Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

High-efficiency Goodman combo system with 96% AFUE and 16 SEER1 at accessible pricing.

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$3136
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for homeowners upgrading older furnaces who want real efficiency gains without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER1 air conditioner make sense for mixed climates where both heating and cooling demand air time.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton horizontal system arrives at $3,136 as a middle-market option that avoids premium-brand pricing while maintaining solid HVAC credentials. Online Supply positions this as a practical upgrade path for contractors and homeowners tired of 80% AFUE furnaces bleeding money. The horizontal A-coil configuration opens installation doors that vertical systems cannot, particularly in retrofits where ceiling space compresses margins. This SKU LS38783850 carries Energy Star certification, which suggests manufacturers validated the efficiency claims against independent standards.

Performance specs tell a genuine efficiency story. The furnace delivers 120,000 BTU heating output at 96% AFUE, meaning only 4,800 BTU escapes as flue loss per cycle. Cooling capacity reaches 34,800 BTU (matching the 3-ton claim closely) with a 16 SEER1 rating that beats baseline 14 SEER equipment by roughly 14 percent. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts CFM delivery up to 2,000, adapting airflow to actual heating or cooling demand rather than running full-blast constantly. At 115V single-phase 60Hz power, it integrates cleanly into standard residential wiring without panel upgrades.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace rating means minimal wasted fuel, saving $200-400 annually on heating versus older systems
  • 16 SEER1 cooling efficiency with variable-speed ECM blower reduces electricity consumption during AC season
  • Two-stage burner and scroll compressor provide quieter, more modulated operation at 73.5 dB
  • Horizontal configuration fits tight attic or crawlspace installations where vertical units fail
  • Energy Star certified with 10-year parts warranty when registered, covering real-world failure scenarios

Cons

  • Single-stage condenser limits part-load efficiency on mild-weather cooling days
  • 3.5-ton capacity oversizes the unit for some average homes, reducing cycling benefits and efficiency
  • 73.5 dB noise level sits above whisper-quiet threshold, noticeable during operation near living spaces

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed climates replacing 15-20 year old systems who value upfront savings and proven Goodman reliability. Contractors needing horizontal-mount solutions for tight spaces and value-conscious customers who skip premium brands.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers prioritizing ultra-quiet operation or those in mild climates where single-stage cooling wastes energy should explore higher-efficiency variable-speed units.

3 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$3136
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Horizontal installation requires clear attic or crawlspace routing with proper ductwork support and condensate drainage sloped away from the unit. Plastic PVC exhaust flue must vent to exterior with correct rise and horizontal runs per Goodman spec sheets. The 30-amp maximum breaker size fits standard residential panels. Pre-installation review of CHPF manuals prevents common mistakes with refrigerant line sizing (3/8 inch liquid, 7/8 inch suction) and evaporator coil compatibility.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman's 10-year parts warranty activates upon online registration, covering compressor failure, motor burnout, and valve problems that typically occur within the first decade. This removes the financial sting of unexpected $800-1,200 repairs. Labor and travel charges fall outside warranty scope, so budget service calls separately. The A-coil design pairs with standard aftermarket evaporator coils, preserving repair flexibility if failures occur post-warranty.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU34,800
Heating BTU120,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 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
Height24.5"
Width21.125"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil 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.
AHRI Certificate Number7368845
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationHorizontal
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this 3.5-ton unit really match a typical 2,500 sq ft home? +
Manual J sizing is essential. Many homes that size need 2.5 to 3 tons, making this unit slightly oversized. Oversizing reduces part-load efficiency and causes short-cycling where the system runs briefly then shuts down, wasting startup energy. Professional load calculation determines if downsizing to 3 tons improves your efficiency profile.
Can I install this myself if I have HVAC experience? +
Possible but risky. EPA Section 608 certification is legally required to handle R410A refrigerant in most states. Improper evacuation or charging voids warranty and causes compressor failure. Hiring a licensed technician costs $500-1,000 but protects your 10-year coverage and ensures proper airflow commissioning.
How much heating cost savings should I expect versus my 15-year-old furnace? +
Older furnaces average 78-82% AFUE. This 96% unit cuts fuel consumption roughly 15-18 percent. Regional natural gas rates vary, but most homeowners save $250-400 annually. Over 15 years, that totals $3,750-6,000 in heating cost reduction, easily offsetting the $3,136 purchase price.
Why is SEER1 listed as 16 when the product title says 15 SEER? +
SEER2 represents newer EPA testing that penalizes part-load efficiency more heavily than legacy SEER ratings. SEER1 (older metric) measures 16, while SEER2 would rate lower. Both metrics apply to this unit depending on whether sellers use legacy or current EPA standards for marketing.
Is the 10-year warranty truly comprehensive? +
Parts coverage is solid, excluding labor, refrigerant, and electrical work. Damage from improper installation or refrigerant overcharging voids coverage. Registration is mandatory. Read the full warranty document before purchase to confirm what components and failure modes your coverage truly includes.

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