Review
Goodman's 2.5-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system represents intelligent value engineering for the replacement market. At $643, this upflow unit bundles both heating and cooling in one compact A-coil configuration, eliminating the need to source components separately. The system is ENERGY STAR certified and uses R454B refrigerant, reflecting current environmental standards. For contractors and homeowners accustomed to $1,000-plus bundles, the price alone warrants serious evaluation.
Performance specs are solid across the board. The furnace delivers 60,000 BTU of heating with 96% AFUE efficiency, meaning 96 cents of every fuel dollar converts to usable heat. The cooling side provides 30,000 BTU at 13 SEER1 efficiency. The two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower motor ensure the furnace doesn't run at full blast constantly, reducing energy waste during shoulder seasons. Maximum CFM reaches 1,200, sufficient for proper air circulation in homes up to 2,500 square feet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency significantly reduces heating costs compared to 80-90% models
- 13 SEER cooling efficiency meets Energy Star standards for a 2.5-ton capacity
- Two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower motor optimize comfort and runtime efficiency
- Lifetime warranty on heat exchanger provides long-term peace of mind on the costliest component
- Aggressive $643 price point beats most competitor bundles by $200-400
Cons
- Single-stage reciprocating compressor in the AC unit limits part-load efficiency and cycling flexibility
- 73 dB noise level is on the higher side, noticeable during operation from adjacent rooms
- Limited staging capability means less ability to modulate output for variable load conditions
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in moderate climates who value straightforward reliability and low upfront cost over cutting-edge efficiency features. Contractors replacing older systems in fixed budgets will appreciate the complete package and strong warranty coverage.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers in extreme climates or those seeking maximum efficiency should explore variable-speed compressor units or higher SEER models, as the single-stage design won't match premium systems.
Installation
Installation requires standard gas line, electrical hookup at 115V single-phase, and 16.7 to 25 amp breaker sizing. The unit ships at 120 pounds and measures 34.5 inches tall by 17.5 inches wide, fitting most standard closet or basement locations. Plastic PVC venting simplifies flue installation compared to metal ductwork. Sweat valve connections demand basic soldering skills or a qualified technician.
Warranty & Reliability
Coverage includes a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, 10-year unit replacement guarantee, and 10-year parts warranty with online registration. The lifetime heat exchanger protection is the highlight here, as replacement would otherwise cost $400-600. The 10-year parts coverage is standard industry practice and covers compressor, motor, and controls.
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 | 3 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
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