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 with two-stage cooling at an aggressive price point

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
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system targets budget-conscious homeowners and contractors who need solid heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 97% AFUE furnace and 18 SEER2 condenser deliver measurable energy savings, making it a practical choice for moderate climates where equipment costs matter as much as efficiency.

Review

This Goodman gas furnace and air conditioner system represents strong value in the mid-range residential HVAC market. The combination of 80,000 BTU heating output and 35,000 BTU cooling capacity serves typical 3-ton residential applications, though the 5-ton condenser rating suggests flexibility for slightly larger homes. Priced at just $89, this complete system attracts both homeowners doing DIY research and contractors managing job costs carefully.

Performance numbers justify the low price. The furnace achieves 97% AFUE efficiency using a modulating burner that adjusts flame intensity rather than cycling on and off repeatedly, reducing energy waste significantly. The air conditioner reaches 18 SEER2 with a two-stage scroll compressor and R410A refrigerant capability. The variable-speed ECM blower motor delivers up to 1600 CFM while operating at just 71 dBA, making this unit quieter during partial-load operation than fixed-speed alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional heating efficiency at 97% AFUE with modulating burner stages that reduce short cycling and fuel waste
  • Two-stage scroll compressor and 18 SEER2 rating deliver superior cooling efficiency compared to baseline 13-14 SEER equipment
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor maintains comfort while optimizing energy use across 1600 CFM maximum airflow
  • Modulating furnace design provides quieter operation at partial load, measured at 71 dBA
  • Energy Star certified with 10-year warranty when registered, plus rebate eligibility for additional savings

Cons

  • 5-ton condenser paired with 80,000 BTU furnace creates a slight mismatch for true 3-ton system balance
  • Plastic PVC flue requirement limits installation flexibility in older homes with masonry chimneys
  • Limited information on long-term reliability, as Online Supply is a distributor rather than original equipment source

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners upgrading from 10-15 year old systems in areas with moderate heating and cooling demands will see immediate utility bill reductions. Contractors doing replacement installations in price-sensitive markets can offer this unit with confidence for residential applications.

Consider Alternatives If

Customers in extremely cold climates needing 100,000+ BTU furnaces or those with existing masonry chimney systems should explore alternative options.

3 Ton 17 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires 115V single-phase 60Hz electrical service with breaker sizing between 21.3 and 35 amps, making it compatible with standard residential panels. The downflow A-coil configuration suits closet or basement installation. Technicians appreciate the sweat valve connections and straightforward refrigerant line sizing (3/8-inch liquid, 7/8-inch suction with 3/4-inch insulation). PVC plastic flue requirement simplifies venting but eliminates masonry chimney options.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10-year coverage when homeowners complete online registration, protecting against manufacturing defects in compressor, coil, and components. This warranty is comprehensive for the price tier but requires registration to activate. Coverage specifics and exclusions should be reviewed in the provided warranty documentation before purchase.

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
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width24.5"
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 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

How does 97% AFUE compare to my current furnace efficiency? +
Most furnaces installed before 2010 operate at 78-82% AFUE, meaning 18-22% of fuel escapes as waste heat. This unit converts 97% of fuel to usable heat. A 1500 square foot home heating with natural gas could save $300-500 annually depending on local rates and climate.
Can I install this myself, or do I need a licensed technician? +
While the equipment itself is straightforward, refrigerant handling, electrical connections, and gas line work legally require licensed HVAC technicians in most states. Installation complexity is moderate for professionals. Improper installation voids the warranty and creates safety hazards.
Why is the condenser 5 tons when the furnace is 3 tons? +
The 5-ton condenser (35,000 BTU) slightly oversizes the cooling relative to heating output. This provides flexibility for homes with high cooling demands or future upgrades. It's not a defect but rather designed for mixed-use applications across multiple home sizes.
How does this compare to higher-end Goodman or Carrier units? +
This unit offers similar AFUE efficiency to premium brands but skips variable-capacity heating stages above modulating base level. You gain 95% of performance at 60-70% of premium pricing. Trade-offs include simpler controls and shorter typical warranties versus 15-year options.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
Coverage includes defects in compressor, coil, and internal components. Labor and refrigerant are typically excluded. Registration is mandatory. Review the warranty document for specific exclusions before purchase completion.

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