Review
ACiQ's 1.5 ton vertical cased coil occupies solid middle ground in the budget air conditioning market. This A-coil configuration addresses a genuine contractor pain point: finding quality evaporator coils that fit restrictive installation spaces without charging premium prices. The 18,000 BTU capacity and 14 SEER rating position it competitively against economy models while maintaining reliability credentials that matter in field applications.
Performance specs show this unit delivering 18,000 BTU cooling output with a rotary compressor running single-stage operation. The 14 SEER1 efficiency rating translates to approximately 12-15 percent better performance than 10 SEER baseline units from a decade ago, creating meaningful seasonal savings. Operating at 71 decibels places it in the audible range during peak cooling, a consideration for noise-sensitive installations. The R454B refrigerant aligns with industry forward movement away from R410A constraints.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 14 SEER efficiency rating delivers measurable energy savings compared to older 10-13 SEER units
- R454B refrigerant future-proofs against upcoming EPA phase-outs affecting older refrigerants
- Rotary compressor proven reliable in field conditions with lower maintenance costs than scroll designs
- Vertical 14 inch cased A-coil fits tight attic and basement installations where space is limited
- 10-year warranty with online registration covers manufacturing defects and provides peace of mind
Cons
- 71 decibel noise level is audible during operation, notably louder than premium variable-speed alternatives
- Single-stage compressor means fixed output only, no modulation for part-load efficiency gains
- No Energy Star certification signals this sits below premium efficiency thresholds some programs require
- SKU and tonnage mismatch in specs (labeled 1.5 ton but specs show 3 ton, creating confusion)
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors installing replacement systems in residential homes where budget constraints limit options, and homeowners upgrading 15-25 year old air conditioners who prioritize upfront affordability over premium features. This coil pairs well with mid-range outdoor condensing units for balanced system performance.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers seeking Energy Star rated equipment, those installing in noise-sensitive areas, or homeowners wanting variable capacity features for seasonal efficiency optimization should look at higher-tier alternatives.
Installation
Installation requires 208/230V single-phase 60Hz power with breaker sizing between 12-30 amps, covering most residential panel configurations. The unit ships with 50 feet of pre-insulated suction line and features standard 3/8 inch liquid line and 3/4 inch suction valve connections matching common system pairings. Weight of 120 pounds makes it manageable for two-person handling, though attic placement requires careful maneuvering through tight spaces.
Warranty & Reliability
The 10-year parts warranty requires online registration to activate, a standard industry practice that protects against compressor and component failures. This duration matches mainstream competitors, providing meaningful coverage for manufacturing defects. Registration typically takes minutes and should happen immediately after installation to ensure claim eligibility.
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) | 71 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 120.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Energy Star | No |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 14 |
| Condenser Stages | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Rotary |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 3/4" |
| Max Breaker Size | 30 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 12 amps |
| Tonnage | 3 Ton |
| Height | 22" |
| Width | 14" |
| 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 |
| Suction Line | 3/4" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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