Review
The Goodman 3-ton downflow system lands in the practical middle ground of the residential HVAC market. At $736, it undercuts premium tier equipment by 30-40 percent while maintaining respectable efficiency metrics. This is the workhorse unit you'll see on job trucks from New England to the Mid-Atlantic, chosen by contractors who've learned that mid-market Goodman equipment delivers acceptable reliability without the cost overhead of top-tier brands.
Performance numbers tell a straightforward story. The furnace achieves 96% AFUE with a two-stage burner system that modulates between high fire for winter peaks and low fire for shoulder seasons, consuming 100,000 BTU at maximum input. Cooling capacity delivers 35,000 BTU via a two-stage scroll compressor rated at 18 SEER2, with R410A refrigerant compatibility. The variable-speed ECM blower motor ramps from idle to 2000 CFM maximum, responding to thermostat demand rather than running constant speed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency exceeds most mid-tier competitors, cutting heating fuel costs by 10-15% versus 80% AFUE units
- 18 SEER2 cooling efficiency qualifies for Energy Star certification and federal tax incentives in qualifying jurisdictions
- Two-stage compressor and burners allow the system to run at partial capacity during mild weather, reducing short-cycling and extending component life
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow dynamically, improving comfort consistency and reducing standby energy waste
- Scroll compressor design is proven durable in residential applications with lower maintenance frequency than rotary designs
Cons
- Spec sheet lists 35,000 cooling BTU but claims 3.5-ton capacity, creating confusion about actual cooling output versus heating rating
- 71 dB noise level runs louder than premium units with acoustic shrouding, potentially noticeable during compressor cycles
- Plastic PVC exhaust requirement limits installation flexibility in some homes with existing metal venting infrastructure
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors stocking replacement systems for mid-range residential jobs and homeowners in zones 4-6 needing dependable dual-fuel capability without premium pricing. This system justifies itself through utility bill reduction within 3-5 years of typical use.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers in extreme climates requiring single-stage simplicity or acoustic performance should evaluate higher-tier units, as should customers unwilling to register for warranty activation.
Installation
Downflow configuration suits homes with basements or crawl spaces where ductwork runs below the unit. Requires 115V single-phase 60Hz service with 21.3 to 35-amp breaker sizing, standard in most residential panels. Plastic PVC exhaust venting is mandatory, which simplifies installation but rules out metal flue retrofits. Liquid line uses 3/8 inch sweat connections while suction line requires 7/8 inch with 3/4 inch insulation over 50 feet of allowable run.
Warranty & Reliability
Ten-year parts coverage applies upon online registration, covering compressor, heat exchanger, coil, and controls. This protects your investment through typical equipment life but requires upfront registration to activate. Goodman's warranty honors labor only on compressor failures during year one, shifting labor costs to you after that window closes.
Specifications
| SKU | LS38783850 |
| Brand/Manufacturer | Online Supply |
| Cooling BTU | 35,000 |
| Heating BTU | 100,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A or R22 |
| Electrical | 115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 71 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 30.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Energy Star | Yes |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 18 |
| Condenser Stages | Two Stage |
| Compressor Type | Scroll |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 3/4" |
| Max Breaker Size | 35 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 21.3 amps |
| Tonnage | 3.5 Ton |
| Valve Type | Sweat |
| Height | 30" |
| Width | 21" |
| Depth | 21" |
| Resources | CAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents. |
| Safety Information | PROPOSITION 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 Number | 7368844 |
| Airflow Direction | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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