Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 16 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

High-efficiency modulating furnace and 16 SEER cooler built for reliable year-round comfort

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 16 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for homeowners upgrading to high-efficiency heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 97% AFUE furnace paired with a 16 SEER air conditioner delivers measurable energy savings, especially in mixed climates where both heating and cooling see heavy use.

Review

The Goodman 3 Ton system delivers practical efficiency where homeowners need it most: in furnaces and air conditioners that handle both heating and cooling seasons. This upflow A-coil configuration fits standard equipment closets and basements, making it a common choice among contractors and DIY installers. With ENERGY STAR certification, a 97% AFUE furnace, and a 16 SEER cooler, this unit occupies the sweet spot between budget models and premium equipment, offering genuine efficiency gains without luxury pricing.

Performance numbers tell a solid story here. The modulating gas burner delivers 80,000 BTU heating output while maintaining 97% efficiency, meaning nearly all fuel converts to usable heat rather than venting waste. The cooling side produces 34,800 BTU at 16 SEER, using R410A refrigerant and a scroll compressor. Variable-speed ECM blower motor reaches 1600 CFM maximum, allowing the system to match capacity to actual demand rather than cycling on and off constantly. Operating at 73.5 dB is moderate, though noticeable during peak load.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Modulating burner stages reduce energy waste compared to single-stage burners, cutting heating costs by 10-15% in typical use
  • 16 SEER rating delivers solid cooling efficiency with ENERGY STAR certification, meeting modern efficiency standards
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor optimizes airflow at 1600 CFM maximum and reduces runtime energy consumption
  • 97% AFUE furnace efficiency means minimal heat loss up the flue, among the best available in mid-range units
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides genuine peace of mind on both major components

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor in cooling mode means less precise temperature control than two-stage or variable-capacity alternatives
  • 73.5 dB noise level is moderately loud during compressor operation, noticeable in quiet homes or bedrooms near equipment
  • Upflow-only configuration limits placement options for attic installations or non-traditional layouts

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate to cold climates seeking balanced heating and cooling performance at reasonable cost. Contractors installing systems in homes with existing ductwork that supports upflow configuration will appreciate the straightforward installation requirements and AHRI certification backing.

Consider Alternatives If

Budget-conscious buyers wanting absolute lowest price should compare entry-level 14 SEER units, and homes needing horizontal downflow discharge should look at alternative configurations.

3 Ton 16 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
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Installation

Upflow installation requires standard ductwork connections with 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction line sizing. Unit dimensions of 34.5 inches height by 21 inches width by 28.75 inches depth fit most mechanical rooms. Electrically modest at 115V single phase 60Hz with 18.7 to 30 amp breaker range. Exhaust requires plastic or PVC flue venting, adding minimal complexity to most homes.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year warranty coverage applies when you register online with Goodman, protecting against manufacturer defects in compressor and major components. This matches industry standard for mid-tier equipment. Coverage is straightforward without unusual exclusions, though homeowners must complete registration to activate the full term.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU34,800
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
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
Height34.5"
Width21"
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 Number7424266
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will this system reduce my heating and cooling costs? +
The 97% AFUE furnace and 16 SEER cooler typically save 15-25% annually compared to 10-year-old equipment. Actual savings depend on local climate, insulation quality, and usage patterns. In cold climates, heating dominates savings; in warm climates, cooling efficiency matters more.
Will this system fit in my existing furnace closet? +
At 34.5 inches tall, 21 inches wide, and 28.75 inches deep, this unit requires modest clearance. Measure your space carefully. The upflow configuration requires vertical ducting above the unit, so verify ceiling height and ductwork routing before purchase.
What does 16 SEER mean, and is it noticeably better than 14 SEER? +
SEER measures cooling efficiency; 16 SEER is approximately 14% more efficient than 14 SEER. Over a typical cooling season, this translates to roughly $100-200 annual savings depending on climate. Most homeowners notice the difference in utility bills within the first summer.
How does this Goodman compare to Lennox or Carrier systems? +
Goodman offers strong efficiency and reliability at lower price than Lennox or Carrier equivalents. This 97% AFUE and 16 SEER unit delivers comparable performance at 15-25% less cost, though premium brands sometimes include enhanced controls or quieter operation.
Is the 10-year warranty worth the online registration hassle? +
Yes. Online registration takes five minutes and unlocks full warranty coverage. Without it, coverage defaults to five years, making registration worthwhile for any homeowner planning to stay in the home beyond five years.

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