Review
The ACiQ 2.5 ton downflow system sits in an interesting market position, delivering legitimate efficiency credentials at a price point that won't shock budget-conscious buyers. At $647, this furnace and air conditioner combo competes directly against mid-tier units from Goodman and Lennox. The 96% AFUE rating places it firmly in the high-efficiency category, making it appealing to anyone concerned about winter heating costs across colder regions.
Performance specs tell a straightforward story. The furnace produces 80,000 BTU of heating output with two-stage burners, meaning it ramps up gradually for better comfort and efficiency. The air conditioning side generates 30,000 BTU at 14 SEER, which is serviceable but not exceptional for newer construction. What stands out is the variable-speed ECM blower motor capable of 1600 CFM maximum airflow, allowing the system to modulate performance rather than cycling on and off like older single-speed units. This translates to more consistent indoor temperatures and lower electric bills.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE efficiency with two-stage burners reduces heating costs significantly over single-stage alternatives
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow from 0 to 1600 CFM, improving comfort and reducing electricity draw
- Plastic PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting in retrofit installations
- 10-year warranty with online registration provides meaningful coverage without dealer registration fees
- $647 price point undercuts comparable 96% AFUE units by $200-400
Cons
- 14 SEER cooling efficiency lags behind modern 16-18 SEER systems, making it weaker for hot climates
- No Energy Star certification signals this isn't optimized for all-around performance like premium models
- 72 dB noise level runs slightly louder than competitors, noticeable during operation
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in northern and moderate climates who prioritize heating efficiency and want to avoid overpaying for unnecessary cooling capacity. Contractors installing systems in budget-conscious markets where the 96% AFUE justifies the lower upfront investment.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone in hot climates who needs strong cooling performance should consider 16+ SEER units instead of this 14 SEER model.
Installation
Installation complexity is straightforward for experienced technicians. The downflow/horizontal configuration fits basements and attics well. PVC exhaust venting eliminates expensive metal chimney work. At 120 pounds and 30 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 21 inches deep, it fits standard return plenums without major ductwork modifications. Electrical requirements are modest at 208-230V single phase, 60 Hz, with breaker sizing between 17.1 and 25 amps.
Warranty & Reliability
The 10-year parts warranty activates automatically with online registration, requiring no dealer paperwork. This is genuinely consumer-friendly compared to units requiring in-home registration or dealer certification. Coverage extends to the compressor and heat exchanger, the most expensive failure points. Online registration typically takes 10 minutes and protects your investment with no hidden conditions.
Specifications
| SKU | ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 30,000 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R454B |
| Electrical | 208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 72 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 120.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368843 |
| Airflow Direction | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 1600 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Energy Star | No |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Height | 30" |
| Width | 21" |
| 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. |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 14 |
| Condenser Stages | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Rotary |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 3/4" |
| Max Breaker Size | 25 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 17.1 amps |
| Tonnage | 3.5 Ton |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 3/4" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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