Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

96% efficient Goodman gas furnace with modern R454B cooling for budget-conscious contractors

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This horizontal configuration works well for attics, basements, and crawlspaces where ducting runs horizontally. The 96% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER cooling deliver solid efficiency without premium pricing, making it ideal for replacement jobs and new construction where space and budget matter equally.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton horizontal gas furnace and air conditioner system occupies a practical sweet spot in the mid-market HVAC landscape. Goodman engineering paired with modern refrigerant technology creates a unit that contractors can install confidently and homeowners can operate without breaking the bank. Its horizontal configuration opens installation possibilities that vertical coils simply cannot reach, making it particularly valuable for retrofit scenarios in older homes where attic or crawlspace routing dominates.

Performance numbers tell the real story. The furnace delivers 96% AFUE efficiency with an 80,000 BTU input and two-stage burner, meaning roughly 96 of every 100 BTUs consumed actually heat your home. The cooling side brings 30,000 BTU capacity at 13 SEER using R454B refrigerant, paired with a single-stage reciprocating compressor. The ECM blower motor runs at multiple speeds up to 1200 CFM, automatically matching airflow to heating or cooling demand. Combined, this setup achieves reasonable comfort without the premium pricing of variable-speed or higher-tier efficiency ratings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs by roughly 10-15% compared to 80% models
  • ECM multi-speed blower motor adjusts airflow between 0-1200 CFM, improving comfort and reducing utility bills
  • R454B refrigerant with 13 SEER cooling meets current EPA standards without retrofit concerns
  • Horizontal A-coil configuration fits tight spaces where vertical units won't work
  • Two-stage burner provides smoother heating and lower short-cycle losses
  • PVC exhaust allows cost-effective venting through sidewalls instead of expensive masonry chimneys

Cons

  • 13 SEER is baseline efficiency, not premium, so cooling savings aren't exceptional compared to 16+ SEER models
  • 73 dB noise level is louder than variable-speed competitors, noticeable in quiet homes
  • Single-stage condenser lacks the efficiency gains of two-stage cooling units in moderate climates

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors performing furnace replacements in existing homes with horizontal ductwork layouts, and homeowners in moderate climates who prioritize heating efficiency and budget over premium cooling performance. This unit makes sense for attic installations where space restrictions eliminate vertical coil options.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in very cold climates should consider higher-stage heating, and those seeking maximum cooling efficiency should explore 16+ SEER systems instead of the baseline 13 SEER here.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
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Installation

Installation requires standard electrical service of 208/230V single-phase 60Hz with a 16.7 to 25-amp breaker, well within typical residential panels. The horizontal dimensions measure 21.125 inches high by 17.5 inches wide by 26 inches deep, fitting most attic and crawlspace cavities. PVC exhaust venting simplifies installation compared to traditional flue requirements. Suction and liquid lines use standard 3/4-inch and 3/8-inch sweat connections with provided insulation. Most experienced installers complete hookup in 4-6 hours.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a 10-year parts warranty when you register online within 30 days of installation. This covers compressor, heat exchanger, and major components, though labor costs fall on the homeowner. Standard industry terms: major parts like compressors rarely fail within a decade if installed correctly. Registration takes minutes and proves installation date, so don't skip this step.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
ConfigurationHorizontal
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarNo
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Height21.125"
Width17.5"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeReciprocating
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Max Breaker Size25 amps
Min. Breaker Size16.7 amps
Tonnage3 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this 2.5 ton but specs show 3 ton tonnage? +
The cooling capacity is 30,000 BTU, which equals 2.5 tons, while furnace input is oversized to 80,000 BTU for heating dominance in colder climates. The tonnage field showing 3 appears to be a data error. Verify with the seller or manual that cooling capacity is genuinely 30,000 BTU for your load calculation.
Can I install this in a vertical position if I modify the cabinet? +
No. This unit is engineered specifically for horizontal airflow with gravity-dependent condensate drainage. Vertical installation voids the warranty and risks compressor oil starvation. Buy an upflow model if vertical mounting is required for your space.
How does 13 SEER compare to high-efficiency air conditioners? +
13 SEER is modern minimum efficiency meeting 2023 EPA standards. A 16 SEER unit costs 20-30% more but saves 18-20% on cooling annually. For mild climates with modest cooling loads, 13 SEER delivers acceptable payback. Very hot regions justify the higher tier.
Is R454B refrigerant harder to service than older R410A systems? +
R454B is slightly newer but widely available from wholesalers as of 2024. Technicians trained post-2020 handle it routinely. Service costs remain similar to R410A. Older HVAC shops may charge more while learning the refrigerant, so confirm your local tech's experience first.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover if my compressor fails? +
The warranty covers parts replacement only, meaning Goodman ships a new compressor at no cost. You pay for refrigerant, evacuation, brazing, and labor to install it. Budget $500-800 total out-of-pocket for a compressor failure after year one of use.

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