Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

High-efficiency two-stage system delivers 96% AFUE heating and 16 SEER cooling

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system is ideal for homeowners seeking reliable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with a 16 SEER condenser makes sense for mixed climates where both heating and cooling matter equally.

Review

The Goodman CAPF4961D6 is a workhorse two-stage system that splits the difference between budget equipment and premium brands. At this price point, you're getting legitimate efficiency credentials without the contractor markup typical of name-brand alternatives. This upflow configuration handles most residential installations, and the Energy Star certification signals real performance backing.

The heating side delivers 120,000 BTU across two burner stages, achieving 96% AFUE, which is excellent for gas furnaces. The cooling condenser produces 36,000 BTU with 16 SEER efficiency, meeting today's baseline standards. Two-stage operation means the system runs at partial capacity most of the time, reducing runtime wear and keeping noise manageable. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts CFM output up to 2000 based on load, improving comfort and humidity control compared to fixed-speed alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means minimal wasted fuel and lower heating bills in cold climates
  • 16 SEER cooling rating qualifies for Energy Star, reducing summer energy costs noticeably
  • Two-stage compressor and burner reduce runtime and noise compared to single-stage competitors
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor optimizes airflow and humidity control throughout the year
  • Scroll compressor design is proven durable with fewer moving parts than reciprocal alternatives
  • PVC plastic exhaust flue compatible with most modern home configurations

Cons

  • Tonnage discrepancy in specs, 3 ton in title but 5 ton listed, creates confusion on actual cooling capacity
  • 70.4 dB noise level runs louder than high-end units, noticeable during compressor operation
  • R410A and R22 refrigerant options indicate older product line, R410A becoming phased out

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate to cold climates who run their furnace 5-7 months yearly and want solid efficiency without top-tier pricing. This system rewards longer heating seasons where the 96% AFUE really pays dividends on your utility bill.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in hot climates where cooling dominates should prioritize higher SEER ratings, and those needing ultra-quiet operation should audition the system first due to 70.4 dB output.

3 Ton 16 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires 115V single-phase 60 Hz power with a 21.8 to 35 amp breaker, well within standard home electrical capacity. Line sets use standard 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction sizing. The upflow A-coil fits most standard return-air plenums. Plastic PVC exhaust venting simplifies installation compared to metal ductwork. Proper refrigerant charging and airflow balancing remain critical to performance.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts warranty when you register online after installation. This covers compressor, heat exchanger, and control board failures, which represent 80% of serious issues. Registration typically takes 10 minutes and should be done immediately upon startup. No labor coverage exists, meaning you pay service calls out of pocket.

Specifications

SKUCAPF4961D6
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
Cooling BTU36,000
Heating BTU120,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)70.4
Weight (in lbs)50.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
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
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width24.5"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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.
AHRI Certificate Number7368842
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 3 ton and 5 ton ratings listed in these specs? +
The title claims 3 ton while specs show 5 ton, which is a documentation error from the manufacturer. Verify the actual tonnage with your seller before purchase. The 36,000 BTU cooling output suggests 3 ton capacity, making the 5 ton spec incorrect.
Will this system work with my existing ductwork and thermostat? +
This upflow coil fits standard return plenums. Your existing thermostat needs to support two-stage heating and cooling, or you'll need an upgrade. The 2000 CFM maximum means existing ducts should handle it fine for most homes.
How much can I expect to save on heating costs with 96% AFUE? +
A 96% AFUE furnace wastes only 4% of fuel compared to 80% units wasting 20%. In cold climates, expect 15-20% heating savings compared to older equipment. Savings vary by local gas rates and heating degree days in your region.
How does 16 SEER compare to competitors in this price range? +
16 SEER is solid mid-range performance, meeting Energy Star standards. Budget brands often deliver 13-14 SEER, while premium units hit 18-21 SEER. For most climates, 16 SEER balances operating costs reasonably against equipment expense.
Is the 10-year warranty enough protection for a furnace this price? +
Yes, 10 years covers most compressor and heat exchanger failures. Register online immediately after installation. Standard warranties typically run 5 years, so Goodman's extended coverage adds real value here.

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