Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 17 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Efficient two-stage cooling and modulating heat in a compact, budget-friendly package

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3 Ton 17 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$89
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Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works best for homeowners upgrading older equipment who want solid efficiency gains without premium pricing. The 18 SEER2 cooling and 97% AFUE heating deliver measurable energy savings, making it ideal for moderate climates where both heating and cooling matter.

Review

The Goodman CAPF4961C6 represents solid mid-market engineering for contractors and homeowners seeking dependable heating and cooling at accessible pricing. This combined gas furnace and air conditioner system pairs an 80,000 BTU modulating gas furnace with a two-stage scroll compressor air conditioner in a single upflow-ready cabinet. At roughly $89 in component cost, it's positioned to compete against entry-to-mid-level Lennox and Carrier equipment while maintaining Goodman's reputation for straightforward installation and parts availability across North America.

Performance metrics justify the efficiency rating. The system delivers 35,000 BTU of cooling capacity with 18 SEER2 efficiency and two-stage operation, meaning it runs at reduced capacity during mild days and ramps up only when needed. On the heating side, 97% AFUE with a modulating burner prevents the energy waste of oversized systems that cycle on and off constantly. The variable-speed ECM blower adapts CFM from 0 to 1600 depending on demand, reducing unnecessary runtime and associated electric consumption. Energy Star certification confirms third-party verification of these numbers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 18 SEER2 rating with two-stage compressor delivers 25-30% better cooling efficiency than single-stage units
  • 97% AFUE with modulating burner adapts heating output to actual demand, reducing fuel waste and energy bills
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor fine-tunes airflow from 0-1600 CFM for comfort and efficiency across all seasons
  • Compact 21x21x30 inch footprint fits tight upflow installations where space is limited
  • Energy Star certified and carries 10-year warranty with simple online registration

Cons

  • Spec sheet lists both 3-ton and 5-ton tonnage inconsistently, creating confusion about actual cooling capacity
  • 35,000 BTU cooling capacity sits between standard sizes, limiting perfect matching with some existing ductwork
  • 71 dB noise level runs louder than high-end competitors during two-stage cooling operation

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing replacement systems in homes with tight mechanical closets and homeowners in mixed climates needing reliable heating and cooling without luxury pricing. This unit works especially well for retrofits where ductwork is already sized for 3-5 ton equipment.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in extremely hot climates who run air conditioning constantly should compare 18 SEER2 models from Lennox or Carrier, as incremental efficiency differences compound significantly in high-usage regions.

3 Ton 17 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This unit accepts both R410A and R22 refrigerant, giving technicians flexibility with existing system retrofits. Sweat-type connections use standard 3/8 inch liquid line and 7/8 inch suction line fittings, requiring basic soldering skills. The 115V single-phase 60Hz electrical requirement needs a 21.9 to 35 amp breaker. Upflow/downflow configuration and plastic PVC exhaust flue requirement keep installation straightforward for experienced HVAC crews.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year warranty requires online registration but covers manufacturer defects on compressor, heat exchanger, and electrical components. This warranty length matches mid-tier competitors and reflects Goodman's confidence in scroll compressor durability. Registration takes five minutes and protects your investment, though unregistered units drop to five-year coverage, so don't skip this step.

Specifications

SKUCAPF4961C6
Brand/ManufacturerGoodman
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)46.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)18
Condenser StagesTwo Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size7/8"
Max Breaker Size35 amps
Min. Breaker Size21.9 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width21"
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 Number7424266
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Burner StagesModulating
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
StyleA-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the actual tonnage, and does 35,000 BTU cooling equal 3 ton? +
The spec sheet shows conflicting tonnage data (3-ton in title, 5-ton in specs), but 35,000 BTU cooling calculates to approximately 2.9 tons. Request manufacturer clarification from your supplier, as tonnage affects ductwork compatibility and matching with existing systems. Verify AHRI certificate 7424266 with your installer.
Can I use this to replace my old R22 system without completely recovering the refrigerant? +
This unit accepts both R410A and R22, but EPA regulations require complete system evacuation and proper disposal of old refrigerant. Your licensed technician must recover existing R22 before installation. You cannot legally mix refrigerants or charge without proper evacuation.
How much will this lower my electric and gas bills compared to my 10-year-old system? +
The 97% AFUE furnace saves 10-15% on heating fuel versus units rated 80-90% AFUE. The 18 SEER2 cooling saves 25-35% on cooling energy versus 13 SEER equipment. Actual savings vary by climate, usage, and local utility rates. In moderate climates, expect $200-500 annual savings.
How does this compare to a Lennox XC25 at similar price points? +
Lennox XC25 offers 26 SEER2 but typically costs significantly more. This Goodman delivers 18 SEER2 at lower upfront cost with faster payback in moderate climates. Lennox excels in extreme heat regions where premium efficiency compounds over time. Compare AHRI certificates for your exact ductwork size before deciding.
Is the 10-year warranty automatically applied, or do I lose coverage if I forget to register? +
Online registration is required to activate the full 10-year warranty. Without registration, coverage defaults to 5 years. Register immediately after installation using the serial number and installation date. The process takes five minutes and protects your investment.

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