Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

96% AFUE furnace with 13 SEER cooling delivers solid efficiency at contractor-friendly pricing.

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 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
$2466
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 2.5-ton system excels for contractors installing split systems in homes needing moderate cooling and excellent heating. The 96% AFUE furnace and variable-speed blower motor make it ideal for older homes transitioning to modern efficiency standards without premium pricing.

Review

The Goodman 2.5-ton combination furnace and air conditioner system occupies a practical middle ground in the residential HVAC market. At $2,466, it delivers solid efficiency ratings without the premium pricing of high-end units. The horizontal A-coil configuration (34.5 inches tall, 17.5 inches wide, 28.75 inches deep) addresses installation constraints common in basements and attics where space is tight. Goodman's reputation for reliability combined with straightforward design makes this system popular among contractors handling replacements and upgrades.

Performance metrics tell a focused story. The furnace achieves 96% AFUE, meaning 96 cents of every natural gas dollar converts to heat, translating to roughly 10-15% lower heating costs versus 80-85% AFUE units over 10 heating seasons. Cooling capacity reaches 30,000 BTU with 13 SEER1 efficiency, ENERGY STAR certified, though the single-stage reciprocating compressor runs at full 30,000 BTU capacity regardless of outdoor temperature. The variable-speed ECM blower motor manages up to 1,200 CFM, adjusting fan speed to match heating and cooling demand, reducing energy waste during partial-load operation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE heating efficiency reduces natural gas bills significantly compared to older furnaces operating at 80-85%
  • 13 SEER cooling efficiency and ENERGY STAR certification qualify for utility rebates in most regions
  • Variable-speed ECM blower motor optimizes airflow from 1200 CFM maximum, improving comfort and reducing runtime noise
  • Two-stage burner adapts to heating demand, running at partial capacity during mild weather to conserve fuel
  • Horizontal A-coil configuration fits tight spaces where vertical units won't work
  • 10-year warranty with online registration covers compressor and parts, providing reasonable protection at this price point

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor means cooling runs at full capacity even on 72-degree days, less precise than two-stage units
  • 73 dBA noise level is moderate, acceptable but not whisper-quiet compared to premium variable-capacity models
  • 115V single-phase power requirement limits installation locations, requiring dedicated circuit with 16.7 to 25-amp breaker

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors retrofitting residential split systems into homes requiring both heating and cooling, particularly in northern climates where furnace efficiency drives ROI. Homeowners replacing older 80-85% AFUE units who want measurable energy savings without spending on ultra-high-efficiency models.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone prioritizing ultra-quiet operation or wanting variable-capacity cooling should compare two-stage compressor models despite higher cost.

2.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
$2466
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires 115V single-phase power with a 16.7 to 25-amp breaker, limiting placement to circuits near electrical panels. Sweat-type valve connections (3/8 inch liquid line, 3/4 inch suction line) demand soldering skills or professional installation. Suction line insulation (3/4 inch thickness) is pre-applied. Plastic PVC exhaust flue accepts standard gas furnace venting. Horizontal airflow design simplifies ductwork in some layouts but requires careful return air positioning.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10-year parts and compressor coverage with online registration, a standard warranty at this price tier. Registration requires minimal effort but is mandatory for full coverage. This timeframe aligns with typical component lifespan, offering reasonable protection without extended service plan upsells common on premium brands.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU60,000
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
Tonnage2.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width17.5"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Installation Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman 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.
ConfigurationDownflow/Horizontal
StyleA-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number7368838
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save on heating costs compared to my old furnace? +
If your current furnace runs at 80% AFUE, upgrading to this 96% AFUE unit reduces heating energy consumption by roughly 16-17% annually. In cold climates burning 2,000 therms yearly, expect $240-$320 annual savings at average natural gas rates, recovering the investment in under 8 years before accounting for utility rebates.
Can I install this in a tight basement space? +
Yes, the horizontal A-coil design (17.5 inches wide, 28.75 inches deep, 34.5 inches tall) fits confined areas. Ensure 115V power access within 6 feet and adequate return air clearance below the unit. Professional installation is strongly recommended given sweat-type valve connections and proper ductwork alignment requirements.
Is 13 SEER cooling adequate for hot climates? +
13 SEER meets minimum ENERGY STAR thresholds but isn't optimal for regions exceeding 95 degrees regularly. The single-stage compressor can't modulate capacity, running full-blast in mild weather. Consider two-stage or variable-capacity systems if your cooling season spans 6+ months with frequent 85+ degree days.
How does this compare to high-efficiency Bryant or Carrier units at twice the price? +
Premium brands offer variable-capacity compressors, quieter operation (68-70 dBA versus 73 dBA), and 15+ SEER ratings. Goodman's trade-off is solid efficiency without unnecessary features for moderate climate applications. Contractors often recommend this for budget-conscious customers accepting slightly higher cooling runtime.
What does the 10-year warranty actually cover? +
Parts and compressor failures are covered for 10 years with online registration. Labor is not included, and coverage excludes damage from improper installation, refrigerant leaks from accidents, or routine maintenance items. Registration is quick and essential to activate full protection.

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