Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency Goodman combo delivers 16 SEER cooling and 96% AFUE heating.

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 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
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// Bottom Line
This system works well for homeowners upgrading from older equipment who want solid efficiency without premium pricing. The 16 SEER rating and 96% AFUE make it competitive for most climates, though the single-stage compressor means higher runtime in extreme conditions.

Review

The Goodman 3 Ton upflow system represents the practical middle ground in residential HVAC equipment. It combines proven furnace and air conditioner technology with solid efficiency ratings that appeal to budget-conscious homeowners and contractors. The 16 SEER cooling and 96% AFUE heating put it in the upper-mid tier without venture into premium pricing. Goodman's reputation for reliability in this tonnage class makes it a safe choice for straightforward residential installations.

Performance-wise, this system delivers 34,800 cooling BTU and 100,000 heating BTU with a variable-speed ECM blower motor capable of 2,000 CFM maximum. The scroll compressor operates efficiently on R410A refrigerant, while the two-stage burner in the furnace adjusts output for better comfort and lower gas consumption. At 73.5 dB, noise levels stay reasonable for residential spaces. The single-stage compressor design means the cooling capacity runs at full output when triggered rather than modulating, which is typical at this price point.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 16 SEER cooling efficiency qualifies for ENERGY STAR, reducing operating costs by 20-30% versus 13 SEER units
  • 96% AFUE furnace with two-stage burners minimizes fuel waste and delivers consistent heat output across 100,000 BTU capacity
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor runs quieter at partial load, producing 73.5 dB at full operation
  • Scroll compressor uses R410A refrigerant for better reliability and lower maintenance needs compared to older designs
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage for both heating and cooling components

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor cycles on-off fully rather than modulating, resulting in longer runtimes during mild weather
  • 5 ton cooling capacity specified in specs conflicts with 3 ton product title, creating potential ordering confusion
  • Requires dedicated 115V, 1-phase electrical service with 30-amp maximum breaker, limiting installation flexibility in some homes

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners in moderate climates looking for a dependable split system that balances efficiency gains with reasonable upfront costs. This fits well for residential replacements where ENERGY STAR qualification matters for rebate eligibility.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone needing variable-capacity cooling for extreme climates should look at dual-stage or inverter models instead, as single-stage operation wastes energy during shoulder seasons.

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

Upflow configuration makes this suitable for basements or utility closets with horizontal return air options. The system requires 115V, single-phase service with a 30-amp maximum breaker, 18.7-amp minimum. Plastic PVC exhaust flue is standard. Liquid and suction line sizes are 3/8 and 7/8 inches respectively, with 50-foot pre-insulated suction line included. Installation complexity is moderate for licensed technicians familiar with split systems.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman covers this system with a full 10-year parts warranty when you register online after purchase. Coverage includes compressor, coil, and furnace components. This is respectable for a mid-range system, though some premium manufacturers offer 12-15 year protection. Registration is mandatory to activate the warranty, so keep your paperwork organized.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU34,800
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73.5
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)16
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size30 amps
Min. Breaker Size18.7 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Height30"
Width21"
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 Number7368836
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
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the real difference between 16 SEER and 13 SEER cooling? +
A 16 SEER unit uses about 18-22% less electricity than 13 SEER for identical cooling output. Over 10 years in a moderate climate, this translates to $400-800 in energy savings depending on local rates and runtime hours.
Can I install this in an attic or crawlspace instead of upflow? +
The specs list upflow and horizontal configurations supported. Downflow and horizontal variants exist in Goodman's lineup, but this specific SKU is certified for upflow. Verify AHRI certificate 7368836 matches your intended installation orientation before ordering.
How does 96% AFUE compare to condensing furnaces at 98%? +
The 2% efficiency gap costs roughly $30-50 annually in gas bills for typical residential use. 96% AFUE still captures significant waste heat but avoids the condensate drainage complexity and higher upfront cost of 98% units.
Should I choose this over a 14 SEER mid-tier model? +
The jump from 14 to 16 SEER reduces cooling costs by approximately 12% annually. If you'll keep the system 8+ years, the energy savings typically exceed the $800-1,200 price premium versus 14 SEER equipment.
Does online registration for the 10-year warranty cost extra? +
No additional cost, but registration is mandatory within a set timeframe after installation. Failure to register voids the warranty, so complete it promptly with your contractor or directly through Goodman's website.

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