Review
The Goodman 2.5-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system at $732 represents straightforward, no-frills HVAC for the contractor and homeowner audience. Goodman has built market trust through reliable equipment and aggressive pricing, positioning units like this as the practical choice when premium brands command 30 to 50 percent price premiums. This upflow A-coil configuration fits standard basement and utility closet installations, making it a direct replacement option for most existing systems.
Efficiency metrics tell the real story here. The 96% AFUE rating means 96 cents of every heating dollar converts to usable warmth, thanks to the two-stage burner design that operates at 40 percent capacity during mild winter days and full 80,000 BTU capacity only when needed. The 14 SEER1 cooling rating delivers 30,000 BTU of cooling from a single-stage rotary compressor running at 72 decibels. The multi-speed ECM blower motor handles up to 1,200 CFM, matching ductwork in properly sized homes.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE gas furnace with two-stage burners maximizes heating efficiency and reduces winter fuel costs
- 14 SEER cooling efficiency meets ENERGY STAR standards, delivering solid A/C performance for a 2.5-ton unit
- Multi-speed ECM blower motor adapts to airflow demands, improving comfort and reducing runtime energy waste
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty provides peace of mind on the most expensive furnace component
- PVC/plastic exhaust flue compatibility simplifies venting in retrofit applications versus older metal ductwork
Cons
- Single-stage air conditioner compressor lacks the part-load efficiency of two-stage or variable-speed units
- 72 dB operating noise is moderately loud, noticeable in quiet bedroom environments during peak cooling
- R454B refrigerant is newer with limited service technician familiarity in some regional markets
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors installing replacement systems in 1,000-1,500 sq ft homes and budget-conscious homeowners upgrading from 10+ year old equipment. This system balances upfront cost with measurable SEER/AFUE improvements that recoup investment through lower utility bills.
Consider Alternatives If
Homeowners in very hot climates needing aggressive cooling should consider higher SEER units, and those in noise-sensitive areas may want to evaluate quieter competitor models.
Installation
Installation requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power, with breaker sizing between 17.1 and 25 amps, standard in most homes. The unit measures 34.5 inches high by 17.5 inches wide by 28.75 inches deep, fitting typical furnace closets and basements. Upflow configuration with right-side flue placement and PVC venting simplifies rough-in work compared to older systems requiring metal ductwork modifications.
Warranty & Reliability
The warranty stack is comprehensive: lifetime heat exchanger coverage protects against catastrophic failure, 10-year unit replacement handles full system defects, and 10-year parts coverage requires online registration to activate. This three-tier structure reflects Goodman's confidence in manufacturing while the heat exchanger warranty addresses homeowner concerns about the costliest repair point.
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, 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
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