2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This ACiQ-branded Goodman system delivers excellent heating efficiency at an aggressive price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors managing multiple installs. The 96% AFUE and variable-speed ECM blower make it a solid performer for moderate climates where heating loads dominate the operating season.

Review

The ACiQ-branded 2.5 ton Goodman system occupies a practical middle ground in the residential HVAC market, combining dependable cooling with strong heating performance at an entry-level price. Built around proven reciprocating compressor technology and a two-stage gas furnace, this upflow configuration suits retrofits and new installations where ductwork already exists. At $464, it targets price-conscious contractors and homeowners unwilling to compromise core efficiency for budget constraints.

The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU heating capacity at 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every fuel dollar converts to usable heat, a benchmark few budget units match. Cooling output peaks at 30,000 BTU (2.5 tons) with 13 SEER1 efficiency using R454B refrigerant. The variable-speed ECM blower adjusts to 1,600 CFM maximum, modulating fan speed based on demand rather than running constant, which improves temperature consistency and reduces energy waste during light-load periods.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency ranks among the best for gas heating, translating to measurable savings on natural gas and propane bills
13 SEER cooling efficiency meets modern standards without premium pricing, suitable for mixed heating/cooling climates
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to load conditions, improving comfort and reducing unnecessary runtime
Two-stage burner provides modulation during partial load conditions, enhancing efficiency and comfort
$464 price point undercuts most comparable 2.5 ton split systems by $200-400
10-year warranty with online registration covers compressor, parts, and labor in most cases
PVC/plastic exhaust flue compatibility simplifies installation in retrofit applications

Cons

Single-stage condenser means cooling capacity runs at full output or idle, lacking capacity modulation for milder days
13 SEER is adequate but not exceptional, trailing newer R32 systems hitting 15+ SEER
73 dBA noise level runs slightly louder than premium units, noticeable in quiet residential settings
Non-ENERGY STAR rated, missing federal efficiency rebates available in some states
R454B refrigerant is newer, requiring technicians trained on low-GWP handling procedures

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in heating-dominant climates (northern US, Canada) prioritizing furnace efficiency over air conditioning performance will see the fastest ROI on this system. Contractors managing new construction projects or standard replacements benefit from the aggressive pricing and straightforward variable-speed blower design.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in cooling-heavy markets or those seeking premium efficiency and quiet operation should explore single-stage or variable-capacity alternatives, even if they cost more upfront.

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

$464

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Upflow configuration directs heated air upward, requiring basement or attic-mounted placement with vertical ductwork. The 21 by 21 by 22 inch footprint fits standard equipment closets and crawl spaces. Plastic PVC exhaust flue simplifies venting versus metal pipe, and the 3/8 inch sweat valve connections use standard brazing procedures. Electrical demand requires 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz service with 16.7 to 25 amp breaker sizing.

Warranty & Reliability

ACiQ provides 10 years parts and labor coverage upon online registration, unusual for entry-level pricing. The Goodman evaporator coil carries separate extended coverage. Registration is mandatory to activate full protection, a common manufacturer practice. Compressor and sealed system components enjoy full coverage, though labor typically caps at seven years in some regions.

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	7368835
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	No
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	22"
Width	21"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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

How much can I expect to save monthly versus a standard 80% AFUE furnace? +

A 96% AFUE unit recovers 16 percentage points more heat than baseline models. On average, homeowners using 40,000 BTU annual heating save $200-350 yearly depending on fuel costs and climate. Actual savings depend on usage patterns and local natural gas or propane pricing.

Is PVC exhaust venting reliable long-term, or should I upgrade to metal? +

PVC venting is approved and durable for condensing furnaces like this 96% AFUE model because exhaust temperatures stay below 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Plastic handles condensation drainage better than metal. Inspect annually for cracks, but PVC typically outlasts the equipment itself with proper installation.

Will 13 SEER cooling be enough for summer comfort in hot climates? +

13 SEER provides moderate cooling efficiency but isn't optimized for heat-heavy regions. In areas exceeding 85 degrees regularly, consider stepping up to 14-15 SEER units. This system suits mixed climates where heating and cooling demands balance relatively evenly.

How does the two-stage burner impact comfort compared to single-stage? +

Two-stage burners run at 65% capacity during mild weather, then ramp to full 80,000 BTU output only when needed. This reduces temperature swings and cycling, creating steadier comfort. Single-stage models blast full heat on or off, causing noticeable temperature fluctuations.

Do I need R454B-certified technicians, and how does that affect service? +

R454B is low-GWP refrigerant requiring EPA 608 certification, which most licensed HVAC technicians hold. However, some older shops may lack training. Verify your local service provider is certified before purchase to avoid future service delays.

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