Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal

High-efficiency horizontal furnace-coil system for tight spaces, strong heating output

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This ACiQ unit excels for contractors and homeowners installing horizontal systems in attics or crawlspaces where vertical clearance is limited. The 96% AFUE furnace paired with a 14 SEER cooling coil delivers solid two-stage efficiency without breaking the budget.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton horizontal furnace-coil system blends Goodman's proven engineering with a practical form factor for contractors tired of fighting vertical space constraints. This unit lands in the value-conscious segment, offering legitimate efficiency gains without premium pricing. The horizontal configuration and compact 21-inch height make it a go-to choice for attic and crawlspace retrofits where traditional upright units simply won't fit.

Performance-wise, the 96% AFUE furnace with two-stage burner and 80,000 BTU output delivers meaningful heating without wasting fuel. The paired coil hits 14 SEER cooling and handles 30,000 BTU with a rotary compressor and R454B refrigerant. Variable-speed ECM blower adjusts from 0 to 1600 CFM depending on heating and cooling demand, which keeps energy waste lower than fixed-speed alternatives. The 72 dBA sound level is present but acceptable for most installations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE heating efficiency reduces fuel consumption compared to 80-90% units
  • Variable-speed ECM blower adapts airflow from 0-1600 CFM for comfort and efficiency
  • 14 SEER cooling rating meets modern efficiency standards without ultra-premium pricing
  • Horizontal configuration fits tight attics and crawlspaces where vertical units won't work
  • Two-stage gas burner and single-stage cooling provide balanced efficiency and runtime
  • PVC/plastic exhaust flue simplifies venting in modern installations
  • 10-year warranty with online registration offers solid long-term coverage

Cons

  • R454B refrigerant is newer, so parts availability and technician familiarity may lag in some regions
  • Tonnage mismatch: 2.5-ton nameplate but 3.5-ton cooling capacity creates oversizing issues and cycling
  • Single-stage condenser cannot modulate, reducing part-load efficiency and comfort
  • 72 dBA noise level is louder than premium variable-stage units
  • No Energy Star certification limits appeal to efficiency-focused buyers

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing horizontal systems in tight attics or basement crawlspaces will appreciate the compact 21-inch height and proven Goodman reliability. Homeowners in moderate climates wanting strong heating (80,000 BTU) with respectable cooling efficiency at a fair price point are ideal candidates.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this unit if you need true matched-tonnage equipment or live in a hot climate where single-stage cooling will cycle excessively.

2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
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Installation

Installation requires plastic or PVC exhaust flue, which simplifies venting work compared to metal ductwork. The unit runs on 208/230V single-phase power with breaker sizing between 17.1 and 25 amps, fairly standard for residential circuits. Horizontal mounting demands sturdy platform support given the 120-pound weight. Suction and liquid lines measure 3/4-inch and 3/8-inch respectively, with 50-foot maximum line length acceptable for most homes.

Warranty & Reliability

Coverage spans 10 years with online registration, protecting against manufacturing defects. This matches typical Goodman standards and rewards buyers who complete registration promptly. The warranty does not cover wear items like capacitors or labor, so clarify coverage details with your contractor before purchase to avoid surprises.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)72
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7368843
Airflow DirectionDownflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationHorizontal
Energy StarNo
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height21"
Width21.125"
Depth26"
ResourcesCHPF Installation Manual CHPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil 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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)14
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeRotary
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size25 amps
Min. Breaker Size17.1 amps
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec sheet list 2.5 tons but also 3.5 tons? +
The 2.5-ton refers to heating capacity, while 3.5-ton indicates the cooling coil tonnage. This mismatch creates oversizing risk: the furnace runs shorter cycles in winter, but the AC short-cycles in summer. Verify this aligns with your home's actual cooling load before purchase.
Can I install this in a standard vertical attic space? +
No. This is a horizontal-only unit designed for crawlspaces or attics with roof-line constraints. The 21-inch height assumes downflow or horizontal orientation. Attempting vertical installation will damage the unit and void warranty.
How does 14 SEER compare to modern standards? +
14 SEER is solid mid-range, meeting federal minimum efficiency rules. It trails premium 16-18 SEER units by about 20-30% electricity use but costs significantly less. Suitable for moderate climates and homeowners prioritizing value over maximum cooling efficiency.
Is R454B refrigerant available and compatible? +
R454B is newer and less widespread than R410A or R22, so parts and trained technicians are harder to find outside major metros. If you live rural, confirm local HVAC shops stock this refrigerant before signing the purchase agreement.
Does the 10-year warranty cover compressor failure? +
Yes, compressor failures are typically covered under the parts warranty when registered online. However, labor costs and refrigerant charges are your responsibility. Review the full warranty document with your installer for exact limits.

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