrofits. The SKU LS38343830 unit carries AHRI certification number 204633307, confirming matched component performance. It's the system contractors reach for when customers want perceptible improvement without five-figure investment.

The 14 SEER cooling rating delivers real summer savings. A 3-ton, 36,000 BTU capacity with scroll compressor handles humid climates competently. The 80,000 BTU heating with two-stage burner and 80% AFUE provides moderate winter efficiency, meaning gas bills drop compared to older 70% AFUE furnaces. Variable-speed blower motor cycles air at up to 2000 CFM, avoiding the on-off choppiness of fixed motors. R410A refrigerant and 3/8-inch liquid lines are current standard. This combination peaks for moderate climates, not extreme hot or cold zones.

Pros & Cons

Pros

14 SEER cooling efficiency beats many budget competitors by 2-3 points, translating to roughly 15% lower summer electric costs
80,000 BTU heating capacity with two-stage burner handles most residential loads efficiently without excessive runtime
Variable-speed blower motor with 2000 CFM maximum provides better comfort than fixed-speed alternatives
Compact A-coil footprint (30 x 24.5 x 21 inches) fits tight upflow closets and basements
10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and labor for mid-market peace of mind

Cons

80% AFUE is minimum code in many states, not cutting-edge like 95%+ high-efficiency units
Single-stage condenser means cooling runs at one speed, less adaptive than variable-capacity systems
73 dB noise level runs audible during operation, noticeable in quiet homes or bedrooms
Not Energy Star certified, missing qualification for some utility rebates that favor 16+ SEER units

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed climates (heating and cooling both needed) replacing 15-year-old systems who prioritize reliable performance over cutting-edge efficiency. Contractors installing rental properties or fix-and-flip jobs where ROI matters more than premium features.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in cold-weather climates needing 90%+ AFUE, hot climates seeking variable-capacity cooling, or those expecting Energy Star rebates.

3 Ton 14 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn

$2705

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This upflow unit requires 208/230V single-phase 60Hz electrical service with breaker sized between 18.7 to 30 amps. Metal exhaust flue connection is mandatory. A-coil design stacks vertically, ideal for furnace closets. Technicians need standard lineset tools and nitrogen for evacuation. The 35-pound weight makes solo installation feasible. Suction line insulation thickness of 3/4 inch prevents refrigerant loss during outdoor runs up to 30 feet.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with 10 years coverage when registered online. Coverage includes compressor, furnace heat exchanger, and evaporator coil components. Labor typically falls under separate contractor policies, not manufacturer warranty. Registration is straightforward through Goodman's website with proof of purchase. This duration matches competitor offerings at this price point, providing meaningful protection against early failure.

Specifications

SKU	LS38343830
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	36,000
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R410A
Electrical	208 / 230v 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	73
Weight (in lbs)	35.000000
Feature	Spec
AHRI Certificate Number	204633307
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Metal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	80%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	30"
Width	24.5"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPT Installation Manual CAPT Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® 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.
Energy Star	No
SEER1 (Efficiency)	14
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	3/4"
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	3/4"
Max Breaker Size	30 Amps
Min. Breaker Size	18.7 Amps
Tonnage	3.5 Ton
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 14 SEER enough for summer cooling savings? +

Yes. Compared to 13 SEER baseline units, 14 SEER costs approximately 7-8% less to run annually depending on usage. For a household running cooling 6 months per year, expect $100-150 annual savings on electric bills. It's not variable-capacity efficiency, but measurable and real.

Will this fit my basement furnace closet? +

Likely yes. The 30-inch height, 24.5-inch width, and 21-inch depth fit standard 2x4 framed closets with minimal clearance. Upflow orientation works for basements and crawlspaces. Confirm door opening dimensions and flue exit routing before purchase to avoid surprises.

How does 80% AFUE compare to high-efficiency furnaces? +

80% AFUE converts four-fifths of gas energy to heat, losing one-fifth up the chimney. High-efficiency models reach 95%+, cutting gas waste nearly in half. Over 20 years, premium efficiency adds $3000-5000 in upfront cost but recovers through lower bills in cold climates only.

Can I use this with an existing air handler or must I buy Goodman? +

Component matching matters. While cross-brand combinations occasionally work, AHRI certification specifically validates this Goodman furnace and coil pairing. Mixing brands voids warranties and risks performance penalties. Stick with matched systems unless a professional confirms compatibility.

Does online registration really matter for the 10-year warranty? +

Yes. Without registration, Goodman typically honors only 5 years. Registration requires minimal effort and proof of purchase. Complete it immediately after installation to unlock full coverage protection.

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