Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

96% AFUE furnace paired with 17 SEER cooling in one affordable package

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
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman combo system delivers solid efficiency for homeowners replacing aging furnace and AC units without premium pricing. It's ideal for budget-conscious contractors working in mixed climates where both heating and cooling demand serious performance throughout the year.

Review

The Goodman 3 to 5 ton gas furnace and air conditioner combo arrives as a practical mid-market solution for homeowners tired of running separate old equipment. This downflow configuration fits many home layouts, and the 80,000 BTU heating capacity combined with 35,000 BTU cooling makes it capable across heating and cooling seasons. Goodman's reputation as a workhorse brand carries through here, backed by solid spec sheets and straightforward installation design that keeps contractor labor costs reasonable.

Efficiency is this system's strongest suit. The furnace reaches 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every dollar spent on fuel converts to usable heat. The air conditioner delivers 17 SEER2 performance with a two-stage scroll compressor that ramps up only when needed. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts cfm dynamically, reducing noise and energy waste during light-load conditions. These features combine to lower both winter and summer utility bills without requiring premium brand pricing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency captures nearly all fuel value, reducing winter heating costs significantly
  • 17 SEER2 air conditioner with two-stage compressor provides excellent summer cooling efficiency and quiet operation at 71 dB
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts automatically for comfort and efficiency, reaching 1600 CFM maximum
  • Two-stage burner and two-stage compressor minimize cycling and improve temperature consistency
  • Energy Star certified with 10-year warranty when registered online, covering parts and labor
  • Flexible fuel options support both natural gas and propane installations

Cons

  • Some discrepancy in spec sheet (title lists 3 tons, specs show 5 tons), requiring clarification before purchase
  • Limited to plastic or PVC exhaust flue, which may require upgrades in older homes with masonry chimneys
  • 71 dB operation is moderately loud during heating cycles, noticeable in quiet residential settings

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-focused homeowners and contractors replacing complete 3 to 5 ton systems in mixed-climate regions. This works best for those valuing upfront savings while maintaining solid efficiency and reliability over a decade.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone needing whisper-quiet operation or system architectures requiring metal flue piping should evaluate alternatives.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Downflow configuration requires clear vertical space below the unit for proper ductwork. Requires 115V single-phase 60Hz electrical service with 21.9 to 35 amp breaker capacity, standard in most homes. PVC exhaust flue eliminates corrosion issues common with older metal chimneys. Refrigerant lines accept either R410A or R22, depending on coil matching. Most installations complete in one day with experienced HVAC technicians.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman offers a full 10-year parts and labor warranty once registered online through their website. This coverage protects against compressor failure, furnace heat exchanger defects, and component breakdowns. Registration is mandatory, so documentation and proof of purchase should be retained. Coverage does not include refrigerant or routine maintenance.

Specifications

SKUCAPF4961C6
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)46.000000
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"
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 product title say 3 tons but the specs show 5 tons? +
This appears to be a data discrepancy that needs clarification from the retailer before purchase. Tonnage directly affects system sizing, so confirm which capacity you're actually receiving. Contact sales to confirm whether this is 3 tons or 5 tons cooling capacity and verify it matches your home's load calculation.
Can this system work with my existing metal chimney? +
No. This furnace requires plastic or PVC exhaust flue piping only. Metal chimneys cannot be used. If your home has a masonry chimney, you'll need to install separate PVC venting, which adds installation cost and complexity. Budget accordingly if retrofitting an older installation.
How much will this system reduce my heating and cooling bills? +
At 96% AFUE and 17 SEER2, savings depend on your current equipment efficiency and local utility rates. Replacing a 75% AFUE furnace typically saves 20-25% on heating costs. Modern air conditioning at 17 SEER2 versus older 10 SEER units saves 30-40% on cooling. Real savings range from 15-35% annually depending on climate and usage patterns.
How does this compare to higher-end Goodman models or competitor brands? +
This unit offers strong efficiency at an entry-level price point. Premium Goodman models add modulating stages and variable capacity, gaining 2-3 SEER2 points. Competitor brands like Lennox or Carrier charge more upfront but sometimes offer faster warranty claims. For value-conscious buyers, this Goodman system delivers 85-90% of premium performance at 70% of the cost.
Do I need to register this online to get warranty coverage? +
Yes. The 10-year warranty is valid only after registering online with Goodman. Registration is free and takes minutes through their website. Without registration, warranty coverage is voided. Save all documentation and proof of purchase for claim purposes.

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