2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This 2.5-ton system excels for homeowners installing a complete furnace-AC replacement in tight attic or basement spaces where horizontal configuration is mandatory. The 96% AFUE and 13 SEER1 ratings deliver solid energy savings without premium pricing, making it practical for cost-conscious buyers seeking balanced efficiency.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton horizontal furnace-AC system fills a practical niche for homeowners needing complete climate control in space-limited installations. This unit combines a 40,000 BTU furnace with a 30,000 BTU air conditioner in one compact horizontal package, reducing installation complexity and ductwork redesign. The configuration targets retrofit projects where traditional vertical units simply don't fit, making it a legitimate solution rather than a compromise.

Efficiency numbers tell the real story here. The furnace delivers 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every heating dollar translates to home heating rather than flue loss. The AC side achieves 13 SEER1 and carries Energy Star certification, performing reasonably well for cooling 2.5 tons of space. The variable-speed ECM blower motor with 1200 maximum CFM adjusts fan speed to match actual demand, preventing the constant-on inefficiency of single-speed units. Two-stage burner modulation further reduces short-cycling during partial heating loads.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency tops most mid-range gas furnaces, reducing heating costs substantially
13 SEER1 cooling rating meets Energy Star standards and handles 2.5-ton cooling effectively
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to actual heating/cooling demand, improving comfort and reducing runtime waste
Two-stage burner provides modulating heat output for smoother temperature control
PVC plastic flue compatibility simplifies venting in modern homes without masonry chimneys

Cons

Single-stage air conditioner compressor cannot modulate capacity, limiting part-load efficiency during mild weather
73 dB noise level runs slightly louder than some dual-stage competitor units during AC operation
R454B refrigerant is relatively new, meaning fewer technicians have deep field experience troubleshooting it

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing aging furnace-AC systems in homes with attic or basement space constraints requiring horizontal airflow orientation. Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize solid efficiency ratings over premium variable-capacity features will find strong value here.

Consider Alternatives If

Properties in extremely hot climates where single-stage AC performance during shoulder seasons creates unnecessary cycling, or buyers needing quieter operation below 70 dB.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu

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Installation

Horizontal orientation requires careful ductwork routing and clearance planning, but installation itself remains straightforward for experienced HVAC technicians. Electrical demands are modest, needing 115V single-phase service with 16.7 to 25-amp breaker sizing. Suction line insulation thickness of 3/4 inch must be maintained across the full 50-foot line length to prevent capacity loss and efficiency degradation.

Warranty & Reliability

Standard 10-year parts warranty activates upon online registration, providing solid mid-range protection against compressor and heat exchanger failure. This matches industry baseline for equipment at this price point, though it requires registration compliance. Coverage details vary by component, so reviewing documentation before installation ensures no surprises.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	40,000
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	17.5"
Width	21.125"
Depth	26"
Resources	CHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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	7368837
Airflow Direction	Downflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Product Features	Rebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1200
Configuration	Horizontal
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural 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 sits comfortably in the efficient mid-range for single-stage compressors. Two-stage and variable-capacity units reach 15-18 SEER2, but cost significantly more. For retrofit applications where space is tight, 13 SEER1 delivers real energy savings versus 10-11 SEER legacy equipment.

Will this system fit in my attic with existing ductwork? +

At 21.125 inches wide, 26 inches deep, and 17.5 inches tall, verify your attic clearance before ordering. The horizontal configuration accommodates tight spaces, but joists and obstruction may require creative support framing. Most attic installations succeed with basic carpentry.

Is R454B refrigerant going to be a problem? +

R454B is EPA-approved and increasingly common, but some regional technicians lack extensive experience. Ensure your service provider has R454B certifications and recovery equipment. Availability remains good through major suppliers, though prices may exceed legacy R410A slightly.

Should I choose this over a 14+ SEER two-stage unit? +

Two-stage systems cost 20-30% more but excel in mild climates with frequent part-load operation. Single-stage units like this one perform well in cold climates where furnace heating dominates. Evaluate your local climate extremes and run-time patterns before upgrading.

Does the 10-year warranty cover refrigerant leaks? +

Standard warranty covers compressor and sealed components. Copper line leaks from installation or damage typically fall outside coverage. Verify your contractor carries liability insurance for workmanship-related failures.

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