1.5 Ton 13 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Vertical 21" Cased Coil Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This ACiQ unit is ideal for contractors and homeowners replacing aging systems in small to medium spaces where cost matters more than premium features. At $389 with 18,000 BTU capacity and 13 SEER rating, it delivers reliable cooling without breaking the budget.

Review

The ACiQ 1.5 ton air conditioner with vertical 21-inch cased coil sits squarely in the value segment of residential cooling. At $389, it's positioned for contractors managing tight project margins and homeowners unwilling to pay premium prices. The unit uses R454B refrigerant, a lower-GWP alternative gaining traction in the industry. With 18,000 BTU capacity and single-stage compressor design, this is straightforward equipment built for reliability rather than advanced features. It competes directly with other budget condenser and coil packages that prioritize affordability.

Performance metrics show this unit operates at 13 SEER efficiency, which meets minimum standards but won't impress energy-conscious buyers. The 74 dB noise level during operation is moderately loud for a residential unit, audible from inside homes. Electrical requirements are modest, needing only 208-230V single-phase 60 Hz service with a 9.1 to 15 amp breaker. The rotary compressor is a mature design contractors know how to service. Line set sizing is standard, with 3/8-inch liquid line and 3/4-inch suction line connections using sweat fittings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

18,000 BTU capacity handles 1.5 ton cooling loads efficiently for small apartments or bedrooms
13 SEER rating meets baseline efficiency standards with reasonable energy costs
R454B refrigerant is modern, lower-GWP option better than older R22 or R410A systems
Rotary compressor design is proven reliable and field-serviceable by most HVAC technicians
10-year warranty with online registration provides solid protection for the investment
Single-stage operation keeps mechanical complexity low and maintenance straightforward

Cons

74 dB noise level is noticeably louder than high-efficiency units, problematic for noise-sensitive spaces
No Energy Star certification means it won't qualify for rebates many utilities offer
Single-stage compressor cycles on and off rather than modulating, reducing comfort and efficiency in mild weather

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors outfitting rental properties or budget-conscious homeowners replacing failed units in small spaces where efficiency rebates aren't available. This unit makes sense for secondary bedrooms, offices, or cottages where occupancy is intermittent.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in a state with aggressive Energy Star incentives, noise-sensitive environments like bedrooms near living areas, or applications requiring variable-speed compressor efficiency.

1.5 Ton 13 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Verti

$389

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation follows conventional A-coil procedures for upflow or downflow configurations. The 21-inch width, 22-inch height, and 21-inch depth fit standard furnace closets. At 120 pounds, it's manageable for two technicians. Suction line insulation is 3/4-inch thick, and the included 50-foot line set eliminates guesswork. No smart controls or complex staging logic to configure, making first-call and residential install jobs faster to complete.

Warranty & Reliability

ACiQ provides 10-year parts and labor coverage when registered online, a solid baseline for this price point. Registration is mandatory to activate the warranty, so communicate this requirement to end customers. The Goodman evaporator coil carries separate warranty documentation. This protection level is competitive with other budget equipment but doesn't match extended plans from premium manufacturers.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-18-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	18,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	74
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	No
SEER1 (Efficiency)	13
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Rotary
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	3/4"
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Max Breaker Size	15 amps
Min. Breaker Size	9.1 amps
Tonnage	2 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Height	22"
Width	21"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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.
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 13 SEER actually mean for my cooling costs? +

SEER measures seasonal efficiency. At 13 SEER, this unit runs roughly 15-20% higher energy costs than 16 SEER models. In moderate climates using 500 cooling hours yearly, expect $150-200 extra annually. The lower upfront cost typically offsets higher operating costs over 5-7 years, making it sensible for rental property owners and short-term occupants.

Will this coil work with my existing furnace or air handler? +

The vertical 21-inch cased A-coil accepts standard 3/8-inch liquid and 3/4-inch suction line connections. It fits upflow and downflow configurations in typical furnace cabinets. Verify your furnace drain pan can handle condensate without modification. Check blower airflow rating matches the 1.5 ton capacity, roughly 350-400 CFM at standard conditions.

Why does this unit use R454B instead of R410A? +

R454B has lower global warming potential, reducing environmental impact. EPA and manufacturers are transitioning away from R410A. R454B performs comparably in cooling capacity but requires careful handling during service. Most HVAC technicians now stock it, making future repairs straightforward without specialty equipment or training.

How does single-stage compressor operation affect comfort compared to variable-speed? +

Single-stage runs at full power or off, cycling continuously. In mild weather, this creates temperature swings and higher energy consumption. Variable-speed units modulate output smoothly, maintaining tighter temperature control. For budget applications in moderate climates, single-stage is acceptable. In hot regions or if comfort is priority, invest in two-stage or inverter options.

What's covered under the 10-year warranty? +

Parts and labor are covered after online registration. Refrigerant typically follows separate guidelines. The Goodman evaporator coil has dedicated warranty terms in included documentation. Normal wear, improper installation, and maintenance neglect are not covered. Always verify registration completion with the customer.

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