Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency dual-fuel system with 97% AFUE and 18 SEER1 rating

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 16 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$89
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Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for homeowners seeking top-tier heating efficiency with respectable cooling performance. The 97% AFUE furnace and modulating burner make it ideal for cold climates where heating costs dominate annual expenses.

Review

The Goodman 3.5-ton system positions itself as a mid-market solution for contractors seeking efficient heating without premium pricing. With a 97% AFUE furnace paired to an 18 SEER1 air conditioner, it targets homeowners balancing upfront cost against long-term energy savings. The modulating burner and variable-speed blower represent meaningful efficiency features that distinguish it from baseline equipment.

Heating performance shines with the 97% AFUE furnace and modulating burner technology that adjusts flame intensity to actual demand. Cooling delivers 35,000 BTU through a two-stage scroll compressor achieving 18 SEER1 efficiency. The ECM variable-speed blower optimizes airflow between 0 and 1200 CFM, reducing parasitic electricity draw. These specifications earn ENERGY STAR certification and qualify for utility rebates in most regions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional 97% AFUE furnace efficiency with modulating burner reduces heating waste and gas bills significantly
  • 18 SEER1 cooling efficiency easily qualifies for ENERGY STAR, earning rebate eligibility at purchase
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to actual heating and cooling demand, cutting runtime and electricity costs
  • Two-stage scroll compressor with 35,000 BTU cooling capacity handles moderate to warm climates effectively
  • A-coil horizontal configuration suits attic or basement installations with flexible upflow mounting options

Cons

  • Cooling capacity rated at 35,000 BTU conflicts with 3-ton nameplate, creating potential sizing confusion
  • Title lists 80,000 BTU heating but actual 3.5-ton tonnage suggests inconsistent marketing specifications
  • 71 dB noise level places it above quieter premium competitors, noticeable during operation cycles

Who Should Buy

Best For

Northern and Midwest homeowners who prioritize winter heating efficiency and can leverage the 97% AFUE rating should target this system. It rewards heavy heating use with rapid payback on the furnace efficiency investment.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in consistently warm climates should skip this, as the heating component offers no advantage and the 35,000 BTU cooling capacity may undersizing needs for hot-weather regions.

3 Ton 16 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard sheet metal connections with 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction line sizing. The horizontal A-coil configuration fits tight spaces with 34.5 inch height and 28.75 inch depth. Plastic or PVC exhaust venting is necessary. Minimum electrical service is 21.3 amps at 115V single-phase, well within residential capability.

Warranty & Reliability

A 10-year parts warranty applies with online registration, protecting against compressor and heat exchanger failures. This duration matches or exceeds many competitor offerings. Registration requirement means activation should occur immediately after installation to avoid coverage lapses.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)18
Condenser StagesTwo Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size21.3 amps
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width17.5"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Installations Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman 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.
ConfigurationUpflow/Horizontal
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number7424265
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the listing show conflicting tonnage and BTU specifications? +
The system is rated 3.5 tons but delivers 35,000 BTU cooling, which equals 2.9 tons of capacity. This appears to be a specification inconsistency from the manufacturer or retailer. Request clarification before purchasing, as true 3-ton cooling capacity would be 36,000 BTU.
Can this unit be installed in an attic with the horizontal orientation? +
Yes. The horizontal A-coil configuration and 34.5 inch height fit standard attic framing. Ensure adequate return airflow space and clearance for the 50-foot suction line insulation. PVC exhaust venting through the roof is straightforward with plastic pipe.
How much annual heating cost savings should I expect from 97% AFUE versus standard equipment? +
A standard 80% AFUE furnace wastes 20 cents per dollar on heating. At 97% AFUE, you lose only 3 cents per dollar. In cold climates with $2000 annual heating costs, expect 400 to 600 dollar annual savings, achieving payback in 3 to 5 years.
How does the 18 SEER1 rating compare to higher-efficiency air conditioners? +
18 SEER1 is solid mid-tier cooling, roughly 35% more efficient than 13 SEER baseline equipment. High-efficiency units reach 22 to 24 SEER1 but cost significantly more. For moderate climates, 18 SEER1 delivers good value without premium pricing.
Does online registration really activate the warranty, or is it optional? +
Registration is required to unlock the full 10-year warranty. Without it, coverage may default to 1 year parts only. Register immediately after installation with Goodman directly using the AHRI certificate number 7424265.

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