Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 14.5 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Energy Star 14 SEER air conditioner paired with 96% AFUE gas furnace 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 14.5 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$732
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This 2.5-ton combo system delivers solid all-around efficiency for homeowners in mixed climates wanting balanced heating and cooling without premium pricing. Best for contractors seeking a dependable unit with strong warranty backing and modern refrigerant compliance.

Review

ACiQ's 2.5-ton combo system represents a practical middle ground in the HVAC market, combining a 96% AFUE gas furnace with a 14 SEER1 air conditioner in one package at $732. This configuration appeals to contractors stocking reliable units and homeowners seeking Energy Star performance without high-end pricing. The system uses modern R454B refrigerant, complying with current environmental standards while delivering steady performance across heating and cooling seasons.

Performance specs tell a straightforward story: the furnace delivers 40,000 BTU heating output through two-stage burners with a variable-speed ECM blower reaching 1,200 CFM, while the condenser provides 30,000 BTU cooling capacity. The rotary compressor operates at 72 dB, acceptably quiet for residential use. SEER1 efficiency of 14 ranks this firmly in the mid-tier cooling category, meaningful enough for Energy Star certification but not competing with high-efficiency 16+ SEER systems. The 96% AFUE rating translates to minimal natural gas waste during heating cycles.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace with two-stage burner and variable-speed ECM blower maximizes heating efficiency and comfort
  • 14 SEER1 air conditioner with R454B refrigerant meets current EPA standards and earns Energy Star certification
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year parts coverage with registration provides excellent long-term protection
  • Single-stage rotary compressor runs at 72 dB, keeping noise reasonable for residential installations
  • Upflow A-coil configuration works in tight attic spaces with plastic PVC exhaust compatibility

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor means less granular cooling control compared to variable-capacity systems in extreme heat
  • 3-ton condenser paired with 2.5-ton heating creates minor mismatch, potentially limiting seasonal efficiency optimization
  • 72 dB noise level sits slightly above quietest market competitors, noticeable to some homeowners

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in regions with moderate-to-cold winters and moderate cooling seasons who prioritize affordability without sacrificing efficiency ratings. Contractors seeking a proven platform that installs quickly in standard upflow configurations and carries strong manufacturer backing.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in extreme-heat climates needing variable-capacity compressors should explore dual-stage units, and those with tight noise restrictions may prefer scroll compressor designs.

2.5 Ton 14.5 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas
$732
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation fits standard residential setups with upflow A-coil orientation, making attic or utility closet placement straightforward. Electrical demand runs 115V single-phase 60Hz, requiring 17.1 to 25-amp service, compatible with most home panels. Refrigerant lines use 3/8-inch and 3/4-inch ports with pre-installed suction line insulation. PVC plastic exhaust venting simplifies ductwork modifications. Most experienced HVAC installers complete setup in 6 to 8 hours.

Warranty & Reliability

The lifetime heat exchanger warranty covers the furnace's most expensive component against defects, addressing homeowner concerns about major failure costs. Ten-year parts coverage requires online registration but applies to compressor, blower motor, controls, and other components. This combination ranks above industry minimum while staying below premium 10-year compressor-only plans.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU40,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
WarrantyLifetime Heat Exchanger and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)72
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarYes
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 Ton
Height34.5"
Width17.5"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGoodman Brochure Goodman Install 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.
ConfigurationUpflow/Horizontal
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
AHRI Certificate Number7368841
Airflow DirectionUpflow/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 does 14 SEER1 compare to typical central air units? +
SEER1 14 sits comfortably above the minimum 13 required by current federal standards and matches many mid-range systems. It's roughly 30% more efficient than 10 SEER equipment from 10 years ago, translating to measurable summer utility savings without premium pricing.
Will this system work in my upflow attic installation? +
Yes, the A-coil upflow configuration specifically targets attic placements. Height of 34.5 inches and depth of 28.75 inches fit most standard attic joists. Confirm furnace clearance above and below before ordering, particularly with existing ductwork.
Why is the condenser 3 tons but the furnace 2.5 tons? +
This slight mismatch reflects typical equipment pairing where cooling demand often exceeds heating needs. The 3-ton condenser handles summer peak loads while the 2.5-ton furnace covers winter in moderate climates. Not ideal for extreme cold regions requiring larger heating output.
How does ACiQ compare to straight Goodman equipment? +
ACiQ is Goodman's value subsidiary, using the same engineering and manufacturing but with fewer cosmetic options and simplified warranty registration. Performance and reliability track closely, though dealer support occasionally tilts toward Goodman-branded units in some markets.
Is online registration required for full warranty coverage? +
Yes, online registration activates the 10-year parts warranty. Without it, coverage defaults to 5 years. Registration takes minutes through the manufacturer website and locks in coverage immediately.

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