Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 17 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow

High-efficiency modulating furnace and two-stage AC combo with 97% AFUE and 18 SEER1

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 17 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This Goodman system excels for homeowners in moderate climates who want premium efficiency without premium pricing. The 97% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER1 AC deliver genuine energy savings, making it ideal for those planning to stay in their home long enough to recoup installation costs through utility reductions.

Review

Goodman's 3 ton gas furnace and air conditioning system targets the practical buyer seeking balanced efficiency without premium costs. This downflow configuration pairs an 80,000 BTU furnace rated at 97% AFUE with a 35,000 BTU cooling unit delivering 18 SEER1 performance. Energy Star certification signals compliance with federal efficiency standards. The modulating burner and two-stage compressor handle varying loads intelligently, making it appealing for climates with genuine heating and cooling seasons.

Performance metrics justify the efficiency focus. The 97% AFUE furnace converts nearly all fuel to usable heat, translating directly to lower winter bills compared to 90-93% units. The 18 SEER1 condenser paired with a variable-speed ECM blower motor achieves cooling efficiency that reduces summer consumption by 15-25% versus single-stage systems. A two-stage scroll compressor operates at partial capacity most of the time, extending equipment life and maintaining quieter 71 dB operation during low-demand periods.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 97% AFUE furnace rating delivers near-maximum heating efficiency with modulating burners for precise temperature control
  • 18 SEER1 cooling efficiency exceeds most mid-tier systems, reducing summer electricity consumption measurably
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts to match demand, cutting runtime costs and improving comfort consistency
  • Two-stage scroll compressor operates quietly at 71 dB and handles part-load cooling efficiently
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage for both components
  • PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting and reduces installation constraints in many homes

Cons

  • Spec sheet shows conflicting tonnage ratings (product title states 3 ton, specs list 5 ton), creating confusion about actual cooling capacity
  • 35 amp maximum breaker requirement demands dedicated electrical service most older homes lack without upgrades
  • 71 dB noise level runs louder than inverter-driven competitors, noticeable during heating cycles

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in climate zones with balanced heating and cooling loads who value efficiency gains and plan 15-plus year ownership. Contractors installing complete systems for clients seeking reliable mid-range performance without boutique pricing.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in mild climates where furnace efficiency matters less, or homes with electrical panel constraints that prevent 35 amp service installation.

3 Ton 17 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
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Installation

Installation requires standard refrigerant lines (3/8 inch liquid, 7/8 inch suction) with 3/4 inch insulation thickness for up to 50 feet of lineset. The right-side flue connection accepts PVC piping, simplifying venting in most homes. Electrical demand of 115V single-phase 60Hz with 21.3 to 35 amp breaker sizing may trigger panel upgrades in older residences, adding $500-1500 to project cost.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty applies when you register the system online after purchase. Coverage includes the furnace, condenser unit, and compressor. Online registration is straightforward but mandatory, otherwise warranty defaults to shorter periods. This protects your investment adequately for typical system lifespan expectations, though it doesn't cover labor or refrigerant recharging.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU80,000
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 Number7424271
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this truly a 3 ton or 5 ton system? +
The product title claims 3 tons, but specifications list 5 ton tonnage with a 35,000 BTU cooling capacity that aligns with 3 tons. Contact Online Supply directly to clarify before purchase. This discrepancy suggests either a labeling error or mixed component documentation that needs resolution.
Can my existing 20 amp electrical service handle this unit? +
No. This system requires a minimum 21.3 amp breaker and can draw up to 35 amps. Most homes with 100-amp panels built before 2000 cannot safely accommodate this without professional panel upgrades by a licensed electrician.
How much will the 97% AFUE furnace save versus a 90% unit? +
A 7 percentage point efficiency gain typically reduces heating fuel costs by 7-10% annually. In a $1,200 winter heating season, expect $84-120 yearly savings. Payback depends on installation cost difference and system lifespan of 15-20 years.
How does the 18 SEER1 rating compare to newer units? +
18 SEER1 ranks in the top 40 percentile of systems available today. Premium inverter units reach 20-24 SEER2, but this system delivers measurable efficiency gains over 14-16 SEER units at substantially lower price points.
Is the 10-year warranty sufficient? +
Yes, for typical residential use. Most HVAC systems last 15-20 years. The 10-year coverage protects through most equipment life, though labor costs after year 10 become your responsibility.

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