Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 15 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Energy Star 16 SEER2 split system with solid 80% AFUE heating for moderate climates

7.6
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.1
Reliability
7.5
Value
7.3
Installation
8.2
Warranty
7.8
3 Ton 15 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
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// Bottom Line
This 3.5-ton Goodman system works best for contractors building or retrofitting homes in mixed climates where heating and cooling both matter. The 16 SEER2 cooling efficiency and variable-speed blower keep utility bills reasonable, though the 80% AFUE furnace won't impress anyone chasing maximum heating efficiency.

Review

Goodman's 3.5-ton split system occupies the practical middle ground in residential HVAC. At this price point, you're getting an Energy Star-certified unit that delivers respectable cooling performance without the premium cost of modulating compressors or 95% AFUE furnaces. The system ships as an upflow A-coil configuration suited for basement or closet installation. It's the kind of equipment contractors spec regularly for new builds and equipment swaps where budget clarity matters as much as performance.

Cooling output reaches 34,800 BTU (rated at 3.5 tons), and the 16 SEER2 rating confirms efficient operation across full-season conditions. On heating, you get 100,000 BTU from a dual-burner natural gas or propane furnace rated at 80% AFUE. The variable-speed blower motor automatically adjusts airflow between 0 and 2000 CFM, matching demand without wasting energy on full-blast operation. This hybrid approach, where cooling efficiency is strong but heating efficiency is standard-tier, makes sense for mixed climates where neither season dominates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 16 SEER2 rating exceeds the baseline 15 SEER requirement, delivering measurable cooling efficiency gains
  • Variable-speed blower motor with 2000 CFM max capacity provides better humidity control and comfort consistency
  • Two-stage burner allows the furnace to run at 50% capacity during mild heating days, reducing short-cycling and energy waste
  • Two-stage gas burner and scroll compressor are Goodman's proven workhorse components with minimal field failure rates
  • 10-year parts warranty with online registration covers both air conditioning and furnace components

Cons

  • 80% AFUE furnace efficiency lags modern high-efficiency units that reach 95%, costing more to operate long-term in heating-dominant regions
  • Single-stage air conditioning compressor cannot modulate capacity, so cooling runs at full output or off, reducing seasonal efficiency in mild weather
  • 73.5 dB noise level is moderately loud for residential applications, especially during compressor operation on hot days

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners and contractors in transition zones (heating and cooling equally important) who want solid efficiency without premium pricing. This system balances reasonable operating costs with upfront affordability for properties that don't justify high-efficiency equipment investment.

Consider Alternatives If

Cold-climate installers should look toward 95% AFUE furnaces, while hot-climate builders may prefer variable-capacity compressors for better part-load efficiency.

3 Ton 15 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
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Installation

Installation requires a metal exhaust flue for furnace venting and standard refrigerant line sizing with 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction lines. The unit weighs 30 pounds and measures 34.5 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 28.75 inches deep, fitting most standard closet or basement equipment spaces. Electrical demand runs 120V single-phase 60Hz with breaker sizing between 18.7 and 30 amps. No unusual ductwork modifications needed for upflow configuration.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a 10-year parts warranty, activated through online registration. Coverage includes both the air conditioning coil and furnace components, protecting against manufacturing defects. Unlike some competitors, Goodman doesn't separate cooling and heating warranty periods. Registration is simple and required to activate full coverage, so keep documentation accessible.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU34,800
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical120 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73.5
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
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
Height34.5"
Width21"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Installation Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman 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 RequirementMetal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE80%
Blower MotorVariable Speed
Maximum CFM2000
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 16 SEER2 compare to the old 15 SEER rating mentioned in the title? +
SEER2 is the newer testing standard that reflects real-world conditions more accurately than SEER. A 16 SEER2 unit typically performs about 15 percent better than old 15 SEER equipment, translating to lower cooling costs over the summer months, especially in humid climates.
Will this 80% AFUE furnace handle extreme cold climates? +
The 100,000 BTU output handles most residential heating loads, but 80% AFUE means 20 percent of fuel energy is lost up the flue. In Minnesota or Alberta winters, a 95% AFUE unit saves substantially more on heating bills. This furnace suits temperate zones where heating season is moderate.
Can I upgrade just the air conditioning or furnace later if one component fails? +
Yes. The split-system design lets you replace the condenser (outdoor unit) or furnace independently, though refrigerant line compatibility and coil sizing must align. Most contractors prefer keeping matched units for warranty coverage and performance optimization.
What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage compressor operation? +
This system's single-stage compressor runs full capacity when cooling demand exists or shuts off when satisfied. Two-stage designs modulate to 50 percent capacity on mild days, improving seasonal efficiency. Single-stage is simpler, more durable, and less expensive, but uses more electricity during shoulder seasons.
Do I need to register this unit online for the warranty to be valid? +
Yes. Goodman requires online registration within a set period to activate the full 10-year coverage. Without registration, coverage may be limited to shorter terms. Keep the SKU (LS38783850) and purchase documentation handy for the registration process.

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