2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This Goodman combination excels for budget-conscious homeowners upgrading from older systems who want reliable, efficient heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace and 14 SEER air conditioner deliver tangible energy savings, making it ideal for mild to moderate climates where both seasons matter equally.

Review

The Goodman GMEC96 combination system represents a practical sweet spot in the HVAC market, delivering genuine efficiency gains at a price point accessible to most homeowners. At $732, this 2.5-ton unit pairs a 60,000 BTU furnace with matching air conditioning capacity, making it suitable for homes averaging 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. Goodman's no-nonsense engineering philosophy means you get proven components without unnecessary features or inflated pricing.

Performance-wise, the 96% AFUE furnace converts nearly all fuel to usable heat, with dual burner stages allowing efficient part-load operation during mild weather. The air conditioner's 14 SEER1 rating aligns with current Energy Star requirements, and the rotary compressor handles typical residential cooling demands reliably. Multi-speed ECM blower technology adjusts motor speed to actual load, reducing energy waste during lighter operating conditions. The R454B refrigerant is EPA-approved and widely available.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional heating efficiency at 96% AFUE with dual-stage burners for modulated operation and lower utility bills
Energy Star certified with 14 SEER cooling rating, meeting current efficiency standards without cutting-edge pricing
Multi-speed ECM blower motor maximizes comfort by adjusting airflow to actual demand
Plastic PVC exhaust flue reduces installation complexity and cost compared to metal venting
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year parts and unit coverage protects your investment

Cons

Single-stage compressor cannot modulate cooling capacity, cycling on and off rather than maintaining steady operation
72 dBA noise level is moderate-to-loud, potentially noticeable in quieter homes or bedrooms nearby
Not suitable for homes requiring 3-ton cooling capacity, despite matching 2.5-ton air conditioner specification

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mixed climates replacing 10+ year old furnace and AC units who prioritize value and heating performance. Contractors installing budget systems for rental properties or first-time buyers appreciate the straightforward Goodman reliability and lower upfront cost.

Consider Alternatives If

Anyone needing variable-capacity cooling or quiet operation should consider units with modulating compressors and sound-dampened cabinets.

2.5 Ton 14 SEER 96% AFUE 60,000 BTU Goodman Gas Fu

$732

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Installation

This upflow A-coil configuration suits basements and utility rooms where vertical airflow works naturally. PVC venting simplifies installation compared to traditional metal ducts, and the standard 115V 1-phase 60Hz electrical requirement fits most home panels. Line sets arrive pre-insulated at 3/4-inch thickness. Professional installation remains essential for proper refrigerant charging and airflow balance.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman backs the heat exchanger with lifetime coverage, addressing the single most expensive furnace component. Ten-year unit replacement and parts coverage (with online registration) provides meaningful protection beyond basic manufacturer warranties. This tiered approach rewards proactive owners while offering solid recourse for defects during the critical first decade.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	60,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	Lifetime Heat Exchanger, 10 Years Unit Replacement, 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 Ton
Height	34.5"
Width	17.5"
Depth	28.75"
Resources	GMEC96 Installation Manual GMEC96 Specifications Sheet GMEC96 Owner's Manual GMEC96 Service Manual GMEC96 Replacement Parts Manual GMEC96 Brochure Goodman Furnace 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
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1200
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Gas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this listed as 2.5 tons when the specs show 3-ton tonnage? +

The tonnage mismatch appears to reflect the air conditioner rating versus furnace capacity. The 30,000 cooling BTU equals 2.5 tons of AC, while the furnace typically comes in various sizes. Verify your actual model tonnage with the dealer before purchase to ensure proper system sizing.

Can I install this in an attic or horizontal configuration? +

Yes, this A-coil supports upflow and horizontal installation. Attic placement works well if your return air ductwork allows horizontal airflow. Ensure adequate clearance around the 34.5-inch height and 28.75-inch depth for maintenance access and proper ventilation.

How does 14 SEER compare to newer systems? +

14 SEER meets current Energy Star minimums but trails premium units at 16+ SEER. The difference means $15 to $25 monthly cooling savings versus budget models, justifying the modest price premium for long-term owners in cooling-heavy climates.

Is this system quieter than my current 1998 furnace? +

At 72 dBA, it's quieter than most vintage units but louder than variable-capacity systems with sound insulation. You'll notice the compressor cycling, but it shouldn't disturb living areas. Bedroom placement next to the unit may warrant upgrading to quieter alternatives.

What does the lifetime heat exchanger warranty actually cover? +

It covers manufacturer defects causing cracks, leaks, or corrosion that compromise function. Normal wear, improper maintenance, or installation errors are excluded. Registration is required, and coverage extends only to the original owner.

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