3 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system works best for homeowners replacing older equipment who want reliable performance without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER air conditioner deliver solid efficiency gains that will show up on utility bills, especially in moderate climates where both heating and cooling run regularly.

Review

The Goodman CAPF3743C6 represents the company's sweet spot for residential HVAC, combining proven furnace and air conditioning technology in one affordable package. At $736, this upflow configuration targets homeowners and contractors who need reliable equipment without boutique pricing. Goodman's market position is built on consistency rather than innovation, making this system an accessible choice for straightforward replacements in suburban and rural homes.

Performance numbers tell a practical story. The furnace delivers 100,000 BTU heating at 96% AFUE efficiency, capturing nearly all fuel energy as usable heat. The air conditioner produces 36,000 BTU cooling with 16 SEER efficiency and a two-stage scroll compressor for flexible operation. Two-stage burners and a multi-speed ECM blower provide better modulation than basic single-stage models, reducing runtime waste. The 1600 CFM maximum airflow handles the 3.5-ton capacity adequately for most 2000-3000 square foot homes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency means lower heating costs compared to 80-90% models, recovering the premium quickly
16 SEER cooling efficiency is respectable for the price point, qualifying for ENERGY STAR recognition
Two-stage compressor and burners provide smoother operation and better part-load efficiency
Multi-speed ECM blower motor adapts to demand, reducing noise and energy waste
Competitive pricing at $736 makes this accessible for budget-conscious replacements

Cons

3.5-ton actual capacity versus marketed 3-ton can cause oversizing issues in smaller homes
70.4 dB noise level is moderately loud, noticeable when running at full capacity
Requires 21.8 to 35 amp breaker circuit, may need electrical upgrades in older homes

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed-climate regions (heating and cooling both needed) looking for straightforward equipment replacement at reasonable cost. Contractors valuing Goodman's established dealer support and parts availability for mid-range residential projects.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone seeking premium quiet operation or ultra-high efficiency should explore higher SEER models, single-stage systems in mild climates where heating dominates, or homes with tight electrical service.

3 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur

$736

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation is straightforward for experienced technicians. The upflow/downflow configuration works in most attic or basement placements. You'll need 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines for refrigerant, plus standard 115V single-phase power with 21.8 to 35-amp breaker service. PVC or plastic exhaust flue is required for the furnace section. Most experienced HVAC crews will handle this in one day without complications.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman covers this system for 10 years with online registration, extending from the standard 5-year limited warranty. This reasonable coverage reflects the product's mid-market positioning. Registration is simple and provides important protection against manufacturing defects. Most failures occur within the first year, so this warranty duration offers meaningful peace of mind.

Specifications

SKU	CAPF3743C6
Brand/Manufacturer	Goodman
Cooling BTU	36,000
Heating BTU	100,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	70.4
Weight (in lbs)	63.000000
Feature	Spec
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
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.
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Style	A-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really a 3-ton system when the specs say 3.5 tons? +

The CAPF3743C6 is actually rated at 3.5 tons of cooling capacity. Marketing may emphasize 3 tons for compatibility claims, but you're getting the larger unit. Verify this matches your home's load calculations before purchasing to avoid oversizing.

What electrical upgrades might I need? +

The system requires a 21.8 to 35-amp breaker circuit at 115V single-phase 60 Hz. Many older homes have limited service capacity. Have an electrician verify your panel can accommodate this before installation to avoid costly last-minute upgrades.

How much money will I save on energy bills? +

A 96% AFUE furnace versus an 80% unit saves roughly 16% on heating costs. The 16 SEER air conditioner typically reduces cooling costs 20-30% compared to 13 SEER units. Actual savings depend on climate, usage patterns, and local energy rates, but expect 10-15% overall utility reduction.

How does this compare to higher-end Goodman models? +

Premium Goodman units offer higher SEER ratings (18-20), variable-speed compressors, and quieter operation around 65 dB. This model trades those refinements for affordability. For budget-conscious buyers, the difference in real-world comfort is small in moderate climates.

Does the 10-year warranty cover compressor failure? +

Yes, the 10-year registered warranty covers the compressor and most components. However, wear items like capacitors and fan motors may have shorter limits. Review the full warranty document before installation to understand exclusions.

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