3 Ton 17 SEER 97% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system is built for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors who refuse to sacrifice efficiency for cost. At $736, you're getting 97% AFUE heating and 18 SEER2 cooling performance typically found in systems costing 40 percent more.

Review

The Goodman CAPF3743C6 represents the sweet spot in mid-tier residential HVAC, delivering measurable efficiency gains without requiring a financing plan. This upflow-configured system pairs a 100,000 BTU gas furnace with a 35,000 BTU air conditioning condenser, sized for typical 3-ton residential applications. At $736 installed price, you're looking at genuine budget relief compared to similarly-specced units from Lennox or Carrier that often run $1,000 to $1,100. Goodman's reputation for workhorse reliability holds here.

The 97% AFUE furnace uses modulating burners that adjust flame intensity rather than cycling on and off, reducing temperature swings and fuel consumption. Paired with a variable-speed ECM blower motor generating up to 2,000 CFM, the system maintains consistent airflow at lower speeds when heating demands drop. The 18 SEER2 air conditioner employs a two-stage scroll compressor and operates at 71 dB, which is acceptable for residential use though not silent. Energy Star certification means qualifying homeowners often recoup $500 to $1,200 in state or utility rebates, effectively lowering your net cost.

Pros & Cons

Pros

97% AFUE furnace with modulating burners cuts heating waste and fuel bills measurably
18 SEER2 rating on air conditioning side qualifies for most utility rebates
Two-stage scroll compressor and variable-speed ECM blower motor provide consistent comfort
Upflow/downflow configuration flexibility handles most residential install scenarios
Plastic PVC exhaust compatible with modern home construction standards
Energy Star certified system reduces household carbon footprint

Cons

Online registration required to unlock 10-year warranty, creating friction for less tech-savvy homeowners
71 dB noise level runs slightly louder than premium competitors during cooling cycles
3.5 ton specification on air handler exceeds the stated 3 ton cooling capacity by 500 BTU

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing 10+ year old systems in moderate climates where heating and cooling loads are balanced. Contractors pricing competitive bids for value-conscious clients who want proven efficiency without premium branding.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in extreme climates needing maximum capacity or buyers unwilling to complete online registration for warranty coverage.

3 Ton 17 SEER 97% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur

$736

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation complexity sits at moderate difficulty. The upflow/downflow configuration allows placement in basements, crawlspaces, or attics. Plastic PVC exhaust piping (versus costly metal) simplifies flue routing through exterior walls. Electrical requirements are straightforward, 115V single-phase with 21.9 to 35 amp breaker range. Most licensed HVAC techs complete installation in 4 to 6 hours. Refrigerant lines use standard 3/8 inch and 7/8 inch sweat connections.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with 10 years of parts coverage when you complete online registration, which takes 10 minutes. This warranty covers compressor, heat exchanger, and major components. Registration is non-negotiable, a minor hassle that protects your investment. Five-year parts-only coverage applies without registration. Typical residential failures covered include compressor burnout, refrigerant leaks, and blower motor failure.

Specifications

SKU	CAPF3743C6
Brand/Manufacturer	Goodman
Cooling BTU	35,000
Heating BTU	100,000
Refrigerant	R410A or R22
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	71
Weight (in lbs)	63.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	18
Condenser Stages	Two Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	7/8"
Max Breaker Size	35 amps
Min. Breaker Size	21.9 amps
Tonnage	3.5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Height	30"
Width	21"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety Information	PROPOSITION 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 Number	7424267
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	97%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	2000
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Modulating
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	7/8"
Style	A-Coil

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 3 ton cooling rating and the 3.5 ton air handler specification? +

The condenser delivers 35,000 BTU cooling capacity (3 tons exactly). The air handler is rated 3.5 tons, meaning it can handle slightly larger systems. This mismatch is intentional for flexibility, allowing future upgrades without replacing ductwork. Performance at 3 tons is unaffected.

Can I use R22 refrigerant if the unit shows R410A or R22 compatibility? +

Technically yes, but don't. R22 is phased out and costs 3 to 4 times more than R410A. New systems like this ship with R410A pre-charged. Using R22 voids manufacturer support and limits repair options as supply becomes scarcer.

How much can I expect to save on heating costs compared to an old 80% AFUE furnace? +

The 97% AFUE upgrade versus 80% AFUE saves approximately 17 percent on heating energy. A household spending $1,200 annually on heating could see $200 annual savings. Payback period is typically 3 to 5 years, then pure profit.

Is this system comparable to Lennox or Carrier equipment at the same price point? +

Goodman delivers equal efficiency specs at lower cost due to streamlined manufacturing and distribution. Performance and reliability are equivalent. Brand reputation favors Lennox and Carrier in consumer surveys, but technical performance is competitive. You're paying for name recognition with premium brands.

What happens to my warranty if I skip the online registration? +

Coverage drops from 10 years to 5 years parts-only. Registration takes minutes but is required for full protection. Save the confirmation email. Proof of registration via serial number is essential for claims.

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