Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow

High-efficiency two-stage system at an accessible price point for homeowners.

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 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow
Current Price
$3136
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman combo system excels for homeowners upgrading from aging equipment or those needing reliable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER2 condenser deliver strong efficiency, and the two-stage design keeps operating costs reasonable across varied weather conditions.

Review

The Goodman 3 Ton combo system positions itself as the practical choice for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors. At $3,136, it undercuts premium manufacturers while maintaining respectable efficiency credentials. This downflow configuration works well in basements and utility closets common in many homes. Goodman's manufacturing scale keeps costs competitive without sacrificing essential two-stage technology, making it attractive for straightforward replacement installations.

Performance numbers tell the real story here. The furnace achieves 96% AFUE, meaning nearly every BTU of fuel converts to usable heat, translating to measurable savings on gas bills. The condenser hits 18 SEER2, which qualifies for Energy Star status and significantly reduces summer cooling expenses. The scroll compressor with two-stage operation reduces unnecessary short-cycling during mild weather. Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts output from 0 to 2000 CFM, optimizing comfort while avoiding energy waste typical of fixed-speed designs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means lower heating bills, especially valuable in northern climates with extended winters
  • 18 SEER2 rating on the condenser significantly outperforms baseline units and qualifies for Energy Star certification
  • Two-stage compressor and burners reduce cycling and provide better part-load efficiency during mild weather
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor maximizes airflow uniformity and minimizes energy waste
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage for system components
  • 2000 CFM maximum airflow capacity handles larger homes without undersizing concerns

Cons

  • Spec sheet shows conflicting tonnage, listing both 3 ton and 5 ton, which creates confusion about actual capacity
  • Cooling BTU rated at 35,000 appears oversized relative to stated 3-ton positioning in product title
  • 71 dB noise level is louder than quieter premium models, noticeable during operation in quiet neighborhoods

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing systems in new construction or replacement projects where budget discipline matters. Homeowners in moderate to cold climates seeking efficient heating with dependable cooling at under $3,200.

Consider Alternatives If

Those needing ultra-quiet operation or superior noise isolation should explore premium brands. Buyers in extreme heat regions may need larger cooling capacity than this unit provides.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$3136
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard downflow or horizontal positioning in basements or utility closets. PVC exhaust flue is simpler than metal alternatives, reducing material costs. The 115V, 1-phase electrical requirement suits standard household circuits with 21.9 to 35 amp breaker sizing. Weight at 76 pounds is manageable for two technicians. AHRI certification number 7368845 ensures proper matching with compatible coils and indoor units.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty applies when registered online, covering compressor, heat exchanger, and coil defects. This is industry standard for mid-tier equipment and provides confidence for system longevity. Excludes wear items like capacitors and contactors. Registration is straightforward and protects your investment against manufacturing defects during the critical first decade.

Specifications

SKUCAPT4961D4
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU120,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71
Weight (in lbs)76.000000
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
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width24.5"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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 Number7368845
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this unit really provide 120,000 BTU of heating? +
Yes. The two-stage burner produces 120,000 BTU on high fire and modulates down on mild days. This capacity suits homes ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 square feet depending on insulation and climate zone. Proper sizing should always be confirmed by load calculation before installation.
Can I install this myself, or do I need a licensed technician? +
Local codes typically require licensed HVAC technicians for gas furnace and refrigerant work. The installation manual (available as PDF) provides guidance, but refrigerant handling and gas connections demand EPA certification. Improper installation voids warranty and creates safety hazards.
How much will this system reduce my energy bills compared to a 10-year-old unit? +
Older furnaces often operate at 78-80% AFUE, while this hits 96%, roughly a 15-18% heating bill reduction. Cooling improvements depend on the old unit's SEER rating, but upgrading from 10 SEER to 18 SEER2 typically saves 25-30% on AC costs during summer months.
Is there a tonnage discrepancy between the product title and specs? +
The specs list 5-ton tonnage and 35,000 cooling BTU, but the product title states 3 ton. This inconsistency is confusing. Verify the actual capacity with the seller or manufacturer before purchasing to ensure it matches your home's cooling load requirements.
What happens if my system fails after 5 years? +
The 10-year warranty covers parts replacement at no cost for manufacturing defects. Labor costs and service calls are typically not covered. Proper annual maintenance extends reliability and can help avoid failures outside the warranty window.

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