2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman system delivers solid heating and cooling efficiency for homeowners upgrading older equipment or installing new builds in space-constrained locations. The 96% AFUE furnace and 13 SEER air conditioner combination covers most climate zones competently without premium pricing.

Review

The Goodman 2.5 ton upflow system combines a high-efficiency furnace with a standard-tier air conditioner, creating a practical middle-ground solution for residential HVAC replacement. At this price point with 96% AFUE heating and 13 SEER cooling, it occupies the sweet spot where efficiency gains become financially meaningful without crossing into premium equipment territory. The A-coil configuration and compact 34.5-inch height make it particularly attractive for installations where vertical space is limited, such as attics or closets in retrofit scenarios.

Heating output reaches 60,000 BTU with a two-stage burner that modulates between high and low fire to match load conditions, reducing temperature swings and improving comfort. The air conditioner delivers 30,000 BTU of cooling capacity with a reciprocating compressor and single-stage design that operates at 73 decibels. The multi-speed ECM blower provides up to 1,200 CFM airflow and adjusts automatically, working with both furnace and cooling cycles. This configuration achieves the 96% AFUE and 13 SEER ratings through solid component selection rather than exotic technology.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE heating efficiency reduces gas consumption and monthly heating bills significantly compared to 80-90% models
13 SEER cooling meets Energy Star standards and qualifies for some utility rebates
Two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower adapt to demand, improving comfort and reducing short-cycling
Compact A-coil design at 34.5 inches tall fits tight attic and closet installations common in retrofit work
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year unit and parts coverage provides real long-term protection
50-foot suction line reach allows flexible outdoor condenser placement without additional refrigerant charging

Cons

Single-stage compressor in the air conditioner means less modulation for cooling efficiency compared to variable-capacity units
73 dB operating noise is moderately loud, potentially noticeable in quiet homes or bedrooms near the unit
Requires 16.7 to 25 amp electrical service, which may necessitate panel upgrades in older homes with undersized wiring

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates seeking straightforward efficiency gains and contractors tackling tight-space upflow installations where cost and reliability matter more than advanced features. This system works well for those replacing 10 to 15-year-old equipment and wanting meaningful energy savings without premium pricing.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in extreme climates requiring variable-capacity cooling, those prioritizing whisper-quiet operation, or homeowners with severe electrical service limitations should explore alternatives.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu

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Installation

Installation requires standard sweat-type connections with 3/8-inch liquid and 3/4-inch suction lines, both of which accommodate the 50-foot refrigerant run length. Electrical needs range from 16.7 to 25 amps at 115V single phase. The upflow orientation and A-coil shape fit standard horizontal or vertical installations. Most contractors complete setup in 4 to 6 hours with basic HVAC tools and refrigerant recovery equipment.

Warranty & Reliability

Coverage includes a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger, 10 years for unit replacement, and 10 years for parts when registered online. This structure protects against catastrophic failures while balancing manufacturer risk, typical for mid-tier Goodman equipment. Online registration is straightforward and essential to activate full coverage.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	60,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	Lifetime Heat Exchanger, 10 Years Unit Replacement, and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	73
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	Yes
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
Height	34.5"
Width	17.5"
Depth	28.75"
Resources	GMEC96 Installation Manual GMEC96 Specifications Sheet GMEC96 Owner's Manual GMEC96 Service Manual GMEC96 Replacement Parts Manual GMEC96 Brochure Goodman Furnace 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/Horizontal
Style	A-Coil
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1200
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 96% AFUE furnace significant compared to standard units? +

96% AFUE means 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to usable heat, versus roughly 80-90% on older furnaces. On a typical $1,200 annual heating bill, you save $150 to $200 yearly, recovering the efficiency premium in 5 to 7 years while reducing gas consumption and carbon footprint.

Can this system fit in a standard attic installation? +

Yes, the 34.5-inch height works in most attics with 48-inch clearance, though ductwork above consumes space. The compact A-coil footprint is roughly 17.5 inches wide by 28.75 inches deep. Verify your specific attic dimensions and framing before ordering.

How does 13 SEER cooling performance compare to higher-rated systems? +

13 SEER is efficient but not top-tier. A 16 SEER unit cools more efficiently, but costs $1,500 to $2,500 more. This 13 SEER model suits moderate climates with 80 to 120 cooling days annually. Hot climates with heavy AC use justify the premium of higher-rated compressors.

Is the reciprocating compressor reliable, or should I pay more for scroll types? +

Reciprocating compressors in this class have solid service records when properly maintained. Scroll compressors cost more but run slightly cooler. For residential use with proper filtration and annual maintenance, either approach lasts 12 to 15 years reliably.

Does online warranty registration really matter? +

Yes. Registration activates the full 10-year parts and unit replacement coverage. Without it, you default to much shorter coverage. Most registrations take 5 minutes on Goodman's website with your model and serial numbers.

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