Review
Goodman's 3 ton downflow system represents a practical choice for homeowners balancing budget constraints with efficiency requirements. At $3,136, this unit sits comfortably in the mid-market segment where most contractors and homeowners shop. The combination of 96% AFUE heating efficiency and 16 SEER cooling certification earned Energy Star qualification, indicating measurable performance above baseline standards. The downflow configuration and 30-inch height suit basement installations and tight mechanical spaces common in retrofits.
Heating output reaches 120,000 BTU through a two-stage burner system that modulates fire intensity based on demand, reducing temperature swings and improving comfort. The variable-speed ECM blower operates at up to 2,000 CFM, automatically adjusting airflow to match heating or cooling loads. Cooling capacity delivers 34,800 BTU using R410A refrigerant in a scroll compressor design. This split between heating and cooling emphasizes winter performance, making it well-suited for northern climates where furnace runtime dominates the annual cycle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means superior heating performance and lower winter energy bills compared to 80-90% standard models
- 16 SEER cooling rating with Energy Star certification delivers strong summer efficiency at competitive price point
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor provides better humidity control, quieter operation, and improved comfort versus single-speed alternatives
- Two-stage furnace burner allows modulating heat output for more consistent temperatures and reduced cycling
- Flexible fuel type acceptance, handling both natural gas and propane for broader installation compatibility
- PVC exhaust flue requirement simplifies venting in modern homes and reduces installation costs versus metal ductwork
Cons
- Specs show 5 ton tonnage paired with 3 ton cooling capacity, creating an imbalance that suggests incomplete system specifications or potential oversizing on heating
- Single-stage condenser limits cooling efficiency optimization compared to two-stage or variable-capacity alternatives in mid-tier pricing
- 73.5 dB noise level falls into the louder range, potentially noticeable during operation in quieter homes or bedrooms
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in mixed climates where heating demands equal or exceed cooling needs will find this system particularly valuable. It's also suitable for contractors seeking reliable equipment at accessible pricing with strong heating specifications for retrofits and new construction.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers prioritizing whisper-quiet operation or those in cooling-dominant climates should explore two-stage condenser options, as this system's design emphasizes heating performance over cooling versatility.
Installation
The downflow/horizontal configuration requires adequate clearance below the unit, typically 18 inches minimum for service access. PVC venting simplifies installation and reduces material costs compared to metal flue pipe. The 208/230V single-phase 60Hz electrical requirement needs 18.7 to 30 amp breaker sizing depending on final installation. Technicians should verify local codes, as some jurisdictions restrict plastic vent materials in certain applications.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman provides 10 years coverage with online registration, a solid offering that matches industry standards for mid-tier equipment. Registration is mandatory to activate the full term, meaning unregistered purchases revert to a shorter factory warranty. The Evaporator Coil Warranty extends cooling-side protection. This covers manufacturing defects but excludes maintenance-related failures, so proper filter changes and professional servicing remain the buyer's responsibility.
Specifications
| SKU | LS38783850 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 34,800 |
| Heating BTU | 120,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Electrical | 208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 73.5 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 30.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368845 |
| Airflow Direction | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Energy Star | Yes |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Height | 30" |
| Width | 24.5" |
| Depth | 21" |
| Resources | CAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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 | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Scroll |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 7/8" |
| Max Breaker Size | 30 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 18.7 amps |
| Tonnage | 5 Ton |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.