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 with 96% AFUE and 18 SEER1 at budget pricing

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 Goodman system is ideal for homeowners replacing older furnaces who want solid efficiency gains without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER1 condenser deliver measurable energy savings, making it a practical choice for moderate climates and mixed heating/cooling needs.

Review

The Goodman 3 Ton horizontal gas furnace and air conditioner system represents a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to home climate control. This combo unit pairs an 80,000 BTU furnace with a 35,000 BTU condenser, both featuring two-stage operation for efficiency gains across heating and cooling seasons. At this price point, the system offers contractors and homeowners a pragmatic alternative to premium brands without sacrificing meaningful performance or reliability.

Performance numbers are genuinely strong here. The furnace delivers 96% AFUE, which means minimal wasted fuel compared to standard 80% units, translating to measurable savings in natural gas or propane bills. The condenser achieves 18 SEER1 efficiency with scroll compressor technology and R410A refrigerant, supported by a variable-speed ECM blower capable of 1,600 CFM. Two-stage operation means the system runs at reduced capacity during mild weather, cutting runtime and energy consumption versus single-stage alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency significantly reduces heating costs versus standard 80% models
  • 18 SEER1 two-stage condenser provides substantial cooling efficiency with variable speed ECM blower
  • Two-stage burner and condenser allow quieter, more efficient operation at part-load conditions
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10 years parts coverage protects major investment
  • 80,000 BTU heating capacity handles 3 ton cooling load appropriately for balanced performance

Cons

  • Price of $89 appears severely undervalued, suggesting this may be a condenser-only unit rather than complete system
  • SEER1 rating of 18 is excellent but not top-tier, trailing premium brands by 2-4 points
  • 71 dB noise level at full capacity may be noticeable in quieter installations

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates replacing aging furnaces want maximum efficiency improvement without spending on premium brands. Contractors building value-oriented systems for price-conscious customers will appreciate the solid SEER1/AFUE specs and lower total cost.

Consider Alternatives If

If you need ultra-quiet operation or live in extreme cold climates requiring consistent high-stage heating, investigate variable-capacity or modulating furnaces instead.

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

Installation

This horizontal A-coil configuration fits standard attic and horizontal installations with minimal ductwork modification. The unit requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power with a 21.3 to 35-amp breaker, making it compatible with most residential panels. Refrigerant lines use 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction sizing, with 3/4 inch insulation thickness for proper condensation control. PVC exhaust flue requirement simplifies venting through sidewalls or roofs.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a lifetime heat exchanger warranty and 10 years of parts coverage upon online registration. The lifetime exchanger protection covers the furnace's most expensive potential failure point. Parts coverage provides substantial reassurance for compressors, blower motors, and electrical components during the critical early years when defects are most likely.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
WarrantyLifetime Heat Exchanger and 10 Years Parts 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
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width21"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Install Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman 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.
ConfigurationUpflow/Horizontal
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number7368835
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will this system actually cost installed? +
The $89 listed price appears to be condenser-only or reflects a wholesale base price. Installed costs with furnace, coil, lines, and labor typically range $4,000 to $7,000 depending on your region and existing ductwork condition. Request quotes from licensed HVAC contractors for accurate pricing.
Does this system require ductwork modifications? +
The horizontal A-coil orientation works with standard upflow and horizontal ducts. If replacing an older system with similar configuration, minimal changes are needed. However, undersized or restrictive ductwork limits the system's ability to deliver its full 1,600 CFM capacity, reducing efficiency.
How much will my heating bills drop with 96% AFUE? +
Upgrading from an 80% AFUE system saves approximately 20% on heating costs. For average homeowners spending $1,200 annually on heating, expect roughly $240 in annual savings. Scroll compressor air conditioning at 18 SEER1 delivers similar cooling savings versus older 13-14 SEER units.
How does 18 SEER1 compare to other brands? +
Eighteen SEER1 ranks solidly in the efficiency middle-ground. Premium brands achieve 20-22 SEER2 ratings, while basic models hit 14-16. This Goodman hits the efficiency sweet spot for most homeowners, balancing operating costs against equipment expense without targeting premium budgets.
What does the lifetime heat exchanger warranty actually cover? +
It covers heat exchanger failure from manufacturing defects and normal wear, requiring online registration within 30 days of installation. This protects against cracks or corrosion that would otherwise cost $800 to $1,200 to replace, making it valuable coverage.

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