3 Ton 16 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system excels for homeowners seeking premium efficiency without premium pricing, particularly in mixed climates where both heating and cooling matter equally. The 97% AFUE furnace paired with a 16 SEER air conditioner delivers measurable energy savings that justify the investment over 10-15 years.

Review

Goodman continues building its reputation for delivering honest value in the mid-tier HVAC market, and this 3 ton downflow system exemplifies that approach. The combination of 97% AFUE heating efficiency and 16 SEER cooling places it squarely in the high-efficiency category without approaching luxury-brand pricing. Online Supply packages this as a complete system solution, making it accessible for both contractor installations and informed homeowner replacements.

Performance numbers tell the real story here. The furnace produces 80,000 BTU of heat at 97% efficiency, meaning nearly all your fuel converts to usable warmth rather than venting away. The cooling side delivers 34,800 BTU (matching true 3 ton capacity) at 16 SEER, and the variable-speed ECM blower adjusts from 0-1,600 CFM depending on demand. This modulating approach in heating and variable blower in cooling work together to reduce short-cycling and maintain temperature stability throughout your home.

Pros & Cons

Pros

97% AFUE heating efficiency with modulating burner stages reduces fuel waste and monthly heating bills significantly
16 SEER cooling rating qualifies for ENERGY STAR certification and available utility rebates that offset purchase cost
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to demand, improving comfort and reducing runtime electricity consumption
Downflow A-coil design simplifies installation in basements and tight spaces common in residential retrofits
10-year warranty with free registration covers parts and labor, providing substantial peace of mind

Cons

Single-stage compressor cannot vary cooling capacity, making the system less efficient during mild weather operation
73.5 dB noise level at full capacity may be noticeable in quiet homes or open-concept living spaces
3 ton cooling capacity mismatches the listed 5 ton tonnage in specs, creating potential confusion for installers

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing 10-15 year old systems who want measurable utility bill reductions without upgrading to premium multi-stage equipment. Contractors installing downflow systems in basements or attics will appreciate the straightforward configuration and readily available parts support.

Consider Alternatives If

Those prioritizing ultra-quiet operation or seeking variable-capacity cooling for maximum efficiency in variable climates should explore two-stage or variable-speed alternatives.

3 Ton 16 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn

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Installation

Downflow configuration means air flows downward through the unit, ideal for basement or attic installation above ductwork. The system uses standard 115V single-phase power at 18.7-30 amp breaker sizing, matching typical residential electrical panels. Refrigerant lines require 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction connections with 3/4-inch insulation, and the plastic exhaust flue vents right-side. Total dimensions of 34.5-inch height by 21-inch width fit most mechanical closets.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman's 10-year parts warranty activates upon online registration, covering component failures at no cost. Labor coverage depends on installer agreements, so confirm whether your contractor honors full 10-year labor or offers shorter periods. This extended timeline reflects manufacturer confidence in the modulating furnace design and scroll compressor reliability.

Specifications

SKU	LS38783850
Brand/Manufacturer	Online Supply
Cooling BTU	34,800
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R410A
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	73.5
Weight (in lbs)	30.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	Yes
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
Height	34.5"
Width	21"
Depth	28.75"
Resources	Goodman Brochure Goodman Installation Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman Warranty You will need AdobeÂ® AcrobatÂ® 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.
Configuration	Downflow/Horizontal
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Style	A-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number	7424271
Airflow Direction	Downflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	97%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Modulating
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec sheet list both 3 ton and 5 ton tonnage? +

The 3 ton rating applies to actual cooling capacity at 34,800 BTU. The 5 ton likely reflects the air handler or condenser alone without matched pairing. For this complete system, use the 3 ton specification for load calculations and equipment sizing. Verify with your contractor that total system capacity matches your home's calculated needs.

Can this system use my existing ductwork from an older unit? +

Possibly, but verify airflow compatibility. This system's 1,600 CFM maximum output and downflow design may differ from your existing setup. Poor ductwork matching wastes the system's efficiency gains. Have a professional perform ductwork testing and balancing after installation to confirm the system reaches design specifications.

How much will I actually save on energy bills compared to a standard 13 SEER system? +

The 16 SEER rating versus 13 SEER represents roughly 23% better cooling efficiency. Add 97% AFUE heating versus typical 80% efficiency, and total annual savings typically reach 15-25% depending on climate and usage patterns. Utility rebates often offset 10-15% of purchase cost, accelerating payback to 5-7 years in most regions.

Is this system better than comparable Lennox or Carrier models at similar price points? +

Goodman competes effectively on efficiency ratings and warranty coverage. Lennox and Carrier often charge more for cosmetics and brand heritage rather than performance differences. For pure BTU delivery at stated SEER and AFUE ratings, this Goodman system performs identically to equivalently-rated competitors while typically costing $500-1,000 less installed.

Does the 10-year warranty include if the compressor fails after year 3? +

Yes, parts are covered for full 10 years from registration. Labor coverage varies by installer and region. Confirm with your HVAC contractor whether they warranty labor for the entire 10-year period or limit it to 1-5 years.

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