Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3 Ton 18 SEER 97% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Downflow

High-efficiency two-stage system with 18 SEER and 97% AFUE 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 18 SEER 97% AFUE 100,000 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 system excels for homeowners replacing aging equipment in moderate climates who prioritize efficiency and long-term energy savings. The 97% AFUE furnace paired with an 18 SEER air conditioner delivers measurable utility bill reductions, though tonnage mismatches between components require careful load calculation before purchase.

Review

The Goodman 3 Ton 18 SEER system with 97% AFUE represents the efficiency tier that serious homeowners and contractors target when replacement costs justify premium equipment. Online Supply positions this unit competitively on price while maintaining specification parity with major distributors. The combination of modulating gas heating and two-stage cooling in a single package simplifies installation and minimizes coordination headaches. This downflow configuration works well for crawl spaces and specific ductwork layouts where space efficiency matters.

Performance specs tell a compelling efficiency story. The furnace delivers 100,000 BTU heating with 97% AFUE, meaning nearly all fuel converts to usable heat rather than escaping through the flue. Cooling produces 35,000 BTU at 18 SEER with a scroll compressor running at just 71 decibels, quieter than most window units. The variable-speed ECM blower motor handles up to 2,000 CFM and adjusts airflow demand in real time, reducing energy waste during partial-load operation. R410A refrigerant compatibility ensures modern efficiency standards, though R22 fallback support aids retrofits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 97% AFUE furnace efficiency ranks among the best available for gas heating systems
  • 18 SEER cooling efficiency qualifies for Energy Star certification and most utility rebates
  • Modulating furnace burner and variable-speed ECM blower motor optimize comfort and reduce runtime cycling
  • Two-stage scroll compressor minimizes noise at 71 decibels, suitable for residential settings
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage for parts and components

Cons

  • 3-ton cooling capacity mismatches the 5-ton tonnage specification, creating confusion about actual system size and capacity
  • 35 amp maximum breaker requirement demands dedicated electrical circuit and may need panel upgrade in older homes
  • Downflow configuration limits installation flexibility and may not suit all basement or attic placements

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed climates replacing older split systems who want best-in-class efficiency ratings and can absorb the electrical upgrade costs. Contractors building spec homes where Energy Star qualification helps with marketing and rebate programs.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone with undersized electrical service or homes with space constraints, plus buyers needing systems larger than 5 tons should evaluate higher-capacity units.

3 Ton 18 SEER 97% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fur
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires a 115V single-phase 60Hz circuit with 21.3 to 35 amp capacity, standard for most residential panels. Plastic PVC exhaust venting is mandatory for the furnace section, simplifying ductwork coordination. Suction and liquid line sizes at 7/8 inch and 3/8 inch respectively demand proper isolation and support to prevent vibration transmission. The 30-pound weight and compact 30 by 21 by 21 inch footprint fit most utility closets and mechanical rooms without major framing modifications.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts warranty kicks in upon online registration and covers manufacturing defects across all major components. This matches or exceeds competitor offerings at this price point and provides meaningful protection during the system's high-efficiency years. Labor and refrigerant are typically excluded, as is maintenance-related failure, so homeowners should budget for professional service contracts.

Specifications

SKULS38783850
Brand/ManufacturerOnline Supply
Cooling BTU35,000
Heating BTU100,000
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"
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 Number7424272
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE97%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
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

Why does this 3-ton system list 5-ton tonnage in the specifications? +
The tonnage rating likely refers to the outdoor condenser unit class, while actual cooling capacity is 35,000 BTU or roughly 2.9 tons. Always verify capacity against BTU ratings rather than tonnage labels. Load calculations should match your home's actual cooling needs, not nominal unit class. Contact the manufacturer with the AHRI certificate number 7424272 for clarification on matched components.
Can I install this in an upflow position instead of downflow? +
The unit specifications list configuration as Upflow/Downflow, suggesting installation flexibility for both orientations. However, downflow is the primary design, and upflow installations may require additional ducting or blower adjustments. Consult the CAPF Installation Manual PDF provided with purchase to verify upflow feasibility for your specific installation, as incorrect orientation reduces efficiency and can void warranty.
What heating and cooling savings should I expect versus older systems? +
A 97% AFUE furnace versus 80% AFUE baseline cuts heating energy use by roughly 17 percent. An 18 SEER air conditioner beats 13 SEER systems by approximately 38 percent in cooling efficiency. Combined savings depend on local climate and usage patterns but typically range from 25 to 35 percent on annual HVAC costs, recovering the upfront equipment premium in five to seven years through utility reductions.
How does this system compare to Carrier, Lennox, or Trane equivalents at similar price points? +
Goodman systems offer identical or superior efficiency specs at lower price points, though name-brand competitors sometimes provide faster warranty service and longer parts availability. The 97% AFUE and 18 SEER ratings match high-end Carrier and Lennox models. The tradeoff is that Goodman requires more contractor familiarity and may have fewer local service networks in some regions, so verify local support before purchasing.
Do I need a professional for installation, or can a handy homeowner DIY this? +
HVAC installation requires EPA-certified refrigerant handling, electrical connections to a dedicated circuit, gas line connections with pressure testing, and proper ductwork sealing. Mistakes create safety hazards and void warranty coverage. Hire a licensed HVAC contractor. DIY work is not recommended for systems this complex, even for mechanically skilled homeowners.

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