2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This combo system works best for budget-conscious homeowners in moderate climates who need both heating and cooling without premium features. At $736, it delivers solid efficiency ratings (96% AFUE, 14 SEER) in a straightforward, upflow configuration that suits most standard installations.

Review

The Goodman 2.5 Ton combo system positions itself as a no-frills workhorse for residential HVAC replacement jobs. Built on ACiQ's proven platform, this upflow-configured unit pairs a gas furnace with an air conditioner coil in a compact A-coil design. At $736, it undercuts many competitors while maintaining respectable efficiency credentials. The system is engineered for straightforward installation on standard 115V single-phase electrical service, making it accessible to both large contractors and smaller operations.

Performance metrics tell a practical story. The furnace delivers 100,000 BTU heating with two-stage burner control and achieves 96% AFUE, meaning minimal fuel waste. Cooling output reaches 30,000 BTU at 14 SEER using R454B refrigerant, which meets current environmental standards. The multi-speed ECM blower motor varies airflow up to 1600 CFM based on demand, reducing energy consumption compared to single-speed alternatives. Electrical requirements stay modest: 17.1 to 25 amps on a standard breaker.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency exceeds federal minimums and cuts heating costs significantly
14 SEER cooling rating qualifies for ENERGY STAR with R454B low-GWP refrigerant
Two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower motor provide temperature stability and comfort
100,000 BTU heating capacity handles most residential loads without oversizing
Price of $736 is genuinely competitive for a complete combo unit in this efficiency class
10-year warranty with online registration covers both heating and cooling components

Cons

Single-stage compressor means cooling capacity is fixed, no variable staging for part-load efficiency
72 dB noise level runs audible during operation, not the quietest option available
No SEER2 rating listed (SEER1 of 14 was measured under older standards, actual efficiency lower under SEER2)

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing budget systems in homes with standard ductwork and homeowners replacing 10-15 year old equipment who want mid-tier efficiency without paying for variable-speed compressors. This unit is ideal for climates with moderate cooling demands where single-stage operation doesn't burden utility bills.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in very hot climates needing frequent cooling cycles should consider variable-capacity units, and those in ultra-quiet applications will find the 72 dB output frustrating.

2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F

$736

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

The upflow/horizontal configuration suits basements and utility closets in most homes. Dimensions of 30 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 21 inches deep fit standard equipment spaces. Refrigerant lines use standard 3/8 inch liquid and 3/4 inch suction connections with 50 feet of insulated suction line included. The furnace requires plastic or PVC exhaust flue venting with the flue outlet positioned right-side. Multi-speed ECM blower integration adds minor thermostat wiring complexity compared to single-speed models, but no special skills required.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a full 10-year parts warranty when you complete online registration after purchase. Both the furnace and air conditioner coil receive coverage under one warranty period, simplifying claims management. Online registration is straightforward and typically completed during startup. This term is solid for the price class, though premium systems may offer extended coverage or compressor-specific warranties.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	100,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	72
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	14
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Rotary
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	3/4"
Max Breaker Size	25 amps
Min. Breaker Size	17.1 amps
Tonnage	3.5 Ton
Height	30"
Width	21"
Depth	21"
Resources	CAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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.
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	3/4"
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 14 SEER rating compare to newer SEER2 standards? +

SEER1 of 14 translates to approximately 11 SEER2 under current testing protocols. This still qualifies for ENERGY STAR but is less efficient than advertised under older metrics. The actual cooling cost will be roughly 15 to 20 percent higher than the SEER1 number suggests for real-world operation.

Is this unit compatible with existing ductwork and thermostats? +

Yes, if your home has standard ductwork sized for 1600 CFM airflow and upflow configuration. The system uses conventional refrigerant lines and accepts 24V thermostats. However, two-stage burner control and multi-speed blower benefit from a programmable or smart thermostat, which is sold separately.

Why choose single-stage cooling over variable-capacity equipment? +

Single-stage operation is simpler, more reliable, and significantly cheaper. Variable units add complexity and cost $300 to $800 more. In moderate climates with moderate cooling loads, single-stage performs adequately and avoids the efficiency penalty of oversizing. Very hot regions favor variable compressors.

What makes the two-stage burner valuable if the compressor is single-stage? +

Two-stage heating provides comfort by running lower output initially on mild days, cycling more frequently for stable temperatures and reduced noise. This is separate from cooling staging. Many homes benefit from two-stage heating even with single-stage cooling, improving winter comfort significantly.

Does the 10-year warranty require anything beyond online registration? +

Online registration is mandatory to activate the full 10-year term. Without it, coverage drops to one year. Keep your receipt and registration confirmation. Warranty excludes normal maintenance and covers manufacturing defects only, not installation errors or damage.

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