Goodman 3 Ton Package Unit Gas / Electric AC – 81% Efficiency 40000 BTU | 13.4 SEER2 Multi-Positional | R32
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Key features
- 3-ton cooling capacity with 13.4 SEER2 efficiency rating
- 40,000 BTU gas heat section at 81% AFUE
- Multi-positional cabinet for rooftop curb or ground-mount installation
- R-32 refrigerant — lower global warming potential than R-410A
- Single-stage scroll compressor with single-stage gas valve
- Louvered steel cabinet with factory-installed controls for simplified startup
About this system
The Goodman GPGM33604031 is a 3-ton, multi-positional package unit that combines a gas furnace and electric air conditioning into a single rooftop or ground-level cabinet. With a 13.4 SEER2 cooling rating and a 40,000 BTU gas heating section running at 81% AFUE, it sits squarely in the entry-level efficiency tier — meeting current federal minimums without pushing into premium territory. The R-32 refrigerant charge is a forward-looking choice: R-32 has a lower global warming potential than the R-410A it replaces, and parts availability is growing as the industry moves in that direction.
This unit is designed for homeowners who want a straightforward, all-in-one solution — common in mobile homes, light commercial applications, and properties where ductwork connects directly to a rooftop curb or a side-discharge ground mount. Multi-positional flexibility means the unit can discharge conditioned air in several orientations, giving installers more options on confined lots or unusual building footprints. At 13.4 SEER2 and 81% heating efficiency, operating costs will be higher than a two-stage or variable-capacity alternative, so buyers in climates with long, hot summers or cold winters should weigh the monthly energy bill difference against the lower upfront price carefully.
The GPGM33604031 delivers a competitive upfront price for a functional, code-compliant package unit, and the multi-positional design covers a wide range of installation scenarios. Efficiency is baseline rather than impressive, and Goodman's track record shows real repair exposure after the 7-year mark, so this unit rewards buyers who budget for maintenance and prioritize a quality installation over those expecting set-it-and-forget-it longevity.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- Priced 15 to 25 percent below comparable Carrier, Trane, and Lennox package units
- R-32 refrigerant is forward-compatible as the industry moves away from R-410A
- Multi-positional configuration suits mobile homes, light commercial, and rooftop applications
- Parts are widely available through HVAC distributors nationwide, keeping repair costs manageable
- Dual-run capacitor failures — the most common Goodman issue — are a low-cost fix in the $300 to $600 range
Trade-offs
- 81% AFUE heating efficiency is the lowest allowable tier; higher-AFUE alternatives will cost less to run each winter
- Single-stage operation means the unit runs at full capacity or off, which can cause humidity swings and uneven comfort
- Compressor lifespan averages 10 to 14 years versus 15 to 20 years on premium brands, meaning total cost of ownership may narrow over time
- Evaporator coil leaks and first-year refrigerant charge issues appear in a meaningful share of owner reviews, making installer selection critical
What homeowners and pros say about Goodman
Homeowners who post about Goodman package units tend to split into two camps: those who had a smooth installation and years of uneventful service, and those who ran into repair bills earlier than expected. ConsumerAffairs gives Goodman roughly 2.5 out of 5 stars, with the most consistent complaint being that costs start climbing around year 7 — often tied to dual-run capacitor failures and, more seriously, evaporator coil leaks. Google dealer reviews paint a somewhat better picture at around 3.8 out of 5, where affordability and parts availability are the most frequently cited upsides. The gap between those two scores is partly a platform effect — ConsumerAffairs skews toward people who had problems — but it also reflects that Goodman ownership outcomes vary more than they do with premium brands.
HVAC technicians tend to have a pragmatic view of Goodman. They acknowledge the value proposition and note that dual-run capacitor replacements are a quick, inexpensive call. The concerns they raise are longer-term: Goodman compressors tend to average 10 to 14 years in the field versus 15 to 20 for Trane or Carrier equivalents, and evaporator coil leaks are a recurring item on their service tickets. A minority of techs also flag first-year refrigerant leaks, which they almost universally attribute to charge or connection issues at install rather than the factory. The consistent professional advice is to treat installer selection as seriously as brand selection — a well-installed Goodman outperforms a poorly installed premium unit every time.
Sources: ConsumerAffairs Goodman owner reviews, AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance, U.S. DOE appliance and equipment efficiency standards, Goodman product specification sheets.
What it costs to run
At 13.4 SEER2, cooling this 3-ton system for a typical 1200-hour cooling season at the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh works out to roughly $548 per year in cooling, about $0 less per year than a minimum-efficiency 13.4 SEER2 unit of the same size. Your real cost depends on your climate and local rate.
Method: (36,000 BTU/hr ÷ 13.4 SEER2) × 1200 hours ÷ 1000 × $0.17/kWh. Rate source: U.S. EIA average; cooling hours: moderate-climate estimate.
How it compares
| Brand | Comparable model | SEER2 | Stage | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | GPGM33604031 | 13.4 | Single-stage | Value pick |
| Carrier | WeatherMaster 50XC | 14.0 | Single-stage | Typically 15 to 25 percent more than Goodman |
| Trane | YCD / Precedent Series | 14.0 | Single-stage | Typically 15 to 25 percent more than Goodman |
| Lennox | LRP14GE | 14.0 | Single-stage | Typically 15 to 25 percent more than Goodman |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Is 13.4 SEER2 going to cost me noticeably more to run than a higher-efficiency unit?
Yes, compared to a 15 or 16 SEER2 unit, you can expect meaningfully higher cooling costs over the summer, particularly in hot climates running 1,500 or more hours per year. Whether the upfront savings justify the ongoing difference depends on your local electricity rate and how long you keep the system.
What does 81% AFUE mean for my heating bills, and is there a better option in a package unit?
81% AFUE means roughly 19 cents of every dollar spent on gas escapes as waste heat. Package units with 90%+ AFUE gas sections exist and will cut winter gas use noticeably, though they carry a higher upfront cost. If you heat the space heavily from October through March, the efficiency gap adds up.
Why does install quality matter so much for a Goodman unit specifically?
Goodman's documented first-year refrigerant leak issue is most often traced back to improper charge or connection work at installation rather than a factory defect. A poorly sized or charged unit also stresses the compressor early. Choosing a licensed technician with package-unit experience and asking them to verify refrigerant charge at startup is one of the best investments you can make with this brand.
What is the warranty on this unit and what does it actually cover?
Goodman typically offers a 10-year parts warranty on registered units, which covers components including the compressor and heat exchanger. Registration must be completed within a set window after installation. Labor is not covered, so a compressor replacement in year 8 still carries a real out-of-pocket cost for the service call and labor hours.
Can this package unit replace my existing rooftop unit without major ductwork changes?
The multi-positional design improves the odds of a direct replacement fit, but curb dimensions, duct orientation, and electrical and gas supply locations vary by building. Your installer should verify the curb footprint and supply/return openings match before ordering, as a mismatched curb can add adapter costs and delay the project.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 3 Ton |
| Efficiency | 13.4 SEER2 |
| Furnace output | 40000 BTU |
| Configuration | Multi-Position |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Model | GPGM33604031 |