Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Budget-friendly 3-ton system with solid 96% AFUE efficiency and reasonable cooling performance

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 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$647
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system makes sense for homeowners replacing aging equipment in moderate climates where heating dominates the load. The 96% AFUE furnace efficiency and PVC-compatible design keep installation costs manageable, making it an accessible entry point into modern HVAC without premium pricing.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton upflow gas furnace and air conditioner system represents a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to residential HVAC replacement. At $647, it positions itself as a value-oriented option in a market often dominated by premium-branded equipment at significantly higher price points. Goodman has built its reputation on delivering adequate performance and durability without the marketing overhead of top-tier manufacturers, making this system a practical choice for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors managing replacement cycles.

Performance specs show a 96% AFUE furnace paired with R410A cooling delivering 100,000 BTU heating and 34,800 BTU cooling. The two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower provide efficiency advantages over single-stage competitors, though the SEER1 rating of 16 trails newer units hitting 18-20. The 1600 CFM maximum airflow suits typical 3-ton applications, while 208/230V single-phase electrical keeps installation straightforward. Real-world heating efficiency means roughly 4 cents heating cost per 100,000 BTU input compared to nearly 20 cents with 80% AFUE units.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency significantly reduces winter heating costs compared to 80% single-stage units
  • Two-stage burner adapts to demand, improving comfort and reducing short-cycling
  • Multi-speed ECM blower motor runs efficiently at variable speeds depending on heating and cooling load
  • PVC/plastic exhaust flue requirement simplifies installation in many retrofit applications
  • ENERGY STAR certified, qualifying for utility rebates in many regions
  • Price point of $647 is highly competitive for a complete 3-ton gas/AC system

Cons

  • SEER1 rating of 16 is solid but not exceptional; newer units reach 18-20 range
  • Cooling capacity listed as 34,800 BTU is notably below the 36,000 BTU standard for 3-ton systems, suggesting limited cooling headroom
  • Single-stage condenser means cooling doesn't modulate, running at full capacity until temperature is reached
  • 73.5 dBA noise level is moderate to slightly elevated; quieter models exist at higher price points

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in heating-dominant climates replacing 15-20 year old systems and contractors building cost-conscious replacement packages. This unit delivers measurable efficiency gains over legacy equipment without requiring major ductwork modifications or electrical upgrades in most homes.

Consider Alternatives If

Those in hot climates where cooling is the primary need should look at single-stage or two-stage cooling systems with higher SEER2 ratings, as this unit's cooling capacity and efficiency are modest.

3 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$647
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This upflow configuration installs in attics, basements, or closets where horizontal placement works. The PVC exhaust flue requirement simplifies installation compared to metal vent systems, particularly in retrofit applications. Standard 208/230V single-phase power with 18.7-30 amp breaker requirement fits existing home electrical panels in nearly all residential installations. Multi-speed motor and scroll compressor require proper refrigerant charging, making professional installation advisable despite reasonable complexity.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a 10-year parts warranty upon online registration. This coverage is competitive at this price point, protecting against compressor or heat exchanger failure. Registration is essential, as warranty defaults to 5 years without it. Covers defects in materials and workmanship but excludes labor costs, making service contracts or extended warranties worth considering.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU34,800
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73.5
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Height38.25"
Width29"
Depth29"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Specifications Goodman Installation Manual Goodman Warranty Information Goodman Service Instructions Goodman Kit Instructions Goodman Parts Manual 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.
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
Tonnage3 Ton
StyleA-Coil
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
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the cooling capacity 34,800 BTU instead of the standard 36,000 BTU for 3-ton systems? +
This unit uses a single-stage compressor and condenser, which can slightly reduce peak cooling output. You'll still effectively cool typical 3-ton applications, but homes with extreme cooling demands or poor insulation may experience slower temperature recovery on peak summer days. It's adequate, not overbuilt.
Is this system suitable for my basement installation with a plastic vent? +
Yes. The PVC/plastic exhaust flue requirement makes basement installation simpler than units requiring metal B-vent or power vent. Ensure your ducting plan accommodates upflow orientation and that condensation drainage routes to appropriate floor drains or pump. This is a major installation advantage.
How much will I save on heating costs compared to my old 80% AFUE furnace? +
A 96% AFUE system recovers 16 percentage points more heat, translating to roughly 20% lower heating costs on identical usage. In a region using 100 million BTU annually for heating, that's approximately $200-300 yearly savings depending on fuel rates, paying for efficiency upgrades in 3-4 years.
Does this unit compare favorably to high-end systems from Carrier or Lennox? +
It trades bells for value. Premium brands offer higher SEER2 ratings, variable-stage cooling, quieter operation, and extended warranties. This Goodman delivers measurable efficiency and reliable heating at 40-50% lower cost. Pay for quality only if your climate, home size, or demand requires it.
What happens if I don't register the warranty within the required timeframe? +
Warranty defaults to 5 years instead of 10 years. Registration typically costs nothing and takes minutes online. Don't skip it. The additional 5 years protection is substantial if compressor or heat exchanger issues emerge after year 5.

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