2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This ACiQ unit delivers solid efficiency credentials for contractors and homeowners seeking reliable heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace with 14 SEER air conditioning makes it competitive for moderate climates where both seasons matter equally.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5 ton system occupies the mainstream market segment where efficiency and affordability converge. With 96% AFUE heating and 14 SEER cooling, this Goodman-manufactured unit targets contractors and homeowners tired of efficiency trade-offs. At zero dollars listed, pricing appears promotional, making it attractive for renovation projects where furnace replacement is mandatory anyway.

The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU heating output with two-stage burner control, supported by a variable-speed ECM blower reaching 1,600 CFM maximum. The air conditioning side produces 30,000 BTU through a single-stage rotary compressor using R454B refrigerant. The 96% AFUE rating exceeds most non-condensing alternatives by 6-16 points, translating to measurable heating cost reductions. The 14 SEER cooling places it solidly above baseline but below premium 16-18 SEER systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE heating efficiency reduces winter fuel costs significantly compared to 80-90% alternatives
14 SEER cooling efficiency qualifies as good performance, with R454B refrigerant future-proofing
Two-stage burner and variable-speed ECM blower provide operational flexibility and comfort
PVC exhaust flue compatibility simplifies installation and retrofit scenarios
10-year warranty with online registration offers decent long-term protection

Cons

3.5 ton condenser paired with 2.5 ton furnace creates a mismatch that complicates system design
72 dB noise level runs louder than premium competitors, noticeable in quiet installations
Single-stage condenser lacks capacity modulation, cycling more frequently in mild weather
No Energy Star certification despite decent efficiency ratings

Who Should Buy

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners and contractors in mixed climates who need reliable heating and cooling without pursuing top-tier efficiency. This system suits moderate-income households where upfront cost matters more than premium features.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone requiring whisper-quiet operation, those needing certified premium efficiency ratings, or installers designing perfectly matched tonnage systems should explore alternatives.

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

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Installation

The upflow configuration with right-side flue location requires PVC exhaust venting, simplifying installation versus traditional metal ductwork. Unit dimensions measure 26 inches tall by 21 inches wide by 21 inches deep, fitting standard furnace closets. Electrical requirements demand 208/230 volt single-phase power with 17.1-25 amp breaker sizing. The A-coil design accommodates the 50-foot suction line with 3/4-inch insulation for proper refrigerant conditioning.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year parts coverage activates through free online registration, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty period matches industry standards but falls short of some competitors offering 12-year protection. Goodman's evaporator coil receives separate coverage documentation. Homeowners should register immediately upon installation to establish warranty validity and access claims procedures.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	80,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	72
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
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
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	No
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	26"
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.
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
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	3/4"
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the spec show 3.5 ton cooling capacity but the product is marketed as 2.5 ton? +

The 30,000 BTU condenser capacity equates to approximately 2.5 tons for cooling, while the furnace heating capacity is separately rated. The 3.5 ton notation appears to reference the air handler coil size, which can exceed the matched condenser tonnage in some configurations. Verify exact tonnage matching with your installer.

Can this furnace switch between propane and natural gas, or must I choose one? +

The unit accepts both propane and natural gas fuels, but conversion requires adjusting burner orifices and regulator settings by a qualified technician. You cannot switch mid-season without professional service. Confirm your gas supply type before purchase and purchasing the correct conversion kit if needed.

How does 14 SEER cooling compare to modern 16-18 SEER systems? +

A 14 SEER system runs approximately 12-22% less efficiently than 16-18 SEER units, meaning higher cooling bills in hot climates. However, payback periods favor 14 SEER in moderate climates with shorter cooling seasons. In Arizona or Texas, upgrading to higher SEER makes stronger financial sense.

Is ACiQ a reputable brand or a budget knockoff? +

ACiQ manufactures this unit for Goodman, a Fortune 500 HVAC manufacturer. It carries legitimate engineering and testing standards. The ACiQ branding represents Goodman's value line, offering reliability without premium pricing or features. Parts availability and installer familiarity remain strong.

What does the 10-year warranty actually cover if my system fails? +

The warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures during the ten-year period at no cost. It excludes installation errors, refrigerant loss, improper maintenance, and damage from freezing or electrical issues. Registration is mandatory within 30 days of installation.

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