Review
Goodman's 3-ton split system balances practical efficiency with contractor-friendly installation. This upflow-configured unit pairs a 36,000 BTU air conditioner with a 100,000 BTU furnace, making it suitable for medium-sized homes across mixed climates. The 16 SEER cooling efficiency and 96% AFUE heating rank solidly in today's mid-tier market, offering meaningful savings over base-model equipment without entering premium pricing tiers.
Performance data shows this unit operates at 70.4 dBA, which is reasonable for a two-stage system but louder than variable-capacity alternatives. The scroll compressor handles both R410A and R22 refrigerants, while the multi-speed ECM blower delivers up to 1600 CFM. At 115V single-phase with a 21.8 to 35-amp breaker range, most existing homes accommodate this unit without major electrical upgrades.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 16 SEER rating qualifies for ENERGY STAR, reducing cooling costs by roughly 30% compared to 13 SEER units
- 96% AFUE furnace captures nearly all fuel energy, minimizing heating waste during winter months
- Two-stage compressor and burner modulate output for quieter operation and better comfort control
- Multi-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0 to 1600 CFM, matching seasonal demands
- 10-year parts warranty with online registration provides solid peace of mind protection
- Scroll compressor is proven reliable across thousands of Goodman installations
Cons
- 70.4 dBA noise level is moderately loud during high-capacity cooling cycles, which some homeowners find intrusive
- No variable-speed option for quieter operation at part load like premium inverter systems
- Spec sheet lists both R410A and R22 compatibility, suggesting this may be legacy stock rather than current generation
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in moderate climates seeking reliable 3-ton efficiency without paying for ultra-premium features, and contractors who value Goodman's parts availability and straightforward design. This system makes sense for upflow applications in homes with basements or crawl spaces.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone living in extreme heat climates who needs maximum cooling capacity above 36,000 BTU should look at higher tonnage options, and homeowners prioritizing whisper-quiet operation should compare inverter-drive competitors.
Installation
Installation favors experienced technicians. The upflow/horizontal configuration suits basement and crawl space placement. Dimensions of 30 by 21 by 21 inches with a 46-pound weight make handling manageable. PVC flue venting on the right side requires basic ductwork coordination. Standard sweat-type refrigerant connections and line sizing (3/8-inch liquid, 7/8-inch suction) follow typical industry practice.
Warranty & Reliability
The 10-year parts warranty requires online registration but covers compressor, coil, and motor defects comprehensively. This reflects Goodman's confidence in their scroll compressor design. No labor coverage means homeowners pay service calls beyond parts replacement, which is standard for this price range.
Specifications
| SKU | CAPF4961C6 |
| 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) | 46.000000 |
| 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 | 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
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