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

// Bottom Line

This ACiQ 2.5-ton system is ideal for homeowners retrofitting mid-size homes who prioritize heating efficiency and want Energy Star certification without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with 13 SEER cooling makes it solid for mixed climates where both seasons matter.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton system represents a practical middle ground for homeowners seeking balanced heating and cooling without premium pricing. This upflow A-coil configuration fits standard return-air closets and works with existing ductwork in most residential retrofits. ACiQ's positioning as a value-oriented alternative to Goodman (same parent company) has earned contractor respect for reliability without brand overhead.

Performance specs highlight this system's heating strength. The 96% AFUE furnace with two-stage burners delivers efficient, modulated heat up to 30,000 BTU. Cooling reaches the same 30,000 BTU at 13 SEER1 with a single-stage reciprocating compressor using R454B refrigerant. The ECM blower motor varies airflow to 1200 CFM maximum, optimizing comfort across seasons. Electrical requirements are modest at 115V, 60 Hz, requiring 16.7 to 25 amps.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE gas furnace efficiency exceeds most competitors in this price tier
Energy Star certified with R454B refrigerant, meeting current environmental standards
Two-stage burner allows modulating heat output for better comfort and lower cycling costs
Multi-speed ECM blower motor provides variable airflow up to 1200 CFM
Comprehensive 10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and labor

Cons

Single-stage air conditioner limits cooling modulation compared to variable-capacity units
73 dB noise level runs louder than high-efficiency inverter models during peak cooling
13 SEER1 is adequate but trails 14-15 SEER options in hot climates

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed climates who heat more than cool and value furnace efficiency should strongly consider this unit. It's particularly suited for retrofit installations where existing ductwork and electrical service (115V single-phase) are already in place.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in predominantly hot climates wanting maximum cooling efficiency or those seeking ultra-quiet operation should explore variable-capacity systems with higher SEER ratings.

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

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Installation

Installation is straightforward for experienced HVAC technicians. The unit requires standard 3/8 inch liquid and 3/4 inch suction lines with sweat-type valve connections. PVC plastic flue venting connects to the right-side exhaust port. Dimensions of 22 by 17.5 by 21 inches fit most mechanical closets. The 50-foot suction line insulation pre-wrapped at 3/4 inch thickness minimizes heat gain during refrigerant return.

Warranty & Reliability

ACiQ backs this unit with a 10-year parts and labor warranty when registered online after installation. This full coverage is competitive and removes risk for homeowners during the critical first decade of operation. Registration is simple and provides peace of mind that repairs are fully covered.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	30,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years 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	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.
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
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 13 SEER1 compare to other 2.5-ton units? +

13 SEER1 meets Energy Star requirements and handles moderate cooling loads well in mixed climates. It trails 14-15 SEER variable-capacity models but costs considerably less. For cooling-dominant regions, higher SEER ratings justify premium pricing; here, balanced heating and cooling makes 13 SEER practical.

Can this system retrofit my existing furnace ductwork? +

Yes, the upflow A-coil design accommodates standard residential ductwork. Verify your existing return and supply duct sizing matches 1200 CFM maximum airflow. The 115V, single-phase electrical requirement typically suits homes without dedicated circuits, simplifying wiring.

What does the two-stage burner accomplish? +

Two-stage burners modulate output between low and high fire, reducing short cycling and energy waste on mild days. This feature, combined with 96% AFUE efficiency, keeps gas consumption minimal. Single-stage systems run at full output constantly, cycling on and off less efficiently.

Is R454B refrigerant better than R410A? +

R454B is a newer, lower-global-warming-potential refrigerant that meets current EPA and environmental standards. It performs similarly to R410A but with reduced environmental impact. New systems now ship with R454B as the industry standard.

What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +

The 10-year registered warranty covers all parts and labor. This comprehensive coverage protects against manufacturing defects and component failures during the critical ownership period. Online registration takes minutes and is required to activate coverage.

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