Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency 3-ton system combines 96% heating with 18 SEER2 cooling at competitive pricing

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
$3398
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works best for homeowners upgrading 3-ton equipment in moderate climates who prioritize year-round efficiency without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with an 18 SEER2 condenser delivers genuine energy savings for both heating and cooling seasons.

Review

This Goodman 3-ton system represents a solid mid-market choice for homeowners balancing efficiency gains against installation costs. At $3,398, it sits above entry-level equipment but well below premium brands. The unit combines a high-efficiency gas furnace with a matching air conditioner in a single package, available in upflow or downflow configuration. Goodman holds strong brand recognition among contractors, backed by AHRI certification number 7368834 and a 10-year warranty with registration.

Performance numbers justify the price. The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU output with 96% AFUE efficiency using either natural gas or propane, paired with two-stage burner modulation for better part-load performance. The air conditioner side produces 35,000 BTU cooling with an 18 SEER2 rating and two-stage compressor. Variable-speed ECM blower runs at 1,200 CFM maximum but scales down during moderate weather, reducing energy consumption compared to single-speed motors. Operational noise measures 71 dBA, typical for this tonnage class.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency beats standard 80-90% models by 6-16 percentage points, saving hundreds annually on gas
  • 18 SEER2 cooling rating qualifies as Energy Star certified, well above the 13 SEER minimum for 3-ton units
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts CFM from minimum to 1,200 max, reducing runtime and electricity waste
  • Two-stage burner and two-stage compressor provide modulation for better part-load efficiency in mild weather
  • Scroll compressor design proven reliable with lower vibration and noise at 71 dB, quieter than many 3-ton systems

Cons

  • Product listing shows conflicting specs: title claims 17 SEER but specifications list 18 SEER2, creating confusion at purchase
  • Only 10-year warranty requires online registration to activate, leaving unregistered units with shorter coverage
  • R410A refrigerant compatibility noted but older R22 option limits future serviceability as R22 phases out

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in regions with balanced heating and cooling demands seeking to replace existing 3-ton systems will see real ROI from the 96% AFUE furnace. Contractors installing complete systems for new construction or major retrofits benefit from the AHRI certification and straightforward upflow configuration.

Consider Alternatives If

Budget-conscious buyers unwilling to spend $3,398 should look at standard 80 AFUE furnaces paired with 15 SEER coolers, which save $800-1,200 upfront despite higher long-term operating costs.

3 Ton 17 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$3398
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard HVAC skills and equipment. The unit measures 30 inches high by 17.5 inches wide by 21 inches deep, fitting most furnace closets and basement spaces. Electrical demands are modest at 115V single-phase 60Hz with breaker requirements between 21.3 and 35 amps. Refrigerant lines use 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction connections with 50-foot maximum line length allowable. PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting compared to metal ductwork.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty requires online registration to activate, a standard Goodman requirement that some buyers miss. Coverage includes the compressor and major components but does not cover labor or refrigerant. Unregistered units may receive shorter coverage periods. The evaporator coil carries separate warranty documentation. Always register immediately after installation to protect your investment.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
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)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
Tonnage3 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width17.5"
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 Number7368834
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
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

What does 18 SEER2 actually mean compared to older SEER ratings? +
SEER2 uses updated test standards more reflective of real-world conditions, making it roughly 15% lower than legacy SEER ratings. This unit's 18 SEER2 approximately equals a 21 SEER under old testing, confirming genuine high efficiency. You'll see measurable cooling cost reductions of 20-30% versus 13 SEER baseline units in the same tonnage.
Can I pair this outdoor condenser with an existing furnace I already own? +
Not recommended without professional assessment. HVAC systems must be matched by manufacturer and capacity. Mismatched indoor and outdoor units void warranties and reduce efficiency by 10-15%. Contact a local contractor for proper sizing and compatibility checks if you only need to replace one component.
How much money will I actually save with 96% AFUE heating? +
Annual savings depend on climate and usage. In a cold climate heating 6,000 degree-days, upgrading from 80% to 96% AFUE saves roughly $300-400 yearly on gas costs. Over 15 years of operation, total savings reach $4,500-6,000 before considering compounding utility rate increases.
Is Goodman equipment as reliable as more expensive brands like Carrier? +
Goodman compressors and furnace components meet similar reliability standards as premium brands, though some contractors report slightly higher service call rates. The two-stage design on this model increases longevity by reducing stress during part-load operation. Proper installation and maintenance matter more than brand name.
What happens if I don't register the warranty online? +
Coverage likely reduces from 10 years to 1-5 years on parts depending on Goodman's current policy. Registration takes five minutes online and protects your investment substantially. Always register immediately after professional installation to ensure maximum protection.

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