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 excels for cost-conscious homeowners upgrading older furnaces, especially in mixed climates where heating dominates. The 96% AFUE rating delivers serious energy savings on gas bills, though the 13 SEER cooling is adequate rather than exceptional for air conditioning demands.

Review

The ACiQ ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG is a Goodman-engineered 2.5-ton split system positioned as a value-oriented retrofit option for contractors and homeowners. This upflow configuration suits most residential installations, from basement furnace placement to closet applications. At $0, the pricing suggests this is a special promotion or quote-based offering. The system combines gas heating with refrigerant cooling in a single-stage architecture, making it straightforward for technicians familiar with standard equipment.

The furnace delivers impressive numbers where it counts most: 96% AFUE efficiency and 80,000 BTU heating capacity address winter heating across cold climates effectively. Cooling output of 30,000 BTU at 13 SEER is competent but not aggressive, suitable for supplemental comfort rather than primary cooling in hot regions. The multi-speed ECM blower running up to 1,200 CFM adapts to load, while dual-stage burner operation minimizes energy waste during partial-load heating, the scenario most furnaces encounter 80% of the time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency saves approximately 20-30% on heating costs versus 80% AFUE units
Multi-speed ECM blower motor optimizes airflow across variable load conditions, improving comfort
Two-stage burner reduces short-cycling and maintains steadier home temperatures
PVC/plastic exhaust flue simplifies installation and retrofit work on older homes
10-year warranty with online registration provides solid peace of mind at this price point

Cons

13 SEER cooling performance lags behind modern 16-18 SEER competitors, increasing summer energy use
Single-stage condenser cannot modulate capacity, resulting in less precise temperature control
73 dB noise level is audible during operation, potentially noticeable in quiet homes

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in heating-dominant climates (northern regions) replacing 15-25 year old furnaces will see the fastest ROI on fuel savings. This system also suits budget-conscious buyers in moderate climates who prioritize winter performance over cutting-edge cooling efficiency.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in hot climates prioritizing air conditioning efficiency, or those needing quiet operation and variable-capacity cooling should explore higher-SEER alternatives.

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

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Installation

Installation requires standard gas furnace skills: proper vent sizing for PVC exhaust, secure suction and liquid line connections using 3/4 inch and 3/8 inch tubing with 3/4 inch insulation thickness, and electrical hookup to 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz service with 16.7 to 25 amp breaker. Upflow orientation limits placement flexibility but simplifies ductwork routing. The 22 x 17.5 x 21 inch footprint fits tight utility closets.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman's 10-year parts warranty activates upon online registration, protecting compressor, heat exchanger, and blower motor against defects. This is a solid mid-tier warranty covering major failure scenarios but excluding labor or refrigerant charges. Registration is essential, so contractors must ensure homeowners complete this immediately after installation.

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
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1200
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	No
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Height	22"
Width	17.5"
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.
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

Why is AFUE 96% important for my heating bills? +

AFUE measures furnace efficiency converting gas to heat. A 96% unit wastes only 4% as exhaust, versus 20% for older 80% AFUE models. On a $1,500 annual heating bill, you save approximately $300-400 yearly, paying back your system in 6-8 years through fuel savings alone.

Can this system handle my climate if I live in Minnesota or Maine? +

Yes. The 80,000 BTU output and 96% AFUE excel in extreme cold. However, verify your heat loss calculation, as undersized tonnage requires supplemental electric heating. Work with your installer to confirm this 2.5-ton capacity matches your home's heating demand.

Is 13 SEER cooling good enough for summer? +

13 SEER meets minimum federal standards but ranks in the bottom tier of modern equipment. If summer cooling is critical, expect higher humidity control issues and higher AC bills than 16-18 SEER systems. It's adequate for mild climates, not ideal for Phoenix or Atlanta.

How does this compare to a higher SEER system at the same price? +

Budget systems force tradeoffs. This unit prioritizes heating efficiency and reliability over cooling features. A 16 SEER alternative might cost 15-20% more but delivers 25% better cooling performance. Choose based on your climate's heating versus cooling season length.

Do I need online registration for the warranty to work? +

Yes. Registration is mandatory to activate the 10-year warranty. Without it, coverage defaults to one year. Contractors should email the homeowner a registration reminder immediately after commissioning the unit.

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