Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

96% AFUE furnace with 18 SEER2 cooling delivers serious efficiency at an unbeatable price

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
$504
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system is built for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors who refuse to compromise on efficiency ratings. At $504, you're getting legitimate 96% AFUE heating and 18 SEER2 cooling performance, making it ideal for replacement jobs in moderate climates where you need both heating and cooling without the premium brand markup.

Review

Goodman has built its reputation on delivering solid HVAC performance without the premium pricing of legacy brands. This 3.5-ton system represents the working contractor's choice, the kind of equipment specified when efficiency matters but budgets are finite. At $504, Online Supply is pricing this unit aggressively, making it a serious contender for homeowners planning replacements this season. The upflow A-coil configuration handles both heating and cooling in a single footprint, simplifying installation in standard basement or attic placements.

The dual-stage design is where this system earns its value proposition. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU heating output at 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every fuel dollar becomes usable heat, while the 35,000 BTU cooling capacity achieves an 18 SEER2 rating, well ahead of minimum federal standards. The two-stage compressor and variable-speed ECM blower reduce energy waste during partial load operation, common during shoulder seasons. Real-world performance varies with ductwork and thermostat programming, but users consistently report 15 to 20 percent winter fuel savings versus single-stage units.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 18 SEER2 rating exceeds the title's stated 17 SEER, delivering measurable cooling efficiency gains
  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means nearly all fuel converts to heat, reducing winter heating bills substantially
  • Two-stage burner and two-stage compressor allow the system to modulate output, improving comfort and efficiency at part loads
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow automatically, consuming less electricity than single-speed alternatives
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty protects your largest component investment against manufacturing defects

Cons

  • 3.5 ton cooling capacity sits between standard 3 and 4 ton units, which may require custom ductwork adjustments
  • 71 dB noise level is acceptable but louder than high-end competitors, noticeable during compressor startup in quiet homes
  • Online Supply SKU suggests limited availability through traditional HVAC distributors, potentially complicating service calls

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing aging 1990s-2000s systems in homes under 2,000 square feet, and HVAC contractors building budget quotes for northern and central climates. You value the dual-stage performance and 96% efficiency over brand prestige.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in extreme climates requiring backup electric heat, homes with pre-existing undersized ductwork, or buyers who insist on Carrier or Trane branding for resale confidence.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$504
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This upflow system requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power with a breaker sized between 21.3 and 35 amps, standard in most homes. Line sets use 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction connections with included 3/4-inch insulation, PVC exhaust venting on the right side. Flue location and ductwork orientation demand careful measurement, though the 34.5-inch height fits standard utility closets. DIY installation is inadvisable without EPA certification; professional installation typically runs 6-8 hours.

Warranty & Reliability

The lifetime heat exchanger warranty covers cracking or separation for the life of the original owner, protecting the system's costliest component. Ten-year parts coverage includes compressor, blower motor, and controls when registered online within 30 days of installation. This structure is standard in the industry but requires proactive registration to activate.

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
Tonnage3.5 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 the spec sheet claim 17 SEER but the details show 18 SEER2? +
SEER2 is the updated federal efficiency test standard enacted in 2023, replacing SEER. This unit's 18 SEER2 rating is approximately equivalent to 19-20 legacy SEER, reflecting more realistic real-world operating conditions. The product listing may not have updated the title yet.
Can this system work with my existing ductwork designed for a 3-ton unit? +
The 3.5-ton capacity sits between standard sizes. If your ducts are undersized, airflow drops below 1600 CFM maximum, reducing efficiency and comfort. Have a technician measure static pressure and calculate required CFM for your square footage before installation.
What kind of temperature swing should I expect with two-stage heating and cooling? +
Two-stage systems run at reduced capacity most of the time, maintaining more stable indoor temperatures versus single-stage units cycling on-off. During mild 50-60 degree weather, the furnace runs stage one only, cutting runtime by 30-40 percent. Full stage two activates only during deep cold snaps.
How does Goodman's 96% AFUE compare to premium brands like Lennox or Carrier? +
Lennox and Carrier offer 97-98% AFUE models at nearly triple the price. Goodman's 96% AFUE is genuinely high-efficiency, meeting or beating most regional building codes. You're paying $300-400 less for one percent efficiency difference most homeowners won't notice in monthly bills.
If the heat exchanger cracks in year five, am I covered under lifetime warranty? +
Yes. Lifetime heat exchanger warranty covers the original owner permanently, regardless of age. You must have professional installation documentation and timely parts registration. Labor costs for replacement are your responsibility.

Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.