Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

96% efficient gas furnace with 14 SEER cooling at an aggressive price point

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 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 Goodman system delivers strong heating efficiency at 96% AFUE and respectable cooling performance with 14 SEER1 rating, all at $732. Best suited for budget-conscious homeowners upgrading from older systems who need reliable, straightforward performance without premium features.

Review

The Goodman 2.5 Ton gas furnace and air conditioner system sits in the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance without paying for premium features. At $732, this upflow configuration delivers the heating and cooling capacity most single-family homes require. The combination of a furnace with 96% AFUE rating and a 14 SEER1 air conditioner positions it as an Energy Star qualified system, a meaningful credential in today's efficiency-focused market.

Performance numbers tell a solid story here. The furnace generates 40,000 BTU of heating with two-stage burner capability, while the air conditioner handles 30,000 BTU at 14 SEER1 efficiency. The ECM multi-speed blower motor maxes out at 800 CFM and modulates based on demand, reducing energy waste during partial-load operation. Cooling uses modern R454B refrigerant with a rotary compressor, though the single-stage design means less efficiency optimization compared to two-stage alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE heating efficiency meets or exceeds most modern standards, translating to lower winter gas bills
  • 14 SEER1 cooling rating and Energy Star certification for the air conditioning side
  • Two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower motor provide comfort flexibility and part-load efficiency
  • Upflow A-coil configuration handles most residential installations without major ductwork modifications
  • 10-year warranty with online registration offers solid protection at this price tier

Cons

  • Single-stage compressor on the cooling side lacks the efficiency gains of two-stage or variable-capacity units
  • 72 dB noise level is moderate, noticeable during operation compared to premium quiet models
  • Requires PVC/plastic exhaust flue, limiting installation flexibility in some older homes with masonry chimneys

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates replacing 10+ year old systems who prioritize heating efficiency and value over advanced features. Contractors installing in rental properties or first-time HVAC upgrades where cost control matters.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone in harsh cold climates needing maximum heating capacity should look at larger tonnage units, and those seeking quieter operation should consider premium models rated 68 dB or lower.

2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 40,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu
$732
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

This upflow A-coil unit fits standard indoor positions and connects via 3/8-inch liquid line and 3/4-inch suction line, matching common existing installations. The right-side flue location requires PVC or plastic exhaust piping, which limits retrofit options in homes with traditional masonry chimneys. Electrical needs are modest at 115V single-phase with 17.1 to 25-amp breaker range, requiring no dedicated circuit upgrades in most installations.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years of coverage when you register online, a straightforward process that protects against manufacturing defects in compressor, heat exchanger, and other components. This warranty mirrors mid-tier competitors and covers parts, though labor costs fall to the homeowner. Registration is required to activate the full term, not automatic.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
Heating BTU40,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years 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
Height30"
Width17.5"
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.
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM800
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 96% AFUE actually mean for my heating costs? +
AFUE measures heating efficiency, meaning 96 of every 100 BTU from gas converts to usable heat. Compared to older systems at 78-80% AFUE, you'll see roughly 15-18% lower winter gas bills. Real savings depend on your climate and usage patterns, but this high efficiency pays back over time.
Can I install this myself if I'm mechanically inclined? +
No. Refrigerant handling requires EPA 608 certification, and improper installation voids warranty and creates safety hazards. Hire a licensed HVAC contractor for proper evacuation, charging, and commissioning. DIY installation risks expensive repairs and potential system failure.
How does 14 SEER1 compare to newer SEER2 ratings I see advertised? +
SEER2 uses a more stringent testing standard introduced in 2023, typically showing 15-20% lower numbers than SEER1. A 14 SEER1 unit approximates roughly 11-12 SEER2 equivalent. Both meet Energy Star, but SEER2 reflects real-world performance more accurately.
Is this system compatible with my existing ductwork and furnace pad? +
Probably, but verify with your contractor. The 30-inch height and 17.5-inch width fit most standard closets. Ductwork compatibility depends on your current system configuration and whether 3/8-inch and 3/4-inch line sizes match your installation's requirements.
Does registering the warranty online really take just minutes? +
Yes, Goodman's online registration takes under 5 minutes and activates your 10-year coverage immediately. Without registration, you're limited to a shorter manufacturer warranty period. Save your receipt and register promptly to protect your investment.

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