Review
The Goodman 2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE system occupies a practical middle ground in the HVAC market. At $647, it undercuts premium brands significantly while maintaining solid efficiency credentials through Energy Star certification. This upflow configuration suits basements and utility closets where space efficiency matters. The combination of high furnace efficiency and respectable cooling performance makes it a legitimate contender for homeowners prioritizing operational cost savings over cutting-edge technology.
The heating side delivers impressive performance with 80,000 BTU output and 96% AFUE efficiency, meaning 96 cents of every heating dollar actually warms your home. The AC condenser provides 30,000 BTU cooling at 14 SEER, which exceeds minimum federal standards. The variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts between 0 and 1600 CFM based on demand, preventing the energy waste associated with fixed-speed fans. Two-stage burner operation further reduces cycling losses during partial-load conditions typical in spring and fall.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency translates to minimal heating fuel waste and lower winter utility bills
- 14 SEER rating on the AC condenser meets modern efficiency standards for moderate cooling climates
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow dynamically, improving comfort and reducing runtime costs
- Two-stage burner allows furnace to operate at partial capacity during mild weather, enhancing efficiency
- Energy Star certified system qualifies for utility rebates in many regions, offsetting initial purchase cost
Cons
- Single-stage AC compressor cannot modulate cooling capacity, leading to on-off cycling in mild spring and fall weather
- 72 dB noise level is moderately loud for an outdoor condenser, noticeable during operation in quiet neighborhoods
- 3.5 ton tonnage mismatch with 2.5 ton rating creates potential oversizing issues if paired incorrectly with indoor coil
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in zones 4-7 seeking balanced heating and cooling performance without luxury pricing, and contractors building spec homes where budget constraints matter. If you heat 6+ months per year and cool moderately, this system delivers genuine value.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers in hot climates needing variable-capacity cooling should look at two-stage compressors, and those in ultra-quiet neighborhoods may want to audition this unit beforehand due to the 72 dB rating.
Installation
This upflow unit fits standard basement or utility closet framing with dimensions of 50 inches long, 34.5 inches tall, and 21 inches wide. The plastic PVC exhaust flue exits right-side, requiring clear venting to exterior. 115V single-phase 60Hz electrical supply with 17.1 to 25 amp breaker sizing keeps installation compatible with standard residential panels. Variable-speed ECM motor requires low-voltage thermostat communication, adding minimal complexity to standard installations.
Warranty & Reliability
Coverage includes a lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10 years on parts with online registration, giving contractors and homeowners meaningful protection. The lifetime component covers expensive furnace failures while 10-year parts coverage addresses compressor, blower, and control board failures. Online registration requirement is straightforward but mandatory to activate full benefits, making warranty administration simpler than some competitors.
Specifications
| SKU | ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 30,000 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R454B |
| Electrical | 115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | Lifetime Heat Exchanger and 10 Years Parts 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 | 34.5" |
| Width | 21" |
| Depth | 28.75" |
| Resources | Goodman 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 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. |
| Configuration | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 3/4" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368835 |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 1600 |
| Flue Location | Right |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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