Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency Goodman combo system with 96% AFUE and solid cooling performance

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 - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works well for homeowners in mixed climates who prioritize heating efficiency and want a proven, cost-conscious packaged unit. The 96% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER2 air conditioner deliver solid year-round performance without premium pricing.

Review

Goodman's 3-ton packaged system combines a high-efficiency gas furnace with solid-performing air conditioning in one unit. The 80,000 BTU furnace reaches 96% AFUE, putting it in the upper efficiency tier for gas heating. This is a no-frills, straightforward approach from a manufacturer known for building equipment that contractors trust and homeowners can afford. It's the kind of system you see powering countless residential HVAC jobs across the country.

The cooling side delivers 35,000 BTU of capacity with an 18 SEER2 rating, meeting ENERGY STAR standards. Two-stage cooling with a scroll compressor handles both peak summer days and part-load conditions efficiently. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0 to 1600 CFM, improving comfort and reducing unnecessary fan runtime. Running at 71 dB, it's reasonably quiet for a mid-tier system, though not whisper-silent.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace with two-stage burners minimizes fuel waste and heating costs
  • 18 SEER2 cooling efficiency qualifies for ENERGY STAR, reducing summer cooling bills
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor runs quieter and adjusts to actual home needs
  • PVC/plastic exhaust flue reduces installation complexity and material costs
  • Two-stage cooling compressor provides better humidity control and efficiency
  • 10-year warranty with online registration protects your investment

Cons

  • 18 SEER2 is competitive but not top-tier, missing higher seasonal efficiency units
  • 71 dB noise level is noticeable during operation, slightly higher than premium models
  • Specs show tonnage mismatch, listing both 3 ton and 5 ton, creating confusion

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in areas with significant heating demands who want reliable efficiency without bleeding money on premium brands. This is ideal for furnished basements, additions, or homes where an upflow furnace configuration fits the existing layout.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in consistently warm climates or those seeking the absolute highest SEER2 ratings should explore 20+ SEER2 alternatives.

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

The upflow/horizontal configuration works for basements and mechanical closets with appropriate ceiling clearance. The 30-inch height, 21-inch width, and 21-inch depth fit standard equipment spaces. PVC exhaust flue requirements simplify venting compared to metal ductwork. Requires 208/230V single-phase power with 21.9 to 35-amp breaker sizing. Most professional installers complete this job in a standard service call.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year parts warranty applies with free online registration, a common protection level across Goodman's lineup. Coverage protects compressor, heat exchanger, and major components. Registration is quick and takes five minutes through Goodman's website. This warranty length is solid, though some premium brands offer 12-year or lifetime coil coverage.

Specifications

SKUCAPT4961C4
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)71
Weight (in lbs)73.000000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7368835
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarYes
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height30"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)18
Condenser StagesTwo Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size21.9 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 18 SEER2 rating good enough for summer savings? +
Yes, 18 SEER2 meets ENERGY STAR minimums and delivers respectable cooling efficiency. It won't match 22+ SEER2 premium models, but will reduce cooling costs versus older 13-14 SEER equipment. For mixed climates, the efficiency gain justifies the upgrade.
Will this fit my current furnace location? +
At 30 inches tall and 21 inches square, it fits most standard equipment closets and basements. Confirm upflow configuration matches your existing ductwork direction. Have your installer verify flue exit point can reach the right side of your home.
Why does the spec show both 3 ton and 5 ton? +
This appears to be a documentation error. The 35,000 BTU cooling capacity and 80,000 BTU heating confirm a 3-ton cooling unit. Verify with your seller or manual before ordering to ensure you're getting correct capacity for your home.
How does Goodman compare to Carrier or Lennox at this price? +
Goodman trades premium brand reputation for lower cost. Performance is comparable, reliability is proven through millions of units, and warranty is standard. Carrier and Lennox offer slightly higher SEER2 ratings but cost 20-30% more for marginal efficiency gains.
Do I need a professional to install this? +
Yes. Gas furnace installation requires proper venting, electrical work, and refrigerant handling. Professional installation is essential for safety, warranty validity, and code compliance.

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