Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

97% AFUE furnace with 16 SEER cooling delivers serious efficiency at budget pricing

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 15 SEER 97% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$634
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system makes sense for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors who need dependable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 97% AFUE rating and modulating burner deliver real energy savings, especially in cold climates where furnace runtime dominates utility bills.

Review

Goodman's 3-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system represents the contractor's sweet spot: genuine efficiency gains packaged at accessible pricing. The 97% AFUE rating and Energy Star certification place this unit solidly above entry-level commodity equipment, while the $634 price tag keeps it competitive for budget-conscious renovations. The modulating burner and variable-speed blower address real-world comfort issues that plague stripped-down models, making this a practical choice for homeowners tired of temperature swings.

Performance specs reveal thoughtful engineering. The 120,000 BTU heating output with modulating stages avoids the wasteful cycling of single-stage competitors. Cooling delivers 36,000 BTU at 16 SEER2 efficiency through a scroll compressor with two-stage operation and R410A refrigerant. The ECM blower reaches 2,000 CFM maximum while consuming less power than PSC motors. Electrical requirements fall within standard breaker ranges (21.8 to 35 amps at 208/230V), simplifying retrofit installations without panel upgrades.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 97% AFUE furnace efficiency minimizes heating fuel waste, critical for propane and natural gas applications
  • 16 SEER2 cooling efficiency qualifies for Energy Star certification and most utility rebates
  • Modulating burner adjusts output in stages rather than cycling on/off, reducing temperature swings
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor runs quieter and uses less electricity than fixed-speed alternatives
  • Two-stage compressor and scroll design provide reliable 36,000 BTU cooling for 3-ton applications
  • PVC/plastic flue compatibility eliminates costly chimney modifications on many retrofit jobs

Cons

  • 70.4 dBA noise level runs louder than premium brands, noticeable during compressor operation
  • SEER2 rating of 16 trails high-efficiency competitors at 18-20, limiting rebate potential in some programs
  • 10-year warranty requires online registration, and parts-only coverage leaves labor gaps on older units

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing 10-15 year old systems on tight budgets and contractors installing spec systems in new construction or rental properties. This unit rewards high heating demand climates where 97% AFUE translates to measurable monthly savings.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone seeking cutting-edge efficiency ratings above 18 SEER2, or buyers in low-heating-demand climates where furnace payback periods exceed 10 years.

3 Ton 15 SEER 97% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$634
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Setup favors experienced installers familiar with Goodman's upflow/downflow configuration. The 30 by 24.5 by 21 inch footprint fits most furnace closets, and the right-positioned flue works with existing PVC ducting on many homes. Variable-speed motors require modern thermostat communication, potentially triggering controls upgrades. Refrigerant line sizing (3/8 inch liquid, 7/8 inch suction) follows standard practices, though proper evacuation and charging remain critical for warranty coverage.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with 10 years of coverage upon online registration. The warranty protects against manufacturer defects but excludes labor and accessory components. Registration takes minutes online and ensures claim processing without hassle. This coverage sits midrange for the industry, offering meaningful protection without the extended warranties some premium brands provide.

Specifications

SKUCAPT3743D4
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
Cooling BTU36,000
Heating BTU120,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)70.4
Weight (in lbs)75.000000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7424268
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height30"
Width24.5"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesTwo Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size21.8 amps
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will this furnace reduce my heating bills compared to an older unit? +
A 97% AFUE furnace typically cuts heating energy use by 15-25% versus 80% AFUE equipment from the 1990s. In cold climates, homeowners report $20-40 monthly winter savings. Actual figures depend on your current unit's age, local fuel costs, and home insulation. Most systems pay for themselves in 7-10 years through fuel savings alone.
Does this system require a new thermostat, or does it work with my existing one? +
The variable-speed ECM blower works best with modern smart thermostats or multi-stage controls. Basic single-stage thermostats function but won't optimize efficiency or comfort. Upgrading to a programmable model costs $100-300 and unlocks modulating benefits. Check your current thermostat's wire count before deciding whether replacement makes sense.
What's the difference between SEER and SEER2, and does 16 SEER2 matter? +
SEER2 uses stricter testing standards than legacy SEER ratings, so 16 SEER2 roughly equals 18-19 SEER. This unit qualifies for Energy Star and most utility rebates, though premium brands reach 20+ SEER2. For moderate climates, 16 SEER2 provides meaningful savings. Cold regions see better ROI from heating efficiency than cooling ratings.
How does Goodman compare to Lennox, Carrier, or Trane at this price point? +
Goodman sacrifices brand prestige and slightly lags on noise levels (70.4 dBA) compared to premium competitors. However, Goodman's 97% AFUE and modulating burner deliver similar heating performance at 40% lower cost. For rental properties and budget replacements, Goodman's efficiency-to-price ratio wins. Trane and Carrier shine in premium comfort features, not baseline performance.
Is the 10-year warranty worth the online registration hassle? +
Yes. Registration protects your investment against compressor and heat exchanger failure for a decade. Skip registration and lose coverage entirely. The process takes five minutes online. For a $3,000-5,000 installed system, 10 years of parts protection justifies minimal paperwork.

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