Independent Review · Updated June 2026

Goodman 2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% 80,000 BTU Furnace & AC System - R410A Horizontal

96% efficient gas furnace with 14 SEER cooling, Energy Star certified, priced to move.

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
Goodman 2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% 80,000 BTU Furnace & AC System - R410A Horizontal
Current Price
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This ACiQ horizontal furnace is best for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors looking for solid efficiency without premium pricing. At $89, it delivers 96% AFUE heating and 14 SEER cooling performance, making it ideal for replacement installations in moderate climates where upfront cost matters.

Review

The ACiQ CHPF furnace represents a practical middle ground in the Goodman equipment lineup. At just 89 dollars, it delivers respectable efficiency specs without the premium pricing of modulating or variable-capacity systems. This horizontal configuration suits tight mechanical spaces in basements, attics, or crawlspaces, making it a popular choice for retrofits where standard vertical furnaces won't fit. The combination of 96% AFUE heating and 14 SEER1 cooling qualifies it as Energy Star certified, which matters to homeowners watching utility costs.

Performance-wise, you're looking at 30,000 BTU heating and 30,000 BTU cooling from a 3.5-ton system. The multi-speed blower supports up to 1,600 CFM and uses a scroll compressor with single-stage capacity control. For heating, the single-stage burner delivers consistent output without the efficiency plateau that multi-stage burners offer. The R454B refrigerant represents current industry standards, and the unit runs on 208/230V, 1 phase power with a 30-amp maximum breaker requirement. That translates to real-world heating costs roughly 10 to 15 percent lower than 90% AFUE models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE heating efficiency reduces winter gas bills noticeably compared to 80-90% models
  • 14 SEER1 cooling paired with R454B refrigerant meets modern efficiency standards
  • Multi-speed blower motor adjusts airflow from 0 to 1,600 CFM for better comfort control
  • Horizontal configuration fits tight spaces where vertical furnaces won't work
  • 10-year warranty with online registration covers defects across heating and cooling components
  • Energy Star certification confirms independent verification of rated efficiency

Cons

  • 30,000 BTU heating capacity is undersized for homes larger than 1,200 square feet in cold climates
  • Single-stage burner and compressor cannot modulate, so efficiency gains won't match variable-capacity competitors
  • 74 dBA noise level is slightly louder than higher-end models, noticeable in open floor plans
  • PVC exhaust flue requirement limits venting flexibility in some installations

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners replacing a failed furnace in modest-sized homes where budget is the primary concern, and contractors installing systems for cost-sensitive clients who still want above-average efficiency. This unit works well in areas with moderate winters where heating load never approaches the equipment's maximum capacity.

Consider Alternatives If

Skip this if you need 40,000+ BTU capacity, live in a very cold climate, or prioritize whisper-quiet operation. Those seeking variable-speed compressors or premium warranties should look at higher-tier models.

Goodman 2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% 80,000 BTU Furnace & A
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation requires standard horizontal ductwork connections, sweat-type refrigerant valves, and PVC plastic exhaust flue. The unit weighs 120 pounds, so two people can handle placement without heavy equipment. Dimensions of 21 by 21.125 by 26 inches mean it fits tighter mechanical closets than vertical units. Electrical hookup demands 208/230V single-phase service, which most homes already provide. Contractors should budget 4 to 6 hours for complete installation including ductwork adaptation.

Warranty & Reliability

The 10-year parts and labor warranty activates upon online registration and covers both the furnace and evaporator coil. This is mid-range protection, not premium, but sufficient for most residential applications. Registration takes five minutes on the manufacturer website and is worth doing immediately after installation to protect your investment against compressor or heat exchanger failure.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU30,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)74
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti Speed
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationHorizontal
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesSingle
Fuel TypeGas
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.
ReplacesGSZ140311
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)14
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeScroll
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Suction Valve Size3/4"
Max Breaker Size30 amps
Min. Breaker Size18.7 amps
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 30,000 BTU enough heat for my home? +
30,000 BTU works well for homes up to 1,200 square feet in moderate climates, roughly equivalent to 2.5 tons. In cold regions like Minnesota or upstate New York, it may struggle. Calculate your actual heating load or ask a contractor to conduct a Manual J load estimate before committing.
Can this unit vent through existing metal flue pipes? +
No, this model requires PVC or plastic exhaust flue specifically. Metal venting will void the warranty and creates condensation issues. You'll need new PVC piping, which adds 200 to 400 dollars to installation cost, so factor that into your budget.
How much money will I save on heating bills versus an 80% AFUE furnace? +
The 96% AFUE rating means roughly 16 percentage points better efficiency than baseline 80% units. On a 1,200 square foot home using 80 million BTU annually, that translates to approximately 200 to 300 dollars per year in gas savings, depending on local rates.
How does the 14 SEER1 rating compare to newer models? +
14 SEER1 meets current minimum standards and represents solid mid-range performance. Newer models reach 16 to 20 SEER2, offering better summer cooling but at 50 to 100 percent higher cost. For moderate climates, 14 SEER1 delivers good value.
Does the 10-year warranty cover refrigerant leaks? +
The warranty covers compressor failure and manufacturing defects but not wear-and-tear refrigerant loss. You'll pay separately for refrigerant recharging. Registration is mandatory to activate coverage.

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