Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 17 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

Budget-friendly 3-ton split system with solid efficiency for cost-conscious homeowners

7.4
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
7.8
Reliability
7.2
Value
8.6
Installation
7.9
Warranty
7.5
3 Ton 17 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 3-ton Goodman system delivers respectable cooling and heating at an exceptional price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners replacing aging equipment. It's best suited for moderate climates where 80% AFUE and 17 SEER performance meet expectations without premium pricing.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton horizontal split system represents a practical entry point into two-stage cooling and heating without breaking the budget. At $89 for the condenser unit alone, this package competes directly with builder-grade and rental-property systems. The two-stage compressor and variable-speed blower distinguish it from single-stage models at comparable prices, though it remains positioned as a value product rather than a premium offering.

Performance specs reveal a balanced if unremarkable profile. The 35,000 BTU cooling capacity reaches 17 SEER efficiency with Energy Star validation, suitable for three-ton applications in moderate climates. Heating delivers 100,000 BTU at 80% AFUE through a two-stage burner, handling propane or natural gas. The scroll compressor and dual-stage operation reduce short-cycling, though efficiency trails condensing furnaces by 10-15 percentage points. Electrical requirements stay modest at 120V single-phase with a 21.3 to 35-amp breaker range.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional price at $89 for a complete 3-ton condenser unit with two-stage compressor
  • 17 SEER rating with Energy Star certification provides solid cooling efficiency for the cost
  • 100,000 BTU heating capacity with two-stage burner and 80% AFUE covers most residential needs
  • Two-stage condenser allows variable cooling output, reducing runtime and energy waste
  • Variable-speed blower motor with up to 2000 CFM improves comfort and system responsiveness
  • Sweat connections with 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction lines simplify installation

Cons

  • 80% AFUE is adequate but trails modern 95%+ efficient condensing furnaces by significant margins
  • 17 SEER (not SEER2) rating is good, but competitive units at similar price points now achieve 18+ SEER2
  • Weight of 30 lbs and 26-inch depth can make horizontal installation tight in cramped spaces
  • 10-year warranty requires online registration and is shorter than some competitor offerings
  • 71 dB noise level runs slightly above category average for two-stage units

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners in mild to moderate climates seeking straightforward replacement equipment without premium features. Contractors doing spec-bid work where price competition is tight and customers prioritize upfront cost over long-term efficiency gains.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in high-heating-demand climates should explore 90%+ AFUE furnaces, and homes with limited attic space may struggle with the 26-inch depth in horizontal configuration.

3 Ton 17 SEER 80% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation leans straightforward with standard sweat connections, 3/8-inch liquid line, and 7/8-inch suction line featuring 3/4-inch insulation over 50 feet. The horizontal A-coil configuration works in basements and crawlspaces, though 26-inch depth requires careful planning in tight attics. Metal exhaust flue is mandatory. Most experienced HVAC technicians complete condenser installation in 4-6 hours. Variable-speed blower integration with existing furnaces requires thermostat compatibility verification.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this unit with 10 years parts coverage when registered online at purchase. This matches many competitor baseline warranties but falls short of extended programs some manufacturers offer. Registration is straightforward but mandatory to activate coverage. Real-world claims experience with Goodman equipment runs solid, though warranty service availability varies by regional dealer networks.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical120 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71
Weight (in lbs)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Product FeaturesTwo Stage Condenser
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
Height24.5"
Width21.125"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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.
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementMetal
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE80%
Blower MotorVariable Speed
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationHorizontal
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 17 SEER compare to newer SEER2 ratings I see advertised? +
SEER2 uses stricter testing conditions and typically runs 15-20% lower numerically than SEER. This unit's 17 SEER roughly equals a 14 SEER2 by modern standards, making it mid-range efficient. Newer systems achieve 18+ SEER2, so this is solid but not cutting-edge.
Will this condenser work with my existing 15-year-old furnace? +
Possibly, but compatibility depends on matching tonnage, refrigerant type, and line sizes. This 3-ton unit requires R410A or R22. Verify your furnace is also 3-ton and uses compatible refrigerant. Have a technician confirm electrical integration with your blower before purchasing.
Is 80% AFUE adequate for my heating needs? +
In mild climates with moderate winters, yes. However, northern regions and high-heating-demand homes see payback faster with 90%+ AFUE condensing units despite higher upfront cost. Calculate your annual heating hours and fuel costs to compare long-term value.
How does this Goodman unit stack against Carrier, Lennox, or Rheem models at the same price? +
Direct comparisons are difficult at $89, as most major brands don't sell bare condenser units at this price. Goodman is owned by Daikin and competes on value, not premium features. Quality is solid, but brand-name units typically include better warranty terms and dealer support networks.
What happens to my warranty if I don't register within 30 days? +
You forfeit the 10-year coverage, leaving you with minimal protection. Register immediately upon installation to avoid losing this benefit. Keep documentation for any future claims.

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