Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency dual-fuel system with 96% AFUE and 16 SEER1 for serious homeowners

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
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for homeowners seeking a reliable, energy-efficient combination unit with strong AFUE and SEER ratings. It's particularly suited for retrofit installations where upflow configuration works and contractors value straightforward setup with proven Goodman reliability.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton gas furnace and air conditioner combination addresses a common contractor need: reliable dual-fuel heating and cooling in one system. Listed as 3 tons for cooling but specified as 5 tons in product data, this unit carries a 96% AFUE gas furnace paired with a 16 SEER1 air conditioning section. Goodman's reputation for straightforward manufacturing and parts availability makes this an attractive option for both new installations and retrofits where upflow orientation works with existing ductwork.

Performance metrics tell the efficiency story. The furnace delivers 100,000 BTU heating with two-stage burners, while the air conditioner produces 34,800 BTU cooling at the stated 3-ton capacity. The ECM multi-speed blower accommodates up to 1,600 CFM and adjusts automatically to match load demands, reducing energy waste during light cooling or heating cycles. At 73.5 dB under full load, noise remains acceptable for basement or mechanical room placement. Energy Star certification confirms compliance with EPA efficiency standards.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency translates to roughly $100-150 annual savings versus 80% models in heating-heavy climates
  • 16 SEER1 cooling rating and Energy Star certification deliver measurable summer efficiency gains
  • Two-stage burner and ECM multi-speed blower reduce short cycling and minimize comfort swings
  • Scroll compressor handles R410A or R22 refrigerant, offering retrofit flexibility for existing systems
  • PVC plastic flue compatibility simplifies venting compared to metal duct requirements

Cons

  • 5-ton rating mismatch with stated 3-ton capacity creates specification confusion that buyers must verify before purchase
  • 73.5 dB noise level at full capacity may be noticeable in quieter homes, though typical operation runs lower
  • Single-stage condenser lacks variable-speed efficiency optimization during partial-load conditions

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners in cold-weather regions where furnace efficiency drives utility bills, or those replacing older 80-85% AFUE systems. This unit works best in upflow configurations in basements or crawlspaces where the 30-inch height fits existing clearances.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in mild climates where furnace efficiency gains are minimal, or anyone needing downflow-only installation without reconfiguration options.

3 Ton 15 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
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Installation

Upflow configuration requires vertical ductwork above the unit, standard in basements and crawlspaces. The 30-inch height, 21-inch width, and 21-inch depth fit typical mechanical closets. Plastic PVC flue venting simplifies exterior exhaust routing compared to metal vent systems. Electrical needs include 115V, single-phase 60 Hz service with 18.7-30 amp breaker sizing. A qualified HVAC installer should handle refrigerant lines, evaporator coil integration, and gas line connections.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts and labor warranty with online registration, standard industry coverage for combination systems. This protects against compressor failure, heat exchanger defects, and component malfunctions during the critical first decade. Registration is mandatory, so save your receipt and complete it within 30 days of installation to activate full coverage.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU34,800
Heating BTU100,000
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
Tonnage5 Ton
Height30"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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.
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec sheet show 5-ton tonnage when this is marketed as 3 tons? +
The 5-ton specification likely refers to the condenser unit's rated capacity, while 3-ton reflects cooling output under standard test conditions (95F ambient, 80F indoor). The 34,800 BTU cooling output confirms 3-ton nominal capacity. Verify exact tonnage with your installer before ordering to ensure proper ductwork sizing.
Can this system work in downflow configuration for crawlspace installation? +
The specs indicate upflow/horizontal capability, suggesting flexibility. However, confirm with your installer whether the specific model allows downflow conversion without compromising efficiency or warranty. Some Goodman units require specific coil orientation for optimal performance.
How much can I expect to save on heating costs compared to an 80% AFUE furnace? +
At 96% AFUE versus 80% AFUE, you recover an additional 16 percentage points of fuel energy. In a climate requiring 100,000 BTU annually, this translates to roughly $150-250 annual savings depending on gas rates. Payback occurs within 5-8 years in heating-heavy regions.
Is 16 SEER1 rating better than older SEER2 measurements I've seen? +
SEER1 is the updated EPA testing standard (as of 2023) reflecting real-world performance more accurately than legacy SEER ratings. A 16 SEER1 rating roughly aligns with 18-19 on the older SEER2 scale. This represents mid-tier residential efficiency, not top-tier but solid for most applications.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover, and what's excluded? +
Standard Goodman coverage includes compressor, heat exchanger, and sealed components. Exclusions typically cover installation labor if performed by non-certified technicians, improper refrigerant charging, and damage from external causes. Register online immediately upon installation to activate coverage.

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