Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

High-efficiency two-stage gas furnace with 13 SEER cooling at an unbeatable price point

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$647
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This ACiQ system is ideal for homeowners and contractors seeking excellent efficiency without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE heating and 13 SEER cooling make it suitable for moderate to cold climates where both seasons matter equally.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton split system represents smart engineering at a smart price. This upflow-configured unit pairs an 80,000 BTU two-stage gas furnace with a 30,000 BTU air conditioning condenser, making it suitable for homes requiring both robust heating and moderate cooling. At $647, it undercuts many competitor offerings without skimping on essential features like variable-speed blower motors and dual-fuel capability for natural gas or propane.

Performance numbers tell a compelling story. The 96% AFUE furnace rating means you're converting nearly all fuel into usable heat, a legitimate step above standard 80-85% units. On the cooling side, 13 SEER1 efficiency qualifies for ENERGY STAR certification and translates to measurable summer savings. The variable-speed ECM blower motor running up to 1600 CFM enables better air distribution than single-speed alternatives, while the two-stage burner prevents unnecessary full-fire operation during mild weather.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means minimal fuel waste and lower heating bills, verified by AHRI certificate 7368835
  • 13 SEER1 cooling meets modern efficiency standards at a fraction of typical SEER2 system costs
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts output from 0 to 1600 CFM for better comfort and efficiency than fixed-speed alternatives
  • Two-stage burner allows the furnace to run at partial capacity during mild weather, reducing short-cycling and energy consumption
  • $647 price point delivers genuine value for a complete 2.5-ton system with 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Single-stage air conditioning compressor cannot modulate capacity, meaning it cycles on and off rather than running continuously at lower speeds
  • 73 dB noise level is moderate and may be noticeable in quiet homes, particularly during cooling mode
  • R454B refrigerant is newer and requires technicians with specific certification, potentially limiting future service options in some areas

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners in mixed climates who want proven two-stage heating efficiency without paying for variable-capacity cooling they may not need. Contractors building rental properties or spec homes will appreciate the combination of solid performance and wallet-friendly pricing.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone seeking ultra-quiet operation or variable-capacity cooling should look at higher SEER2 models, as single-stage compressors and 73 dB output may disappoint.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
$647
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard split-system setup: proper copper line sets with 3/8-inch liquid and 3/4-inch suction lines, electrical service of 115V single-phase 60Hz with 16.7 to 25-amp breaker capacity, and a plastic or PVC exhaust flue exiting from the right side. The upflow/horizontal A-coil configuration fits most standard closets. Technicians familiar with R454B refrigerant and two-stage furnace programming should complete this without complications.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a full 10-year parts warranty upon online registration, covering both the furnace and evaporator coil. This lengthy coverage period reflects manufacturer confidence in durability and gives homeowners genuine peace of mind. Registration is simple but mandatory to activate the full term, so documentation should be kept accessible.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)73
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeReciprocating
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Max Breaker Size25 amps
Min. Breaker Size16.7 amps
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height30"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil Warranty You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.
Safety InformationPROPOSITION 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.
AHRI Certificate Number7368835
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this system priced so much lower than competitors offering similar SEER ratings? +
ACiQ manufactures for big-box suppliers and contractors, reducing distribution costs versus premium residential brands. Single-stage cooling, while less sophisticated than variable-capacity alternatives, is fully capable and lowers component expense. You're buying efficiency and reliability, not brand prestige, which explains the value pricing.
Will my existing ductwork need modification for the upflow configuration? +
The A-coil design accommodates standard vertical ductwork common in closet installations. The 50-foot suction line insulation and 30-inch height fit most spaces. Have a technician verify your return air plenum configuration during site evaluation to confirm compatibility before purchase.
How much can I expect to save on cooling costs compared to older 10 SEER systems? +
13 SEER versus 10 SEER translates to roughly 30 percent better cooling efficiency. On a typical $1,200 annual cooling bill, you'd recover approximately $360 yearly, meaning a 2-ton unit pays for itself in energy savings within 18 months depending on local rates and usage.
Is R454B refrigerant going to be a problem finding service technicians in five years? +
R454B is EPA-approved and becoming standard in new equipment, so technician availability is improving rapidly. However, some rural areas may have limited expertise. Verify local contractor familiarity before purchasing if you're concerned about future service accessibility.
Do I need to register the warranty online immediately after installation? +
Yes. Online registration activates the full 10-year coverage. Without it, the warranty defaults to a shorter period. Your installer should handle this, but confirm completion and retain your registration confirmation email.

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