2.5 Ton 13 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This 2.5 ton split system excels for homeowners in moderate climates seeking high heating efficiency without premium pricing. The modulating furnace and variable-speed blower make it ideal for homes where comfort consistency and utility bills matter equally.

Review

The Goodman 2.5 ton upflow system lands in the sweet spot between entry-level and premium HVAC equipment. At 97% AFUE and 13 SEER2, it delivers efficiency ratings that appeal to cost-conscious homeowners without requiring flagship-level investment. The modulating furnace with variable-speed blower addresses the real complaint many contractors hear: poor comfort control and unpredictable utility bills. This unit works particularly well for replacement installations in homes already configured for upflow air delivery.

Heating output reaches 80,000 BTU with a modulating burner that adjusts incrementally rather than cycling on and off. Cooling capacity is 30,000 BTU, properly matching the 2.5 ton rating. The variable-speed ECM blower maxes out at 1,200 CFM and reduces runtime when partial capacity is sufficient. Energy Star certification and R454B refrigerant alignment with EPA Phase-Down standards mean this system remains compliant through the next regulatory cycle. At 73 dBA, noise output is moderate but noticeable during winter heating cycles.

Pros & Cons

Pros

97% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs significantly compared to 90-94% models
Modulating burner adjusts heat output in small increments, eliminating temperature swings
Variable-speed ECM blower matches airflow to demand, lowering electricity use
13 SEER2 cooling with R454B refrigerant meets current EPA standards
Energy Star certified and rebate eligible in most markets
10-year warranty with online registration provides solid long-term coverage

Cons

Single-stage compressor lacks the efficiency gains of two-stage cooling systems
73 dBA noise level is noticeable during operation, particularly at night
Requires PVC exhaust venting, which adds installation complexity and cost in some homes

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in colder climates or regions with long heating seasons will see the strongest ROI on the 97% AFUE furnace. Contractors installing replacement systems in upflow configurations will appreciate the straightforward A-coil design and modulating performance.

Consider Alternatives If

Budget-conscious buyers in southern climates where cooling dominates should compare lower-cost single-stage furnace units, as heating efficiency becomes less critical.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 97% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power with a 16.7 to 25-amp breaker. Suction and liquid lines measure 3/4 inch and 3/8 inch respectively, using sweat valve connections. The PVC exhaust venting requirement is critical, as it eliminates standard metal flue options in some retrofit scenarios. Standard upflow/horizontal configuration simplifies ductwork integration in most residential settings. Indoor unit placement must accommodate the 50-foot suction line insulation wrap.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman includes a 10-year parts and labor warranty when you register the system online within 30 days of installation. This is solid for the price tier but trails some competitors offering 12-year coverage. Registration is straightforward through Goodman's website. Labor coverage protects against compressor failure and heat exchanger defects, the two most expensive potential repairs.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	80,000
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.
AHRI Certificate Number	7424265
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	97%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1200
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Burner Stages	Modulating
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 97% AFUE rating actually mean for my heating bill? +

AFUE measures fuel-to-heat conversion efficiency. At 97%, only 3% of natural gas or propane energy is lost up the exhaust. A 90% unit loses 10%, so you'll see roughly 7-8% lower heating costs annually. Over a 15-year lifespan, that difference often exceeds $1,500 on a typical 2,000 square foot home in a cold climate.

Will this unit fit my existing downflow ductwork? +

This system is listed as upflow/horizontal configuration compatible. Retrofitting to downflow requires airflow direction verification with your installer, as evaporator coil mounting position matters. Contact the manufacturer with your AHRI certificate number 7424265 to confirm downflow feasibility before purchase.

How does the modulating burner compare to single-stage heating? +

Single-stage burners run at full 80,000 BTU output or stop completely. Modulating burners adjust continuously between low and high, reducing temperature swings and keeping the blower running longer at lower speeds. This cuts runtime by 20-30% while improving comfort, which is why utility savings often exceed AFUE rating predictions alone.

Is 13 SEER2 competitive with newer systems? +

13 SEER2 is solid mid-range cooling efficiency, equivalent to roughly 15-16 SEER by older ratings. Higher-efficiency models reach 16-18 SEER2 but cost significantly more. For moderate cooling climates, 13 SEER2 delivers acceptable performance without premium pricing. Heavy air conditioning regions justify the upgrade cost.

Does the 10-year warranty require annual maintenance? +

Goodman's warranty remains valid with standard maintenance, typically annual furnace checkups and filter changes. Professional HVAC service confirms proper operation and preserves coverage. Neglecting maintenance voids warranty protection, so budget for annual inspections.

Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.