2.5 Ton 13 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This ACiQ unit is ideal for contractors installing split systems in homes where space is limited, particularly basements or attics with horizontal configuration requirements. The 97% AFUE and modulating burner deliver serious efficiency gains, especially in mild climates or for homeowners running longer heating seasons.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system occupies a practical middle ground in the residential HVAC market. Branded as Goodman equipment but distributed through ACiQ, this split system targets contractors and homeowners seeking efficient heating without premium pricing. The horizontal configuration and compact footprint, measuring just 21 inches tall by 26 inches deep, make it genuinely useful for retrofit installations where space constraints are real.

Performance specs are genuinely solid. The furnace delivers 97% AFUE with modulating burner technology that ramps output rather than cycling on and off, reducing runtime and gas waste. The air conditioner pulls 30,000 BTU cooling capacity at 13 SEER using R454B refrigerant, a low-GWP option future-proofing against EPA restrictions. The variable-speed ECM blower adjusts from 0-1600 CFM based on load, minimizing energy draw during partial-load operation when most heating and cooling actually occurs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

97% AFUE furnace efficiency, among the highest available for gas furnaces
Modulating burner stages for precise temperature control and reduced short-cycling
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0-1600 CFM, minimizing energy waste
PVC/plastic exhaust flue compatible, eliminating expensive chimney requirements
R454B refrigerant is low-GWP and future-proof against regulatory shifts
10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage

Cons

SEER 13 rating is adequate but not premium compared to 15+ SEER units available today
Single-stage condenser limits cooling efficiency in extreme heat climates
73 dBA noise level is moderately loud for some residential applications
No Energy Star certification despite high furnace efficiency

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners in moderate to cold climates who need cost-effective efficiency upgrades without major ductwork renovation. This unit shines for horizontal installations in basements, crawlspaces, or tight attics where standard configurations won't fit.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in very hot climates prioritizing cooling performance, or homeowners seeking the absolute highest SEER ratings willing to spend more upfront for long-term cooling savings.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu

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Installation

Horizontal configuration requires right-side flue venting through PVC or plastic, simplifying installation compared to traditional metal flue systems. The unit needs 208/230V single-phase 60Hz power with 16.7-25 amp breaker sizing. Refrigerant lines use standard 3/8-inch liquid and 3/4-inch suction fittings with sweat connections. Pre-insulated 3/4-inch suction line (50-foot length included) minimizes on-site insulation work.

Warranty & Reliability

Coverage includes 10 years of parts protection when registered online, standard for ACiQ/Goodman residential equipment. Registration is free and typically takes minutes. This warranty covers compressor, heat exchanger, and most electrical components. Extended coverage options may be available through dealers for an additional cost.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	73
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
AHRI Certificate Number	7424271
Airflow Direction	Downflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	97%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Configuration	Horizontal
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	No
Burner Stages	Modulating
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	21"
Width	21.125"
Depth	26"
Resources	CHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)	13
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Reciprocating
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	3/4"
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Max Breaker Size	25 amps
Min. Breaker Size	16.7 amps
Tonnage	3.5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 97% AFUE compare to older furnaces? +

A 97% AFUE furnace converts 97 cents of every dollar spent on gas into usable heat. Older furnaces typically achieve 80-85% AFUE, meaning upgrading saves roughly 12-20% on annual heating costs depending on your climate and usage patterns.

Can this unit replace an existing upflow furnace? +

Not directly without ductwork modifications. This is designed for horizontal airflow in attics, basements, or crawlspaces. Verify your existing ductwork orientation before purchasing, as reorienting ducts adds $500-1500 in labor costs.

Is 13 SEER cooling efficiency good enough? +

13 SEER meets minimum efficiency standards and works well in moderate climates. However, modern units reach 15-18 SEER. If cooling dominates your utility bills or you live in extreme heat zones, higher SEER ratings justify the extra cost over 10+ year lifespan.

What's the difference between modulating and single-stage burners? +

Modulating burners adjust output smoothly across a range, matching heating demand more precisely and reducing runtime. Single-stage units run at full capacity until reaching setpoint, cycling more often. Modulating technology saves 5-10% on gas consumption during mild weather.

Does this system need a smart thermostat? +

No, but the variable-speed ECM blower performs optimally with communicating thermostats that send demand signals. A standard single-stage thermostat works, but you'll miss efficiency benefits from continuous blower modulation.

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