Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 14 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

Energy Star horizontal furnace-coil combo with modulating heat and variable-speed cooling

7.9
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.4
Reliability
7.6
Value
7.8
Installation
8.2
Warranty
7.9
3 Ton 14 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This 3-ton horizontal system works best for contractors installing replacements in tight attic or basement spaces where upflow configuration won't fit. The 97% AFUE furnace and modulating burner deliver solid heating efficiency, though the air conditioning side (16 SEER2) trails current premium units.

Review

Goodman's horizontal gas furnace-coil system occupies a practical middle ground in the HVAC market. At 3 tons cooling and 80,000 BTU heating capacity, it addresses homeowners and contractors dealing with space constraints where traditional upright configurations fail. The horizontal A-coil design positions this unit as a retrofit solution for attics or cramped basements where every inch matters. Energy Star certification signals compliance with current efficiency baselines, though real-world performance depends on proper installation.

The furnace delivers strong heating performance with a 97% AFUE rating and modulating burner that adjusts flame intensity based on demand, reducing short-cycling and energy waste. The air conditioner side generates 34,800 BTU cooling output at 16 SEER2, which meets but doesn't exceed contemporary standards. The variable-speed ECM blower manages airflow between 400 and 1600 CFM, adapting to load conditions. Electrical requirements of 208-230V single-phase with 18.7-30 amp breaker sizing simplify residential installation in most homes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 97% AFUE furnace with modulating burner stages reduces energy waste during partial-load operation
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts CFM from 400 to 1600 for comfort and efficiency
  • Horizontal A-coil configuration fits tight spaces where traditional upright units won't
  • Energy Star certified and includes 10-year warranty with online registration
  • PVC/plastic flue exhaust compatible with modern venting codes in most jurisdictions

Cons

  • 16 SEER2 cooling efficiency lags behind newer 18-21 SEER2 systems by 15-25% in cooling season costs
  • Single-stage condenser cycles on/off rather than modulating, reducing part-load efficiency compared to variable-capacity competitors
  • No pricing transparency makes value comparison difficult against Lennox, Carrier, or Trane equivalents
  • Scroll compressor inherently louder at 73.5 dBA than some rotary-screw designs

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors replacing failed systems in homes with limited attic or basement headroom, and homeowners in moderate climates where heating dominates cooling loads. The horizontal footprint and high AFUE rating make it ideal for retrofits in older homes or tight mechanical spaces.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in hot climates prioritizing cooling efficiency, or anyone comparing total cost of ownership, should evaluate 18+ SEER2 systems despite higher upfront cost due to 10-15 year payback periods.

3 Ton 14 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
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Installation

Horizontal installation requires securing the unit on a level platform with adequate clearance for service access. The 3/8-inch liquid line and 7/8-inch suction line with 3/4-inch insulation fit standard refrigerant piping. PVC flue venting reduces installation cost compared to metal ductwork. Most contractors complete installation in 4-6 hours on straightforward replacements, though new electrical or ductwork runs extend timelines significantly.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years of coverage when buyers register online after purchase. This extended term covers compressor, coil, and sealed components but typically excludes electrical burnout and refrigerant charge. Registration through the manufacturer's website is mandatory for full protection. Compare this against Lennox and Carrier offerings, which sometimes include parts coverage without registration.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU34,800
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73.5
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
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.
AHRI Certificate Number7424266
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationHorizontal
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height21"
Width21.125"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size30 amps
Min. Breaker Size18.7 amps
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this horizontal coil fit in my existing attic space above a downflow furnace location? +
The unit measures 21 inches tall, 21.125 inches wide, and 26 inches deep, making it compact for tight spaces. Measure your cavity first. Ensure 12 inches clearance above the coil for service access and airflow return paths. Existing ductwork connections may need modification depending on your current configuration.
Can I use this with propane or do I need natural gas? +
The furnace accepts both propane and natural gas through the same fuel line connection. Verify your supply type with your utility before installation. Gas pressure regulators differ slightly between fuel types, so confirm your technician sets the correct burner orifice size during commissioning.
How does 97% AFUE compare to newer 98-98.5% models from competitors? +
The efficiency difference between 97% and 98% translates to roughly 10-15 dollars annually on heating bills in cold climates. Over 15 years, that's 150-225 dollars total savings. Unless heating costs dominate your utility bill, this 1% gap rarely justifies price premiums in moderate climates.
Is 16 SEER2 competitive with modern air conditioning systems? +
16 SEER2 represents solid mid-range cooling efficiency, equivalent to older 14 SEER units. Newer systems offer 18-21 SEER2, reducing cooling costs by 12-25%. If your cooling load exceeds 500 hours yearly, upgrading to higher efficiency saves money over system life despite higher upfront investment.
What happens if I don't register the warranty online? +
Without registration, Goodman typically limits warranty coverage to 5 years instead of 10. Registration is quick and takes minutes through the manufacturer website with your AHRI certificate number and invoice. Proof of purchase required.

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