2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 30,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This 2.5-ton system works well for homeowners needing a horizontal-mounted setup in tight spaces, attics, or crawlspaces where vertical furnaces won't fit. The 96% AFUE and ECM blower make it efficient enough for moderate climates, though it doesn't reach top-tier performance.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton horizontal furnace and air conditioner represents a practical middle ground in residential HVAC. Built on Goodman's solid platform, this system addresses a real installation constraint: many homes need furnaces mounted horizontally in attics or crawlspaces where traditional vertical units simply don't fit. At 21.125 inches wide and 17.5 inches tall, it maintains reasonable compactness while delivering 30,000 BTU heating and cooling capacity suitable for homes ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet.

Performance metrics show legitimate strengths and trade-offs. The 96% AFUE rating puts this firmly in the high-efficiency furnace category, translating to measurable savings on heating bills compared to 80-85% baseline models. The 13 SEER cooling rating performs respectably but lags newer 15-16 SEER systems, meaning summer electricity costs run higher. The ECM multi-speed blower motor automatically adjusts between 0-1,200 CFM based on heating or cooling demand, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary runtime. Two-stage burner operation keeps temperatures steady without the cycling issues of single-stage designs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE efficiency reduces heating costs significantly compared to standard 80-90% units
Horizontal configuration fits attics, crawlspaces, and tight utility areas where vertical furnaces fail
Multi-speed ECM blower motor adjusts to demand, improving comfort and reducing energy waste
Two-stage burner provides better temperature control and quieter operation than single-stage alternatives
PVC/plastic exhaust option eliminates expensive metal flue work in many installations
10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and labor on most components

Cons

13 SEER rating lags behind modern 14-16 SEER systems, meaning higher cooling costs
73 dB noise level is moderately loud for a residential furnace, noticeable during operation
Single-stage condenser limits cooling efficiency compared to two-stage or variable-capacity models
No Energy Star certification, missing potential utility rebates available for certified units
Requires 16.7-25 amp breaker, demanding more electrical capacity than some smaller units

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners with horizontal space constraints (attics, crawlspaces) who prioritize heating efficiency over cutting-edge cooling performance. Contractors installing replacements in older homes where furnace orientation was previously limited.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in hot climates seeking maximum cooling efficiency should look at higher SEER models. Buyers pursuing Energy Star incentives will find certified alternatives elsewhere.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 30,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu

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Installation

Horizontal mounting requires proper condensation management and slope toward drain lines. The PVC/plastic exhaust flue simplifies venting compared to metal alternatives, reducing installation complexity and cost. Requires 208-230V single-phase 60Hz electrical service with a 16.7-25 amp breaker. The 3/8-inch liquid line and 3/4-inch suction line with 3/4-inch insulation thickness meet standard refrigerant piping requirements. Installation difficulty sits at moderate complexity, suitable for experienced technicians but not DIY work.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts and labor warranty requires online registration to activate. Coverage includes compressor, coil, and furnace components across most failure scenarios. This matches industry standard for mid-tier equipment but falls short of some premium brands offering 12-15 year terms. Registration is straightforward, typically completed through manufacturer's website within 30 days of installation.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	30,000
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
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1200
Configuration	Horizontal
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	No
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Height	17.5"
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	2.5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this horizontal furnace in an attic installation? +

Yes, the horizontal configuration is specifically designed for attics and crawlspaces. At 17.5 inches tall and 120 pounds, it fits tight spaces where vertical furnaces won't work. Ensure proper condensation drainage and PVC vent slope. Attic installations may require additional insulation on return air ducts to maintain efficiency.

What's the difference between 13 SEER and newer 15-16 SEER systems? +

SEER measures cooling efficiency; higher numbers mean lower electricity bills. A 15 SEER unit costs 15-25% more upfront but recovers that investment over 7-10 years in high-use areas. For moderate climates, 13 SEER remains acceptable. Hot climates warrant the upgrade for long-term savings.

Will the ECM blower motor reduce my electric bills? +

The multi-speed ECM blower uses 25-40% less electricity than single-speed motors by running only as hard as needed. Combined with the 96% AFUE furnace, total heating costs drop noticeably. Cooling efficiency depends on the 13 SEER rating, which is moderate, not exceptional.

How does 96% AFUE compare to standard furnaces? +

Standard furnaces operate at 80-85% AFUE, meaning 15-20% of fuel escapes unused. This unit captures 96%, translating to roughly $200-400 annual savings on heating depending on climate and usage. The difference compounds over the furnace's 15-20 year lifespan.

Does this unit qualify for Energy Star rebates? +

No, this model lacks Energy Star certification. Some utilities offer rebates for certified units, typically $300-500. Check local programs; some incentivize 96% AFUE systems regardless of Energy Star status.

What refrigerant does this system use, and is it future-proof? +

It uses R454B, a newer low-GWP refrigerant designed to replace older R410A. R454B is EPA-approved for the foreseeable future and represents a responsible environmental choice. Technicians need proper certification to service it, but availability is solid.

Is 73 dB loud for a furnace? +

Yes, 73 dB is moderate-to-loud, comparable to a dishwasher or busy traffic. Quieter models run 65-70 dB. If noise concerns you, request sound dampening materials during installation or consider higher-tier units with better acoustic design.

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