3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system is ideal for homeowners in moderate climates who need both heating and cooling from a single package unit. The 96% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER2 condenser deliver measurable energy savings, making it a smart choice for replacement jobs where horizontal configuration fits existing ductwork.

Review

The Goodman CHPF3743C6 combines a gas furnace and air conditioning condenser into one horizontal package unit rated at 3.5 tons cooling capacity and 80,000 BTU heating output. This system targets the middle market where budget matters but efficiency shouldn't be sacrificed. Goodman's reputation for solid mid-range equipment holds here, offering reliability without premium pricing typical of high-end brands.

Performance specs show a 96% AFUE rating for the furnace side, meaning exceptional fuel utilization during heating season. The condenser achieves 18 SEER2 efficiency, surpassing the advertised 17 SEER claim and indicating strong summer cooling performance. The variable-speed ECM blower motor runs at 1,600 CFM maximum but modulates lower during partial-load operation, reducing noise to 71 dBA and minimizing energy waste on milder days.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency means you recover nearly all heat energy from fuel, lowering winter heating bills significantly
18 SEER2 cooling efficiency outperforms the 17 SEER rating listed, providing strong AC performance for 3-ton applications
Two-stage burner and two-stage compressor allow modulating operation, reducing energy waste during mild weather
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow automatically, improving comfort and reducing runtime noise at 71 dBA
Energy Star certified with 10-year warranty when registered online, protecting your investment

Cons

Price of $89 appears artificially low and likely represents a promotional or incomplete quote missing installation labor and ductwork costs
Horizontal A-coil configuration limits placement flexibility compared to vertical units, requiring careful attic or basement layout planning
Requires both R410A or R22 refrigerant compatibility verification at install time, adding potential cost if system needs evacuation

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing replacement systems in homes with existing horizontal return plenums and homeowners in climates with moderate heating and cooling demands seeking long-term energy savings. This unit works well for homes averaging 2,000 to 3,500 square feet needing balanced year-round performance.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in extreme climates or those needing emergency replacement without time for proper installation should explore faster-delivery options, and anyone unable to accommodate a 26-inch-deep horizontal unit should consider vertical configurations.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn

$89

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Installation

The horizontal A-coil design fits attics or crawlspaces with limited headroom. The unit measures 21 inches tall, 21.125 inches wide, and 26 inches deep, requiring tight clearances for maintenance access. Installation requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power with 21.9 to 35 amp breaker sizing. Plastic PVC exhaust flue is mandatory for the furnace portion, simplifying venting through exterior walls.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides a 10-year parts warranty when registered online within 60 days of installation. This covers compressor, heat exchanger, and control components but excludes labor and wear items. Registration is straightforward through Goodman's website and significantly extends coverage beyond the standard 5-year limited warranty, providing meaningful peace of mind.

Specifications

SKU	CHPF3743C6
Brand/Manufacturer	Goodman
Cooling BTU	35,000
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	71
Weight (in lbs)	63.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	18
Condenser Stages	Two Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	7/8"
Max Breaker Size	35 amps
Min. Breaker Size	21.9 amps
Tonnage	3.5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Height	21"
Width	21.125"
Depth	26"
Resources	CHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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	7368843
Airflow Direction	Downflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Configuration	Horizontal
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Style	A-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 18 SEER2 rating actually mean for my electric bills? +

SEER2 measures cooling efficiency. At 18 SEER2, this unit uses roughly 20 to 25 percent less electricity for cooling than 14 SEER baseline units. Actual savings depend on your local electricity rates and climate. In warm regions, expect $200 to $400 annual savings versus older equipment over a 15-year lifespan.

Can I install this in my attic if space is tight? +

Yes, the horizontal A-coil configuration is designed for attics, but you need at least 26 inches of depth, 21.125 inches of width, and clearance for the return air plenum and ductwork connections. Verify attic framing doesn't interfere. Poor attic ventilation around the unit reduces efficiency, so ensure adequate airflow.

Does this unit use R410A or R22 refrigerant? +

The specs list both options, meaning your installer selects one at purchase. R410A is standard on new systems and more environmentally compliant than R22. Confirm your quote specifies R410A unless you have an existing R22 system requiring compatibility. Mixing refrigerants damages the compressor.

How does this compare to Bryant or Carrier systems at the same tonnage? +

Goodman delivers similar efficiency ratings at lower cost, though Carrier and Bryant offer slightly better warranty terms and quieter operation in some models. For budget-conscious buyers, this Goodman matches performance at 15 to 20 percent less installed cost. Brand reputation differs mainly in regional service availability.

What happens if something breaks after year five? +

After the 10-year registered warranty expires, repairs are out-of-pocket. Many components like capacitors and blower motors cost $200 to $600. Most systems run reliably 15 to 20 years, but unexpected compressor failure after warranty ends means full replacement costs.

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