Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow

Budget-friendly 3-ton combo hitting 96% AFUE and 18 SEER with solid two-stage efficiency.

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow
Current Price
$736
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system is ideal for homeowners replacing aging equipment on a moderate budget who value heating efficiency over cooling specs. At $736, you're getting legitimate 96% AFUE heating and Energy Star certification, making it a smart choice for cold climates where furnace runtime matters most.

Review

The Goodman CAPF3743C6 represents solid mid-market positioning for combo gas furnace and air conditioning systems. At $736, this downflow unit targets homeowners seeking balanced efficiency without premium pricing. The product ships as a 3.5-ton condenser paired with an 80,000 BTU furnace, covering both heating and cooling in one integrated system. Goodman's reputation for reliability backs the offering, though specs require careful reading to match expectations.

Heating efficiency is the standout here, with a 96% AFUE rating and two-stage burner that adjusts to actual demand. The AC side delivers 18 SEER2 cooling with a scroll compressor and two-stage condenser operating at 71 dB, quiet enough for residential settings. A variable-speed ECM blower motor cycles intelligently, reducing runtime and noise during partial-load conditions. The 115V single-phase 60 Hz electrical requirement fits standard home circuits, though the 35 amp maximum breaker is on the higher end for older panels.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency with dual-stage burner cuts heating costs measurably in winter-heavy climates
  • 18 SEER2 cooling rating exceeds the title spec, offering better-than-advertised AC performance
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to load, improving comfort and reducing energy waste
  • Two-stage compressor on the condenser unit provides quieter operation at 71 dB
  • Energy Star certified with 10-year warranty via online registration, no hidden catches

Cons

  • Title advertises 17 SEER but specs show 18 SEER2, creating minor confusion on marketing accuracy
  • 35 amp breaker requirement means some older electrical panels may need upgrades
  • Cooling capacity of 35,000 BTU matches 3-ton rating but slightly underperforms the 80,000 BTU heating claim proportionally

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in northern regions seeking a furnace-heavy system where heating season matters far more than summer cooling. Budget-conscious contractors doing multi-unit residential replacements will appreciate the 10-year warranty and straightforward two-stage design.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in hot climates prioritizing AC performance over heating, or customers wanting a single-stage simpler system should compare more basic models.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$736
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This downflow configuration suits basements and tight attic spaces where upflow units won't fit. PVC plastic exhaust flue is required, standard for modern furnaces. Refrigerant lines use 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction ports, typical sweat connections requiring soldering skills. Most contractors complete installation in a full day, though electrical upgrades may add cost if your panel lacks adequate capacity.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty activates with free online registration, a consumer-friendly approach. Coverage includes the furnace, condenser, and evaporator coil. This is substantial protection for a budget-tier system. No labor coverage means you pay service calls out-of-pocket, but ten years of parts replacement provides real safety net for mechanical failures.

Specifications

SKUCAPF3743C6
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A or R22
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71
Weight (in lbs)63.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)18
Condenser StagesTwo Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size21.9 amps
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
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.
AHRI Certificate Number7368843
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the title say 17 SEER but specs show 18 SEER2? +
Goodman likely updated the unit or there is a listing error. The AHRI Certificate 7368843 confirms specs, so trust the 18 SEER2 rating. This is actually better cooling efficiency than advertised, a rare positive discrepancy that favors buyers.
Will this fit my basement installation with limited headroom? +
Yes. The downflow 21 inch by 21 inch by 30 inch footprint works in tight spaces. Verify your ductwork accepts downflow discharge and that you have PVC exhaust clearance. Horizontal discharge makes it ideal for slab or basement foundations.
How does 96% AFUE compare to standard furnaces on the market? +
96% AFUE is mid-to-high tier efficiency. Most code-minimum units hit 80-85%, so this furnace recovers 11-16% more heat from fuel. In cold climates, annual heating cost savings offset the slightly higher equipment cost within 3-5 years.
Is this better than a Lennox or Carrier combo system at similar price? +
Goodman competes on value, not brand prestige. Lennox and Carrier often command 15-25% premiums for identical performance. This unit delivers genuine two-stage operation and variable-speed delivery at lower cost, making it the value winner if specs match your needs.
Does online warranty registration actually matter or is it a hassle? +
Registration takes five minutes online and activates the full 10-year coverage. Without it, you get only one year. Keep your receipt and register immediately to avoid losing protection on an expensive component.

Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.