3 Ton 15 SEER 97% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman horizontal furnace is ideal for contractors retrofitting attic or basement installations where space is limited and upflow configuration won't work. The 97% AFUE rating and modulating burner deliver real energy savings for homeowners in moderate climates, particularly those switching from older 80% AFUE systems.

Review

The Goodman CHPF3743D6 fills a specific market need, targeting HVAC contractors and homeowners constrained by horizontal installation requirements. At the 3-ton capacity and 97% AFUE rating, this unit positions itself above commodity-grade furnaces while remaining price-conscious. The horizontal A-coil design reflects Goodman's practical engineering approach, solving real-world placement challenges without charging premium prices typical of specialty configurations.

Performance data shows a modulating burner paired with a variable-speed ECM blower motor, combining responsive heating with energy discipline. The unit delivers 120,000 BTU input heating capacity with 97% efficiency, while the 3.5-ton air conditioning side produces 36,000 BTU cooling at 16 SEER1 efficiency. A 2,000 CFM maximum airflow supports proper ductwork sizing, and the 208/230V single-phase requirement keeps electrical upgrades minimal on most residential panels.

Pros & Cons

Pros

97% AFUE efficiency means 3 percentage points better than standard 94% models, translating to roughly $50-80 annual savings for average households
Modulating burner adjusts output in stages, reducing temperature swings and improving comfort compared to single-stage competitors
Variable-speed ECM blower motor runs only as fast as needed, cutting electricity consumption and lowering operating costs
Horizontal configuration solves installation challenges in tight attics or crawlspaces where vertical furnaces won't fit
PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting and reduces installation cost versus metal duct requirements

Cons

Right-side flue location limits placement flexibility in some utility closets or tight mechanical rooms
70.4 dB noise level is slightly louder than premium variable-speed units, noticeable during burner ramp-up
R22 refrigerant option phases out in 2030, making R410A the practical long-term choice for new installations

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors upgrading homes with existing horizontal furnace configurations or installers working in attics where space constraints eliminate upflow options. Homeowners in climate zones 4-7 seeking measurable energy savings without premium-tier pricing will benefit from the 97% AFUE efficiency.

Consider Alternatives If

Budget-conscious buyers who can tolerate 94% AFUE should compare costs, as the 3% efficiency gain may take 8-10 years to recoup in milder climates. Homes requiring downflow or counterflow configurations need a different unit design.

3 Ton 15 SEER 97% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur

$89

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Installation

The horizontal configuration weighs 63 pounds and measures 24.5 inches tall by 21.125 inches wide by 26 inches deep, fitting standard attic or crawlspace openings. PVC exhaust venting simplifies installation compared to metal alternatives. Right-side flue placement requires forethought during layout planning. Technicians need proper refrigerant certification for R410A or R22 service, and electrical connection requires breaker sizing between 21.8 and 35 amps depending on voltage configuration.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year warranty upon online registration, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This matches industry standard for mid-tier equipment and offers reasonable protection for furnace lifespan expectations. Registration is straightforward through Goodman's website and should be completed at installation to activate coverage.

Specifications

SKU	CHPF3743D6
Brand/Manufacturer	Goodman
Cooling BTU	36,000
Heating BTU	120,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	70.4
Weight (in lbs)	63.000000
Feature	Spec
AHRI Certificate Number	7424268
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	97%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Horizontal
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	Yes
Burner Stages	Modulating
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	24.5"
Width	21.125"
Depth	26"
Resources	CHPF Installation Manual CHPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety Information	PROPOSITION 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)	16
Condenser Stages	Two Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	3/4"
Max Breaker Size	35 amps
Min. Breaker Size	21.8 amps
Tonnage	3.5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Style	A-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I actually save on heating costs compared to a 94% AFUE furnace? +

The 97% AFUE delivers approximately 3 percentage points better efficiency. On a $1,200 annual heating bill, this represents roughly $36-50 annual savings. Payback occurs in 8-12 years depending on climate, fuel costs, and runtime. Modulating burners reduce cycling losses, amplifying savings in moderate climates.

Will this horizontal furnace fit in my attic if I have space constraints? +

At 24.5 inches tall and 26 inches deep, it works in tight attics where vertical furnaces won't clear rafters or joists. Measure your actual opening height and verify right-side flue clearance. The 63-pound weight requires adequate support framing. Professional installation assessment is recommended for non-standard spaces.

What's the real difference between 16 SEER1 and 15 SEER rating specifications? +

SEER1 is the newer testing standard reflecting real-world cooling performance more accurately than legacy SEER ratings. At 16 SEER1, this unit delivers reliable summer cooling, though it trails 17-18 SEER1 premium models. Cooling efficiency matters less than heating in moderate climates where furnace runtime dominates annual consumption.

Should I choose R410A or R22 refrigerant for a new installation? +

Select R410A. The EPA phases out R22 production in 2030, making service increasingly expensive and parts scarce. R410A is the current standard, ensuring technician availability and refrigerant supply throughout the equipment's 15-20 year lifespan. Any new installation today should specify R410A.

Does the 10-year warranty cover the air conditioning compressor and coil equally? +

Yes, the 10-year warranty covers the furnace and compressor under the same registration. Goodman's evaporator coil warranty documentation is provided separately, confirming comparable coverage. Register online immediately after installation to activate all warranty protections.

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