Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

Energy Star 17 SEER two-stage system at contractor pricing, solid value for climate zones 4-5

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 17 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$2142
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 3-ton Goodman system works best for contractors and homeowners in moderate climates seeking efficient cooling without premium pricing. The 17 SEER rating and 80% AFUE furnace deliver measurable energy savings, and the horizontal configuration suits attic or crawlspace installations where vertical space is limited.

Review

Goodman's 3-ton horizontal gas furnace and air conditioner system occupies a practical niche for contractors and homeowners dealing with space constraints. This pre-packaged unit combines a scroll compressor condenser with an 80% AFUE two-stage furnace, offering both cooling and heating in a footprint suited to attic or horizontal installation. Priced at $2,142, it positions itself as a no-frills alternative to premium brands while maintaining Energy Star certification.

Cooling performance delivers 35,000 BTU at 17 SEER, which outperforms most standard split systems rated 13-15 SEER and translates to tangible monthly savings in moderate climates. The furnace produces 80,000 BTU heating output at 80% AFUE, handling propane or natural gas. Two-stage operation on both sides reduces short-cycling and noise (71 dB), while the variable-speed blower motor adjusts CFM between near-silent operation and a maximum 2,000 CFM to match actual demand rather than running constantly at full speed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 17 SEER cooling efficiency exceeds the national average of 13 SEER, saving 25-30% on cooling costs vs. baseline units
  • Two-stage compressor and condenser run at lower capacity during mild weather, reducing wear and noise (71 dB rating)
  • Variable-speed blower motor adapts to load demand, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption during partial-load operation
  • 80% AFUE furnace with two-stage burners handles both natural gas and propane, offering fuel flexibility
  • Horizontal configuration is rare in pre-packaged systems, solving installation challenges in tight attic or crawlspace environments

Cons

  • Product listing contains conflicting specs: advertised as 3 ton but datasheet shows 3.5 ton, creating confusion on actual capacity
  • 80% AFUE is solid but not exceptional, falling short of 95%+ AFUE modulating units that cost $400-600 more
  • No variable-stage furnace operation, so heating runs at two discrete settings rather than continuous modulation

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing replacement systems in homes with attic or horizontal ductwork, and homeowners in zones 4-5 who prioritize cooling efficiency and want to avoid oversized equipment. This unit's horizontal design solves real installation headaches many contractors face.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in cold climates (zones 1-3) who need higher AFUE furnace efficiency, or those seeking modulating compressors and variable heating for minimal operating costs.

3 Ton 17 SEER 80% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$2142
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

The horizontal A-coil configuration requires careful placement in attic or crawlspace environments where upflow furnaces won't fit. Connection requires 3/8-inch liquid lines and 7/8-inch suction lines with 3/4-inch insulation; pre-flared sweat connections simplify work. Electrical demand is minimal at 120V, 1-phase 60Hz with a 21.3 to 35-amp breaker. Metal exhaust flue is mandatory for safety compliance.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman includes a standard 10-year manufacturer warranty activated by online registration. Coverage applies to compressor, condenser, furnace heat exchanger, and evaporator coil. Registration is straightforward and typically covers defects in materials and workmanship. Parts replacement is available, though labor costs fall on the homeowner or contractor after the first year in most cases.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
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.
AHRI Certificate Number204633302
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

Why does the product listing say 3 ton but the specs show 3.5 ton? +
This is a documentation error from the supplier. The actual unit is 3.5 ton (42,000 BTU cooling capacity nominal), but online listings occasionally round down. Verify with the AHRI certificate 204633302 before purchasing. Contact the seller for clarification on which capacity you're receiving.
Can this unit be installed in an upflow position or only horizontal? +
The A-coil design and blower configuration support both upflow and horizontal airflow directions. However, this specific package is optimized for horizontal installation. If you need strict upflow, confirm with your HVAC supplier that the furnace cabinet can be oriented vertically without restricting airflow.
How much will this save on energy bills compared to a 13 SEER unit? +
A 17 SEER unit uses approximately 23-30% less energy for cooling than a 13 SEER system. In moderate climates, expect $15-40 monthly savings during cooling season depending on local electricity rates and usage patterns. Over 10 years, total savings typically range $1,800-4,800 on the cooling side alone.
Is this system better than Lennox or Carrier equivalents at this price point? +
Goodman offers competitive efficiency and reliability at lower cost than Lennox or Carrier premium lines. However, Goodman components carry slightly higher failure rates statistically. For identical 17 SEER specs, Lennox costs 20-35% more but includes better customer service and faster parts availability in most regions.
Does the 10-year warranty cover labor costs? +
No. The 10-year warranty covers parts replacement only. Labor for repairs is the homeowner's responsibility unless you purchase an extended service plan separately. Read the fine print after registration to confirm regional coverage terms.

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