Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency dual-stage system combining 96% AFUE furnace with 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 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 combination system is built for contractors and homeowners seeking premium efficiency without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with 18 SEER2 cooling makes it ideal for retrofits where both heating and cooling upgrades are needed simultaneously.

Review

The Goodman 3-ton dual-stage system represents a practical middle ground in the combined furnace-condenser market. This upflow configuration combines an 80,000 BTU furnace with 35,000 BTU cooling capacity, positioned for residential applications where both heating and cooling require replacement. The two-stage design on both sides allows the system to ramp down during mild weather, avoiding the energy waste of constant full-capacity operation.

Performance numbers tell the story here. The furnace achieves 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every heating dollar actually heats your home, while the condenser reaches 18 SEER2 with its scroll compressor and two-stage operation. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts to exactly 1,600 CFM maximum when needed, but ramps down quietly during partial-load conditions. Energy Star certification confirms these specs meet federal efficiency thresholds. At 71 decibels, the condenser runs at moderate volume, acceptable for most residential locations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency with two-stage burners reduces heating costs significantly compared to 80-90% units
  • 18 SEER2 cooling rating with two-stage scroll compressor delivers strong efficiency during shoulder seasons
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor optimizes airflow and reduces energy waste across heating and cooling cycles
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty provides long-term peace of mind on the furnace's most critical component
  • Upflow A-coil configuration fits tight installation spaces common in attics and closets
  • R410A refrigerant standard ensures compatibility with modern HVAC service practices

Cons

  • The 5-ton cooling capacity exceeds stated 3-ton system size, creating potential oversizing issues for properly-sized homes
  • 71 decibel noise level is moderate, not the quietest option available for sound-sensitive applications
  • Two-stage operation means single-stage systems may offer simpler controls and lower upfront complexity

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors performing full system replacements in homes where both heating and cooling are outdated, and homeowners in cold climates prioritizing heating efficiency alongside cooling performance. The combination package approach reduces installation complexity compared to sourcing separate components.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers seeking quiet operation should explore lower-decibel alternatives, and those needing exclusively cooling or heating should purchase components separately for better capacity matching.

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

Installation

This upflow A-coil design fits vertical installations in attics or closets with its 34.5-inch height and 21-inch width footprint. You'll need 115V single-phase power with a 21.3 to 35-amp breaker, standard for most homes. Liquid line uses 3/8-inch connections while suction line runs 7/8-inch with 3/4-inch insulation. PVC flue venting simplifies installation compared to metal alternatives. Sweat valve connections require basic soldering skills.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this unit with a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, covering the furnace's most expensive component. Parts carry 10-year coverage when you register online, typical industry standard protection. This combination of lifetime primary component coverage and decade-long parts support provides solid peace of mind, though labor costs fall on the homeowner.

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
Tonnage5 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

Why does a 3-ton system list 5-ton cooling capacity in the specs? +
This appears to be a specification discrepancy. The cooling BTU of 35,000 actually equals approximately 2.9 tons (35,000 divided by 12,000 BTU per ton), aligning with the 3-ton rating. Cross-reference AHRI certificate 7368835 to confirm actual capacity for your application.
Can I install this myself without HVAC certification? +
You can handle ductwork and electrical connections, but EPA regulations require certified technicians to handle refrigerant work. Flue venting, thermostat wiring, and gas line connections also require licensed professionals in most jurisdictions. Improper installation voids warranties.
How much will this actually save on utility bills compared to older systems? +
A 96% AFUE furnace versus 80% AFUE saves roughly 16% on heating costs. The 18 SEER2 condenser versus 13 SEER saves approximately 28% on cooling. Combined savings depend on your climate and usage patterns, but annual savings typically range 15-22% for dual fuel applications.
Does this system integrate with smart thermostats? +
Yes. The ECM variable-speed blower and two-stage heating and cooling work well with modern smart thermostats. However, verify compatibility with your specific thermostat model before purchasing. Some older Wi-Fi models have limited two-stage support.
What does the lifetime heat exchanger warranty actually cover? +
It covers manufacturing defects in the furnace heat exchanger if it cracks or leaks. Normal wear and corrosion from improper maintenance are excluded. You must register online within 60 days of installation to activate coverage.

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