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 cooler with 80% gas furnace, horizontal configuration at mid-range pricing

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 Goodman system works well for homeowners in moderate climates seeking solid efficiency gains without premium pricing. The 17 SEER cooler and two-stage components deliver real energy savings, making it especially attractive for those replacing older single-stage equipment.

Review

Goodman's 3 Ton horizontal system represents a practical middle ground in the split AC and furnace market. Priced at $2,142, it targets homeowners wanting measurable efficiency gains over legacy equipment without the premium associated with ultra-high SEER ratings. The combination of a 17 SEER cooler, two-stage components, and Energy Star certification signals genuine performance improvements, though the 80% AFUE furnace reveals this unit's real positioning, value tier rather than premium efficiency class.

Performance specs tell a focused story. The air conditioner delivers 35,000 BTU cooling capacity with a two-stage scroll compressor running at 71 dBA, quiet enough for most residential settings. The furnace produces 80,000 BTU heating output across two burner stages, letting the system modulate rather than cycling on and off constantly. Variable speed blower technology reaches 2000 CFM maximum, and the unit runs on either R410A or R22 refrigerant. These details indicate competent mid-tier engineering rather than leading-edge innovation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 17 SEER1 rating beats the stated 17 SEER marketing claim, with Energy Star certification confirming efficiency
  • Two-stage condenser and two-stage furnace burner reduce cycling losses and improve comfort consistency
  • 80,000 BTU heating output with 80% AFUE handles most residential heating demands adequately
  • Variable speed blower motor adjusts CFM from low to 2000 maximum, reducing energy waste during partial load operation
  • Scroll compressor technology provides quieter operation at 71 dBA and improved reliability compared to reciprocating designs

Cons

  • 80% AFUE furnace efficiency is outdated by today's standards, when 95% AFUE units are increasingly common and often comparable in cost
  • Horizontal configuration limits placement options, restricting attic installations for many homeowners
  • Dual refrigerant compatibility (R410A or R22) creates potential confusion during service and adds technician qualification variables

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners upgrading from 13-14 SEER systems who want measurable efficiency improvements without the premium cost of 20+ SEER units. Those with existing horizontal ductwork or attic constraints where this configuration makes sense will see the best value.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone seeking cutting-edge efficiency or planning to stay in their home 15+ years should explore 95% AFUE furnaces paired with 18-20 SEER coolers instead.

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

Installation

Horizontal configuration requires specific placement, typically in attics or crawlspaces with low vertical clearance. The unit measures 21 inches tall, 21.125 inches wide, and 26 inches deep, with a 50-foot maximum suction line run. Valve sizing is straightforward with 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines, plus 3/4-inch insulation thickness. Technicians should verify metal flue exhaust requirements and electrical capacity of 21.3 to 35 amps at 120V, 1-phase, 60Hz.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year warranty requires online registration with Goodman and covers manufacturing defects comprehensively. This duration matches industry standard for sealed components but trails premium competitors offering 10-year parts plus extended labor coverage. The Evaporator Coil Warranty provides additional protection. Registration is straightforward but mandatory, so document serial numbers immediately upon installation.

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
Height21"
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

How does the 17 SEER1 rating translate to real energy savings? +
A 17 SEER system uses roughly 25-30% less energy than a 13 SEER unit during cooling season. For homeowners replacing equipment from the early 2000s, annual cooling electricity costs typically drop $300-$500 depending on local rates, climate, and usage patterns. Payback occurs within 7-10 years for most installations.
Is horizontal configuration suitable for my attic? +
Yes, if your attic clearance exceeds 21 inches height and ductwork runs horizontally. Verify return air access and exhaust flue venting before purchasing. Horizontal units work well for ranch homes and split-level designs where ductwork already runs above ceilings.
What about the 80% AFUE furnace efficiency? +
Modern 95% AFUE furnaces recover significantly more heat from exhaust, reducing heating costs by 15-20% annually. However, 80% AFUE still beats units from 2005-2010 by comparable margins. This system suits moderate climates where heating loads are moderate, not extreme-cold regions demanding maximum efficiency.
Should I choose R410A or R22 refrigerant? +
R410A is the modern standard and required for new installations in most jurisdictions. R22 compatibility is legacy support only. Always specify R410A during purchase unless your existing system uses R22 and you're replacing just the outdoor unit, which requires careful matching.
What happens if I don't register the warranty online? +
Without registration, warranty claims become difficult and may be denied. Register immediately after installation with your serial number, purchase date, and contractor information. Keep documentation accessible for 10 years in case service is needed.

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