Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency two-stage system with 96% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER2 cooling.

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 - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system delivers exceptional heating efficiency at 96% AFUE and modern cooling capability at 18 SEER2, making it ideal for homeowners replacing aging equipment or upgrading to variable-speed comfort. Best suited for mixed climates where both heating and cooling matter, with particularly strong value for those qualifying for rebates.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton two-stage system represents a solid midrange option in the residential HVAC market. Combining a 100,000 BTU furnace with 35,000 BTU cooling capacity, this upflow configuration fits most standard residential installations. The unit qualifies as ENERGY STAR certified, signaling manufacturers' confidence in its efficiency credentials. Online Supply's rebate availability further improves its competitive positioning, particularly for cost-conscious homeowners upgrading from 15-year-old equipment.

Efficiency numbers tell the real story. The furnace delivers 96% AFUE, meaning only 4% of fuel energy escapes as waste, a substantial improvement over the 80 to 88% typical of equipment from the early 2010s. The outdoor unit achieves 18 SEER2 cooling efficiency, positioning it above standard 14 SEER equipment. Two-stage operation on both heating and cooling sides allows the system to run at partial capacity during mild weather, cutting runtime noise to a whisper and reducing cycling losses that plague single-stage units.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace converts nearly all fuel to usable heat, reducing winter energy bills significantly
  • 18 SEER2 rating exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements, delivering superior summer cooling efficiency
  • Two-stage burner and two-stage compressor allow modulating operation for quieter, more precise comfort
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor automatically adjusts to 2,000 CFM maximum, improving dehumidification and reducing runtime
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage against manufacturing defects

Cons

  • 5-ton outdoor unit oversized for advertised 3-ton capacity creates potential mismatch and reduced efficiency in mild conditions
  • 71 dB noise level at full capacity may be noticeable to homeowners in quiet suburban settings
  • Requires PVC/plastic exhaust flue, limiting installation flexibility in some retrofit situations

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate to cold climates seeking a balanced heating and cooling upgrade with strong efficiency credentials and future-proof technology. This system rewards those who qualify for manufacturer rebates and plan to stay in their homes for at least 8 to 10 years.

Consider Alternatives If

Budget-conscious buyers in mild climates should look at single-stage alternatives, and those with existing metal ductwork issues may face higher installation costs with the PVC flue requirement.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
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Installation

Installation demands standard HVAC practices with some specific considerations. The system requires 115V single-phase 60 Hz power with 21.3 to 35 amp breaker capacity, typical for most homes. Refrigerant line sizing calls for 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction lines with 3/4 inch insulation thickness. PVC plastic exhaust flue requirement means old metal chimneys need replacement. Upflow/horizontal airflow orientation suits basement or utility closet placement effectively.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a 10-year parts warranty when owners register online within 30 days of purchase. This covers compressor, heat exchanger, and component failures, providing meaningful protection against expensive replacements. Labor and refrigerant refills fall outside coverage. Registration is straightforward and strongly recommended, as it doubles protection compared to the base 5-year non-registered warranty.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A
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
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width24.5"
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.
AHRI Certificate Number7368836
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
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 spec sheet list 5-ton outdoor unit when the product is marketed as 3-ton? +
This appears to be a specification error or oversizing choice by Online Supply. The 35,000 BTU cooling capacity aligns with 3-ton rating, but the 5-ton designation on the outdoor unit suggests potential mismatch. Clarify tonnage with the supplier before purchase to ensure proper system matching and efficiency.
Can this unit retrofit into a home with existing metal ductwork? +
Yes, ductwork compatibility is independent of the furnace. However, the PVC plastic exhaust flue requirement means you cannot use an existing metal chimney or flue pipe. Budget approximately 500 to 800 dollars for new PVC venting installation, which may require structural modifications.
How much will this system actually save on heating costs compared to older equipment? +
Upgrading from an 80% AFUE furnace to this 96% model saves roughly 16% on heating fuel annually. For a homeowner spending 1,500 dollars yearly on heating, expect 240 dollar savings. Payback depends on local gas rates and installation costs, typically ranging from 8 to 12 years.
Is 18 SEER2 significantly better than standard 14 SEER equipment? +
Yes, 18 SEER2 represents approximately 28% greater cooling efficiency than 14 SEER units. In hot climates with heavy summer cooling demand, this translates to measurable utility bill reduction. The difference is more subtle in mild climates where cooling needs remain modest.
What happens if I don't register the warranty within 30 days? +
Warranty coverage drops to the base 5-year limited protection instead of 10 years. Online registration takes minutes and is free. Set a calendar reminder immediately upon installation to secure the full extended coverage.

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