3 Ton 16 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman unit works well for homeowners replacing older systems or upgrading to Energy Star efficiency without premium pricing. The 80% AFUE heating and 16 SEER cooling deliver real energy savings, and at $2,789, it undercuts many competitors while maintaining solid build quality and contractor support.

Review

The Goodman CAPF3743C6 is a competent mid-tier split system that targets the value-conscious segment without cutting corners on core performance. At $2,789, it sits comfortably below premium brands while delivering measurable efficiency gains over 10-year-old equipment. Goodman's established supply chain and contractor relationships mean parts availability is typically strong, and this upflow A-coil configuration fits most standard furnace closets without requiring ductwork modifications.

Cooling capacity reaches 36,000 BTU at 16 SEER with a dual-stage compressor and R410A refrigerant compatibility. Heating delivers 80,000 BTU at 80% AFUE through a two-stage burner and variable-speed blower managing up to 2,000 CFM. The scroll compressor produces 70.4 dB under load, which is acceptable for most installations. Real-world performance on a 3-ton system typically saves 15 to 20 percent on cooling costs versus 13-14 SEER legacy units, though heating savings versus old furnaces often exceed 30 percent when upgrading from 60-65% AFUE equipment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

16 SEER cooling efficiency qualifies for Energy Star certification and delivers measurable utility bill reductions
Dual-stage compressor and two-stage burner optimize runtime across varying load conditions
Variable-speed blower motor improves comfort and reduces runtime noise to 70.4 dB
10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage at this price point
Two-fuel capability handles both natural gas and propane for flexibility in rural or mixed installations

Cons

80% AFUE heating is entry-level, not high-efficiency, so annual fuel costs remain higher than 95%+ systems
Scroll compressor, while reliable, is noisier than rotary designs at maximum capacity
Requires metal flue exhaust, which adds installation cost and rules out some retrofit applications

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates who prioritize reasonable upfront cost over lowest lifetime operating expenses, or contractors stocking affordable equipment for price-sensitive customers. This system makes sense for older home replacements where high-efficiency equipment costs cannot be justified by the payback period.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in cold climates seeking maximum heating efficiency should look at 90%+ AFUE units, and buyers wanting premium cooling performance should consider higher SEER ratings above 18.

3 Ton 16 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn

$2789

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

The 30-inch height, 21-inch width and depth fit standard furnace locations with reasonable clearance. Variable-speed blower requires 208/230V single-phase power with a 21.8 to 35 amp breaker. Metal flue venting is mandatory, adding material and labor cost versus non-condensing models. Sweat connections on 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines demand certified HVAC technician work, not DIY installation. AHRI certificate 204633302 confirms proper matching and rating.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman offers a 10-year parts warranty with online registration, covering compressor and major components but excluding wear items and refrigerant. This is standard coverage at the price point and provides reasonable peace of mind. Proof of professional installation is typically required, so retain documentation from your contractor. Extended warranties are available through dealers but rarely justify the cost on solid-performing equipment.

Specifications

SKU	CAPF3743C6
Brand/Manufacturer	Goodman
Cooling BTU	36,000
Heating BTU	80,000
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	204633302
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Metal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	80%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	30"
Width	21"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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.
Energy Star	Yes
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 this system reduce my energy bills compared to my 15-year-old furnace and AC? +

Heating efficiency jumps from roughly 60-65% AFUE to 80%, cutting fuel costs by 25-30 percent. Cooling at 16 SEER versus typical 10 SEER equipment saves 15-20 percent on cooling expenses. Combined annual savings vary by climate, usage, and local utility rates, but $300 to $600 yearly is realistic for moderate climates.

Will this furnace fit in my existing closet, and do I need new ductwork? +

At 30 inches tall and 21 inches deep, it fits most standard furnace closets. New ductwork is unnecessary if your existing system used the same tonnage, though sealed duct work improves efficiency by 5-10 percent. A contractor should perform a manual J load calculation and duct inspection before installation.

What's the difference between 16 SEER and higher SEER ratings I see advertised? +

SEER measures cooling efficiency, with each point representing roughly 3-5 percent better performance. 16 SEER versus 18 SEER saves 6-10 percent on cooling costs. Premium 20-22 SEER units cost 30-40 percent more; payback periods exceed 12 years in most climates, making 16 SEER the smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers.

How does Goodman compare to Lennox, Carrier, and Trane at this price? +

Goodman delivers equivalent efficiency and reliability at 10-15 percent lower cost. Carrier and Trane command premiums for brand prestige and slightly longer compressor warranties. Lennox occupies a middle ground. Real-world failure rates are comparable across all four; the value advantage goes to Goodman at $2,789 versus $3,200 to $3,500 competitors.

Does the 10-year warranty cover labor and refrigerant? +

The warranty covers parts only, not labor or refrigerant. You pay service call fees and technician time for repairs. Refrigerant leaks require purchasing replacement gas separately. Register online within 30 days of installation to activate full coverage.

Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.