Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency two-stage system delivers 96% heating and 18 SEER cooling reliability

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
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system suits homeowners in moderate to cold climates seeking solid efficiency without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER2 air conditioner handle 80,000 BTU heating and 35,000 BTU cooling with proven two-stage reliability.

Review

The Goodman CAPF4961C6 positions itself as a balanced choice in the mid-efficiency furnace-AC market. At under $100, this upflow system packages a 96% AFUE gas furnace with an 18 SEER2 air conditioner, targeting homeowners who want measurable energy savings without flagship pricing. Goodman maintains strong contractor support and parts distribution, making this unit appealing for both replacement and new construction applications across moderate climate zones.

Performance metrics reflect solid efficiency engineering. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU on natural gas or propane with dual-stage burners, while the air conditioner produces 35,000 BTU cooling at 18 SEER2. Two-stage operation means the system runs at part capacity during mild weather, consuming less energy. The variable-speed ECM blower adjusts between 0-1600 CFM, matching airflow to demand. At 71 dB, noise stays reasonable for residential settings, though competitors occasionally measure quieter.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces winter heating bills significantly compared to standard 80-85% units
  • 18 SEER2 rating qualifies for Energy Star and available utility rebates, cutting cooling costs
  • Two-stage compressor and burners allow quiet, efficient part-load operation at 71 dB
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0-1600 CFM for comfort and efficiency
  • Compact 30x21x21 inch footprint fits tight spaces, upflow or downflow configuration options

Cons

  • 5-ton cooling capacity exceeds stated 3-ton product title, creating specification confusion
  • Refrigerant flexibility between R410A and R22 limits optimal factory optimization
  • 71 dB noise level registers louder than high-efficiency competitors during two-stage operation

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing an aging furnace-AC combo in moderate climates who prioritize lower utility bills and don't want to overspend on premium brands. Contractors seeking reliable equipment for mid-range residential retrofits appreciate Goodman's straightforward installation and parts availability.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone requiring ultra-quiet operation or living in very hot climates where the 35,000 BTU cooling capacity may prove insufficient for demanding summer loads.

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

Installation

Installation requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power with 21.9 to 35-amp breaker sizing. The system accepts both R410A and R22 refrigerants, offering flexibility with existing linesets. PVC plastic flue venting with right-side exhaust location suits most upflow closet installations. Valve connections use 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction lines for standard ductwork integration. Contractors appreciate the compact 46-pound weight and straightforward assembly.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years of coverage with free online registration, protecting compressor and components against manufacturing defects. This covers parts only, not labor or service calls. The evaporator coil carries separate warranty protection. Ten-year terms rank mid-market for the category. Registration activates coverage, so homeowners should complete paperwork immediately upon installation to avoid claims disputes.

Specifications

SKUCAPF4961C6
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
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)46.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
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
Height30"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the product title say 3-ton but specs show 5-ton capacity? +
This appears to be a SKU discrepancy from the manufacturer. The actual unit is 5-ton cooling (35,000 BTU). Verify tonnage with your contractor or the AHRI certificate 7368835 before ordering. Always confirm airflow requirements match your ductwork capacity.
Will this furnace work with my existing air conditioner? +
Not directly without careful matching. Furnace and AC must be compatible models within the same efficiency tier for optimal performance. Mixing old and new equipment often voids warranties. Consult the AHRI certificate or your HVAC contractor for approved pairings in your climate zone.
How much can I save annually with 96% AFUE versus my old 82% furnace? +
Roughly 14% on heating costs if usage patterns remain similar. On an $1,200 annual heating bill, expect savings near $170 yearly. Results vary by climate, fuel prices, and insulation. Payback typically occurs within 5-7 years on furnace-only replacements in cold regions.
Is 18 SEER2 good for the cooling season cost? +
Yes, 18 SEER2 qualifies as Energy Star certified and qualifies for many utility rebates. It outperforms standard 14-16 SEER units by 15-25% on cooling bills. However, premium brands reach 20-22 SEER2 at higher price points if maximum efficiency matters most.
Do I need to register the warranty immediately? +
Yes, the 10-year warranty requires online registration. Register promptly after installation. Without registration, coverage defaults to a shorter period. Keep documentation and AHRI papers for any future claims.

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