Independent Review · Updated June 2026

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

Budget-friendly 96% AFUE furnace with solid efficiency and modern refrigerant tech

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
$89
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This ACiQ system delivers excellent heating efficiency at an unbeatable $89 price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners upgrading from older equipment. The 96% AFUE rating and two-stage burner keep heating costs low, while R454B refrigerant future-proofs the cooling side.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5-ton system represents the accessible entry point in modern combined heating and cooling equipment. Priced at just $89, this Goodman-manufactured unit targets contractors and homeowners who refuse to sacrifice furnace quality while keeping total system costs reasonable. It combines a robust 100,000 BTU gas furnace with an air conditioning condenser, delivering what many consider the best value proposition in the builder-grade segment today.

Heating performance anchors this system's appeal. The 96% AFUE rating means nearly every dollar spent on gas produces usable heat, resulting in measurable savings on monthly utility bills. Two burner stages allow the furnace to modulate output based on demand, preventing the efficiency loss that single-stage burners suffer. The multi-speed ECM blower motor adjusts CFM from zero to 1600 depending on conditions, reducing run time and energy consumption. Cooling specs are straightforward: 14 SEER1 rating with a single-stage rotary compressor and 30,000 BTU capacity.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace efficiency significantly reduces heating bills year-round
  • Two-stage burner provides better comfort and modulation than single-stage alternatives
  • Multi-speed ECM blower motor optimizes airflow across different seasons
  • R454B refrigerant meets current EPA standards with zero ozone depletion
  • PVC/plastic exhaust flue simplifies installation and reduces material costs
  • 10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and compressor

Cons

  • 3.5-ton condenser paired with 2.5-ton cooling creates significant oversizing mismatch
  • Single-stage cooling compressor limits humidity control and efficiency compared to two-stage models
  • 72 dB noise level runs louder than premium units with scroll compressors

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors and homeowners replacing aging furnace-AC combinations in modest-sized homes needing budget-friendly solutions without sacrificing heating performance. This system works well in climates where heating demands dominate and cooling plays a secondary role.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in hot climates prioritizing cooling efficiency or owners with zoned systems requiring precise tonnage matching should explore higher-efficiency multi-stage cooling units.

2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F
$89
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation favors experienced technicians and contractors. The upflow configuration and PVC/plastic exhaust flue reduce complexity compared to traditional metal venting, simplifying ductwork modifications in retrofit applications. The unit requires 208/230V single-phase power with breaker sizing between 17.1 to 25 amps. Pre-charged with R454B refrigerant and weighing 120 pounds, it fits standard equipment closets and basements.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs this system with a solid 10-year parts and compressor warranty upon online registration. This length of coverage demonstrates manufacturer confidence in reliability and protects buyers against major component failures during the critical first decade of operation. Registration is straightforward but mandatory for the full warranty benefit.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)72
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1600
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Energy StarNo
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Height26"
Width21"
Depth21"
ResourcesCAPF Installation Manual CAPF 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.
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
Tonnage3.5 Ton
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this 2.5-ton system come with a 3.5-ton condenser? +
This is a compatibility issue where the condenser exceeds furnace capacity. The oversized condenser may cycle short, reducing efficiency. Verify your home's actual cooling load before purchase. Contractors should confirm tonnage requirements match your specific application rather than accepting the bundled configuration.
What are the installation requirements for the PVC exhaust flue? +
PVC plastic flue piping simplifies exhaust routing compared to traditional metal flues. Runs up to 50 feet are supported per specs. Installation requires PVC cement, proper pitch, and condensate drainage at the furnace outlet. Most HVAC contractors find PVC conversions faster and less expensive than metal alternatives.
How does the two-stage burner improve efficiency and comfort? +
Two-stage burners run at reduced capacity during mild weather, minimizing temperature swings and cycling losses. Full-stage ignition occurs only when temperatures demand it. This modulation improves comfort while lowering heating costs, especially in shoulder seasons when 100,000 BTU input exceeds actual home needs.
How does 14 SEER1 compare to newer high-efficiency air conditioners? +
14 SEER1 meets federal minimum efficiency standards for new equipment but trails premium units offering 18-21 SEER2. This system prioritizes heating performance. Homeowners in cooling-dominant climates should consider two-stage compressor models with higher SEER ratings for better summer efficiency.
Does online warranty registration cost extra or require special steps? +
Registration is free but mandatory for full 10-year coverage. Without it, the warranty drops significantly. Complete registration immediately after installation using Goodman's website with your purchase documentation and serial number.

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