Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

97% AFUE furnace with modulating burner and two-stage cooling at contractor pricing

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 - Upflow
Current Price
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for contractors and homeowners in northern climates where heating dominates. The 97% AFUE rating with modulating burners delivers exceptional gas efficiency, while the two-stage cooling handles shoulder seasons well. At this price point, it's difficult to find comparable efficiency ratings.

Review

Goodman's 3-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system represents solid mid-range equipment for contractors stocking common sizes. Priced at $89, this upflow configuration uses a scroll compressor with two-stage condenser support and modulating burner technology. The unit measures 30 inches tall by 21 by 21 inches, fitting standard equipment closets and basement installations. Energy Star certification signals compliance with current efficiency standards, important for homeowners claiming tax credits.

Performance metrics tell the real story here. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU input with 97% AFUE, meaning 97 cents of every dollar spent on gas converts to usable heat, minimal waste up the flue. On cooling, the system produces 35,000 BTU at 16 SEER (or 18 SEER1 by newer standards), running on R410A refrigerant. The variable-speed ECM blower tops out at 1200 CFM while modulating down during milder weather. This staged approach cuts runtime, reducing noise from 71 dBA and extending compressor life.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 97% AFUE with modulating burners reduces gas waste compared to single-stage alternatives, saving 10-15% on heating bills
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor runs quieter at partial load and improves humidity control, dropping decibel levels to 71 dBA
  • Two-stage condenser supports 16 SEER cooling efficiency with R410A refrigerant, meeting modern standards without retrofit
  • Plastic PVC exhaust flue allows installation in tight spaces where metal venting isn't feasible
  • 10-year parts warranty with online registration covers manufacturing defects, standard for this equipment class

Cons

  • 5-ton capacity listed in specs conflicts with 3-ton marketing claim, creating confusion about actual cooling output
  • 71 dBA operating noise is moderate-to-loud during heating cycles, noticeable in open-concept homes
  • Requires 208/230V single-phase power, limiting options in older homes with only 120V circuits

Who Should Buy

Best For

This system fits contractors building in cold climates where heating efficiency drives ROI and homeowners willing to prioritize operational savings over lowest upfront cost. It's ideal for existing homes already wired for 208/230V service.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this if you need cooling as your primary load (sunbelt climates), live in a home with only 120V service, or require whisper-quiet operation in quiet neighborhoods.

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

Installation

Installation requires 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz power, minimum 21.3 amp breaker and maximum 35 amp sizing. Plastic PVC exhaust flue simplifies venting compared to metal alternatives, critical for tight crawlspaces. Sweat-type valve connections use 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines with 3/4-inch insulation thickness. Most HVAC contractors complete installation in 4 to 6 hours on replacement jobs.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this unit with 10 years parts coverage upon online registration, standard industry practice for residential equipment. Labor costs fall on the contractor or homeowner. This warranty applies to manufacturing defects, not installation errors or refrigerant leaks from undersized linesets. Online registration typically takes five minutes and activates coverage immediately.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7424265
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesTwo Stage Condenser
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
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.
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
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the specs sheet list 5 tons when this is marketed as 3 tons? +
A data discrepancy exists in the supplier listing. The 35,000 BTU cooling output confirms 3-ton capacity (12,000 BTU per ton). Verify AHRI Certificate 7424265 before purchasing to confirm actual tonnage and matched component compatibility for your ductwork.
Can this furnace run on propane or only natural gas? +
This Goodman model accepts both propane and natural gas as listed in fuel type specs. Propane requires orifice changes during installation, typically costing $75 to $150 in labor. Verify your local fuel supply availability before ordering.
How much does the 97% AFUE rating actually save compared to 80% AFUE systems? +
On 100,000 BTU annual heating, a 97% system wastes 3,000 BTU while an 80% unit wastes 20,000 BTU. That's 17,000 BTU of extra heat loss per year. Payback depends on gas rates, but expect $200 to $400 annual savings in cold climates.
Is 16 SEER competitive with modern air conditioners? +
16 SEER ranks solidly middle-tier for 2024. Current premium units hit 18 to 24 SEER, but cost 40 to 60 percent more. For moderate cooling demand in northern regions, 16 SEER delivers good efficiency without premium pricing.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover after installation? +
Parts defects including compressor failure, heat exchanger cracks, and motor burnout. Does not cover installation mistakes, improper refrigerant charge, or normal wear. Requires online registration within 30 days of purchase activation.

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