Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency two-stage system at an aggressive price point for budget-conscious upgrades

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 - Horizontal
Current Price
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This is an excellent choice for homeowners replacing older single-stage systems who want measurable energy savings without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with an 18 SEER2 condenser delivers genuine efficiency gains that justify the investment, particularly in mixed climates where both heating and cooling run regularly.

Review

This Goodman gas furnace and air conditioner system positions itself as an efficiency-forward option in an increasingly competitive mid-market segment. At $89, the price point is notably aggressive for a dual-stage system carrying Energy Star certification. The combination of 96% AFUE heating efficiency and 18 SEER2 cooling performance suggests Goodman and Online Supply are targeting cost-conscious buyers who understand that higher efficiency upfront offsets higher monthly energy expenses.

The system delivers 80,000 BTU of heating output paired with 35,000 BTU of cooling capacity through a two-stage scroll compressor condenser. Electrical requirements are straightforward at 115V single-phase 60 Hz, with breaker sizing between 21.3 and 35 amps. The variable-speed ECM blower modulates between 0 and 1600 CFM maximum, which enables part-load efficiency during mild weather. Two-stage burner operation on the furnace side further refines efficiency by avoiding the waste of full-fire operation during partial heating demand.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means approximately 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to usable heat, significantly outpacing 80% units still common in older homes
  • 18 SEER2 cooling efficiency represents top-tier performance for residential condensers, translating to lower summer electric bills
  • Two-stage burner and two-stage compressor modulate output based on demand, reducing short-cycling and improving comfort consistency
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0 to 1600 CFM, reducing energy waste compared to single-speed alternatives
  • Horizontal A-coil configuration fits tight attic and basement spaces where vertical units won't fit, expanding installation possibilities

Cons

  • Product listing shows conflicting tonnage (title states 3 ton, specs show 5 ton) and cooling capacity mismatch (35,000 BTU contradicts typical 5-ton specs), creating confusion about actual system size
  • 71 decibel noise level is moderately loud, comparable to busy traffic, which may be noticeable in quieter neighborhoods during peak operation
  • Requires R410A or R22 refrigerant compatibility check with existing ductwork and components, adding potential retrofit costs

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners replacing 15+ year old systems in homes with 3,000 to 4,000 square feet who prioritize lower utility bills and can handle horizontal installation constraints. This system works best in mixed climates where both heating and cooling see regular use throughout the year.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers needing a compact vertical unit for crawlspace installation or those with existing R22-only systems seeking a direct replacement should explore alternatives.

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

Installation

Installation requires PVC or plastic exhaust flue materials, which are standard in modern homes but add cost if converting from metal flu. The horizontal A-coil design needs careful placement in attic or basement spaces. Suction and liquid lines measure 7/8 inch and 3/8 inch respectively, with 3/4 inch insulation thickness on the suction line. Right-side flue location limits placement flexibility. A licensed HVAC technician is essential for proper refrigerant charging and ductwork balancing.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty requires online registration and provides solid coverage for compressor, coil, and heat exchanger defects. This is industry-standard protection but does not include labor, which represents 50 to 60 percent of replacement costs. Registration must occur within 30 days of installation to activate coverage. Extended warranties are sometimes available through the installer.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
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)30.000000
FeatureSpec
Product FeaturesTwo Stage Condenser
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)18
Condenser StagesTwo Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size21.3 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height24.5"
Width26"
Depth21.125"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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 Number7368835
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationHorizontal
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the product listing show both 3 ton and 5 ton ratings with 35,000 BTU cooling? +
This appears to be a data entry error on the listing. A true 5-ton system delivers approximately 60,000 BTU cooling, while 3-ton systems produce around 36,000 BTU. The 35,000 BTU figure suggests a 3-ton unit. Contact Online Supply directly to confirm actual tonnage before ordering, as this directly impacts system sizing for your home.
Can this horizontal unit fit in my standard attic between joists? +
The unit measures 26 inches wide by 21.125 inches deep by 24.5 inches tall. Most modern attic framing accommodates this size, but verify your joist spacing (typically 16 or 24 inches on center) and roof slope clearance. The horizontal orientation helps, but you need at least 30 inches of height with insulation clearance for airflow.
How much can I save on heating bills with 96% AFUE versus my current 80% furnace? +
A 96% furnace converts 16 percentage points more energy into heat than an 80% unit. On a $1,200 annual heating bill, the 96% furnace saves approximately $200 yearly, ignoring inflation. This advantage compounds annually, typically recovering the equipment premium within 5 to 8 years in colder climates.
Is 18 SEER2 better than the SEER1 ratings I see on older units? +
SEER2 uses updated testing standards that reflect real-world conditions more accurately than SEER1, making direct comparisons difficult. An 18 SEER2 unit is roughly equivalent to a 22 SEER1 rating. This represents excellent efficiency for residential cooling, typically in the top 15 percent of available condensers.
Does online registration affect warranty coverage if I skip it? +
Yes. The 10-year warranty requires online registration within 30 days of installation. Without registration, coverage defaults to a shorter factory warranty, typically 5 years. Register immediately after installation to activate full protection.

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