3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system works best for contractors installing horizontal setups in attics or crawl spaces where 3-ton cooling meets moderate heating loads. The 96% AFUE furnace and variable-speed blower deliver genuine energy savings at a price point that doesn't sacrifice core performance.

Review

The Goodman CHPF4860D6 horizontal furnace-coil combination represents the brand's sweet spot for residential HVAC contractors seeking reliable performance without premium pricing. At 3225 dollars, this system delivers 120,000 BTU heating and 35,000 BTU cooling in a footprint designed for attic or crawl space installation. It's ENERGY STAR certified, backed by a 10-year warranty with online registration, and carries an AHRI certificate for legitimate equipment matching.

Efficiency numbers here tell the real story. The furnace achieves 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every heating dollar goes to warmth rather than exhaust waste. The air conditioner runs at SEER1 18 (or SEER 17, depending on rating methodology), which outperforms baseline 14 SEER units by roughly 25 percent. The variable-speed ECM blower adjusts airflow between 1200 and 2000 CFM based on demand, reducing electricity consumption during partial-load operation. Two-stage heating and cooling enable modulated output, extending component life.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency exceeds federal minimums by a significant margin, cutting heating costs noticeably
Variable-speed ECM blower motor reduces electricity draw and improves comfort through modulated airflow
ENERGY STAR certified with rebates available, lowering total installed cost further
Two-stage burner and compressor allow low-speed operation, extending equipment life and reducing wear
Compact horizontal configuration (24.5 inches tall) fits tight attic or crawl space installations

Cons

SEER1 listed as 18, but specs mention 17 SEER in title, creating rating confusion
71 dB noise level is moderately loud for residential applications, noticeable when running
5-ton condenser paired with 3-ton furnace creates a sizing mismatch requiring field verification

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing replacement systems in homes with horizontal ductwork who need quick deployment at competitive pricing. Homeowners in mild to moderate climates seeking reliable efficiency without premium pricing.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone requiring a perfectly matched cooling and heating system tonnage, or buyers in extremely cold climates where 120,000 BTU heating output won't meet peak demand.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 120,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur

$3225

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Horizontal orientation requires ducting below the unit rather than above, common in attic or basement locations. PVC exhaust flue accepts plastic venting, standard for 96% AFUE furnaces that cool exhaust gases. Electrical requirements are modest: 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz with a 35-amp maximum breaker. Valve connections use 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines with sweat fittings, requiring basic soldering skills or professional assistance.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman includes a 10-year parts warranty provided you register the unit online after installation. This covers compressor, heat exchanger, and blower components but typically excludes consumables like capacitors and contactors. Ten years is mid-range for residential HVAC, neither cutting-edge nor disappointing. Online registration is straightforward and recommended immediately after startup.

Specifications

SKU	CHPF4860D6
Brand/Manufacturer	Goodman
Cooling BTU	35,000
Heating BTU	120,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	71
Weight (in lbs)	77.000000
Feature	Spec
AHRI Certificate Number	7368845
Airflow Direction	Downflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Horizontal
Energy Star	Yes
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	24.5"
Width	26"
Depth	21.125"
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.
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	5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Style	A-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the title say 17 SEER but specs show SEER1 18? +

SEER2 is the newer rating standard introduced in 2023, typically 15-20 percent lower than legacy SEER. The 18 SEER1 figure likely equals roughly 14-15 SEER2. Check your AHRI certificate 7368845 for the exact rating your refrigerant type receives, since R410A and R22 performance differs.

Will this fit my existing horizontal return air plenum? +

At 24.5 inches tall, 26 inches wide, and 21.125 inches deep, verify your space accommodates these dimensions. Horizontal units need clearance below for ductwork connections. Most standard attic plenums work, but measure carefully before ordering to avoid costly returns.

How much will the 96% AFUE furnace reduce my heating bill compared to an 80% unit? +

A 16-percentage-point efficiency gain translates roughly to 20 percent lower heating costs annually, assuming identical usage. If your old furnace cost 1200 dollars yearly to heat, expect savings near 240 dollars per year, paying back the upgrade in under 3-5 years depending on climate.

Should I be concerned about the 5-ton condenser with a 3-ton furnace? +

Yes, request clarification from the supplier. Tonnage should match between cooling and heating circuits. If this is truly a 5-ton condenser, efficiency suffers and system balance is compromised. Confirm AHRI documentation lists both components together as a verified pair.

Does Goodman offer extended warranty options beyond the standard 10 years? +

Extended warranties vary by installer and regional distributor. Contact your HVAC contractor about add-on plans covering labor or additional years. Goodman's standard 10-year registration warranty is non-negotiable without third-party coverage purchased upfront.

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