Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

Energy Star 3-ton system combines 98% AFUE heating with 17 SEER cooling at contractor pricing

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
$504
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This Goodman system works best for homeowners replacing aging equipment who want solid efficiency without premium pricing, particularly in mixed climates where both heating and cooling matter. The modulating furnace and variable-speed blower deliver comfort and utility savings that justify the modest upfront cost.

Review

This 3-ton Goodman system represents a practical middle ground between entry-level efficiency and premium pricing. At $504, you're getting a complete heating and cooling package that meets Energy Star standards without stretching the budget. The unit combines an 80,000 BTU furnace with a 35,000 BTU condenser in a single upflow configuration, making it suitable for retrofit installations in homes where existing ductwork already exists. Goodman's reputation for reliability in commercial and residential applications carries weight with contractors.

The heating side delivers 98% AFUE through a modulating burner that adjusts flame intensity rather than cycling on and off, reducing temperature swings and improving comfort. The cooling section achieves 17 to 18 SEER2 with a two-stage scroll compressor and variable-speed ECM blower rated for 1,600 CFM maximum airflow. Real-world performance means a typical 2,000-square-foot home in Charlotte could see cooling costs drop from $85 to $60 monthly compared to a 13 SEER baseline. The 115V, 60Hz electrical requirement fits standard residential service without upgrades.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 98% AFUE furnace efficiency means lower heating bills, especially valuable in northern climates where heating runs 6+ months annually
  • 17 SEER2 rating qualifies for Energy Star, reducing cooling costs by 20-30% versus standard 13 SEER units
  • Modulating burner and variable-speed ECM blower optimize comfort and efficiency across all load conditions, not just full capacity
  • Scroll compressor and two-stage condenser provide quieter operation at 71 dB and better part-load performance
  • PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting in retrofit installations where metal flue space is limited

Cons

  • Product title claims 17 SEER but specs show 18 SEER2, creating labeling confusion that should be clarified by seller
  • 30-pound component weight still requires two technicians for safe overhead installation in tight attic spaces
  • Variable-speed motor adds roughly $300-400 to system cost compared to single-speed alternatives, extending ROI timeline

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing complete systems in homes built after 2000 where ductwork is already sized appropriately will appreciate the straightforward installation and proven Goodman reliability. Homeowners in zones 4-6 replacing 15-year-old equipment will see payback within 5-7 years through combined heating and cooling efficiency gains.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this unit if you need a compact indoor model for condos with severe space constraints or if you're in a very hot climate where cooling dominates and you want top-tier 19+ SEER performance.

3 Ton 17 SEER 98% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
$504
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires R410A or R22 refrigerant line sets, liquid lines of 3/8 inch and suction lines of 3/4 inch with 3/4 inch insulation thickness. The unit accepts sweat-type valve connections, meaning technicians will braze copper tubing rather than use quick-connect fittings. PVC exhaust flue compatibility streamlines venting, though proper condensate drain routing to an approved location is mandatory. Budget 4 to 6 hours for a trained two-person crew on retrofit work.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years of parts coverage with online registration, a solid commitment that covers compressor failure, heat exchanger damage, and component defects. The warranty terms are standard for mid-tier equipment and protect against manufacturing defects, though labor and refrigerant charges apply separately. Registration is straightforward and essential, as unregistered units default to shorter coverage periods. This length of protection reflects Goodman's confidence in component durability.

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 FeaturesTwo Stage Condenser
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
Tonnage3.5 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 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
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the actual SEER rating, 17 or 18? +
The specifications sheet lists 18 SEER2, which is the updated rating standard. Older marketing materials referenced 17 SEER under the previous test methodology. Ask your supplier for current AHRI certification 7424266 documentation to confirm your specific unit's rating before purchase.
Can this replace my old 2-ton unit without ductwork changes? +
The 3-ton capacity requires ductwork rated for at least 1,200 CFM. If your existing ducts were sized for 2-ton equipment, you'll likely experience poor airflow balance and hot/cold spots. Have a contractor perform static pressure testing before committing to oversizing.
How much will my utility bills drop? +
Compared to a 13 SEER, 92% AFUE baseline, expect 20 to 25 percent lower combined heating and cooling costs. In heating-dominant climates, savings average $300 to $500 annually. Cooling-heavy regions see $200 to $400 in annual savings. Results depend on local rates, home insulation, and usage patterns.
Is this system comparable to Carrier or Lennox at similar prices? +
Goodman competes on efficiency and value, not brand prestige. A comparable Carrier 25HNE3 costs 40 percent more for equivalent SEER ratings. Lennox XC21 offers slightly better quietness but at triple the price. Goodman's trade-off favors budget-conscious homeowners over premium warranty lengths.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
Parts and labor on compressor, heat exchanger, evaporator coil, and motor failures. Electrical damage from power surges and refrigerant recovery costs are excluded. Online registration is mandatory. Coverage begins on purchase date, not installation date.

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