Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

High-efficiency combo system with variable-speed motor and solid SEER ratings

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 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$89
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Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 3-ton Goodman system excels for homeowners upgrading older furnaces and AC units in moderate climates who want Energy Star efficiency without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER2 condenser deliver meaningful utility savings, making it ideal for cost-conscious buyers prioritizing long-term operating expenses.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton horizontal gas furnace and air conditioner system positions itself as a practical mid-range solution for homeowners seeking efficient climate control without luxury-tier pricing. This combination unit pairs a natural gas or propane furnace with a refrigerant condenser in one compact horizontal chassis, designed specifically for basement installations or tight mechanical spaces. At $89 for the condenser unit alone, the system targets budget-aware buyers and contractors managing replacement projects in residential HVAC markets.

Performance metrics reveal genuine efficiency gains. The furnace delivers 100,000 BTU heating output at 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every fuel dollar converts to usable heat. The matching condenser produces 35,000 BTU cooling capacity with an 18 SEER2 rating, which qualifies for Energy Star certification and typically reduces cooling costs by 20-30% versus 14-16 SEER systems. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts fan speed continuously rather than running full blast, preventing energy waste during partial-load periods. Two-stage operation on both heating and cooling maintains more consistent temperatures while minimizing compressor cycling wear.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating fuel consumption significantly compared to 80-90% units
  • 18 SEER2 rating on cooling side qualifies for Energy Star, lowering air conditioning runtime costs
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to actual heating and cooling demands, improving comfort and efficiency
  • Two-stage operation on both furnace and condenser minimizes short-cycling and maintains tighter temperature control
  • Horizontal A-coil configuration suits basement installations where upflow/downflow space is limited
  • Scroll compressor technology provides proven reliability and quieter operation at 71 dB

Cons

  • Product listing shows conflicting tonnage specifications (3 Ton in title, 3.5 Ton in specs), creating confusion at purchase
  • Cooling BTU stated as 35,000 seems undersized for a true 3-ton system, suggesting possible data entry error
  • Requires professional installation for proper refrigerant charge and ductwork matching, adding labor costs beyond the $89 unit price
  • Plastic PVC exhaust flue requirement limits installation flexibility in some older homes with masonry chimneys

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing 15-plus-year-old furnace and AC combinations who value energy efficiency and want to reduce monthly utility bills. This system works particularly well for ranch homes or properties with basement mechanical rooms where horizontal configuration fits existing ductwork.

Consider Alternatives If

Contractors needing larger tonnage systems above 3.5 tons, or buyers in cold climates requiring modulating furnaces for extreme temperature swings should evaluate higher-capacity alternatives.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation demands licensed HVAC technician expertise. The horizontal A-coil configuration requires compatible ductwork layout, proper refrigerant line sizing with 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines, and 3/4-inch insulation thickness on suction lines to prevent condensation sweating. Electrical service requires 115V single-phase 60Hz with breaker capacity between 21.3 and 35 amps. PVC exhaust flue installation is mandatory, complicating retrofits in homes with existing masonry venting.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years of parts coverage when you register the system online after purchase. This registration-based structure means warranty begins only after completion, so keep installation documentation accessible. The 10-year term covers compressor, heat exchanger, and sealed components but typically excludes wear items like capacitors and contactors under separate coverage.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU100,000
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 FeaturesRebate Available
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
Height21"
Width21.125"
Depth26"
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 Number7368844
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationHorizontal
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 title say 3 Ton but specs show 3.5 Ton? +
This appears to be a data entry error from the supplier. The 35,000 BTU cooling output aligns closer to 3 tons than 3.5 tons. Contact the retailer to confirm actual rated tonnage before purchase. AHRI Certificate 7368844 should clarify the manufacturer's official classification.
Can this horizontal unit work in my upflow furnace cabinet? +
No. The horizontal A-coil design requires downflow or horizontal ductwork configuration. Forcing it into vertical applications causes refrigerant and oil circulation problems. Confirm your current ductwork orientation before ordering. Standard upflow systems need vertical coil models instead.
How much will I save monthly on heating and cooling costs? +
Savings depend on your climate and current equipment efficiency. Upgrading from an 80% AFUE furnace saves roughly 16% on heating costs. Moving from 14 SEER to 18 SEER saves approximately 22% on cooling. For a $150 monthly utility bill, expect 18-30 dollar combined monthly savings in moderate climates.
Is this system compatible with my existing natural gas line? +
The furnace accepts both natural gas and propane, so compatibility depends on your current fuel supply. However, you must verify line size capacity with a technician. Two-stage burners at 100,000 BTU require adequate gas pressure and CFM delivery to operate efficiently and safely.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
Covers compressor failure, heat exchanger leaks, and sealed components. Excludes labor, refrigerant, capacitors, blower motors, and ductwork. Registration is mandatory to activate coverage. Check Goodman's detailed terms for specific exclusions affecting your situation.

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