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

// Bottom Line

This 2.5 ton ACiQ system is built for budget-conscious homeowners and contractors who need solid heating and cooling without premium pricing. It's particularly attractive for upflow installations where the 30 inch height fits standard return plenums, and the 96% AFUE furnace will noticeably reduce heating bills compared to older equipment.

Review

The ACiQ 2.5 ton upflow system represents aggressive value in the mid-market HVAC space. At $732, this furnace and heat pump combination targets contractors and homeowners tired of inflated equipment pricing. The unit specs reflect practical engineering choices, pairing a high-efficiency furnace with a respectable cooling coil. While ACiQ lacks the brand recognition of Goodman or Lennox, the actual components and ratings hold their own in side-by-side comparisons.

The 96% AFUE rating on the furnace section puts this in the highest efficiency category for gas heating, translating to meaningful monthly savings during winter months. The 14 SEER heat pump adds responsive cooling capacity at 30,000 BTU. Electrical requirements are modest at 208/230V single-phase with an 18.7 to 30 amp breaker range. Multi-speed blower optimization and PVC flue compatibility round out practical features that simplify installation without sacrificing performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace rating is exceptional for gas heating, delivering measurable energy savings on winter bills
14 SEER heat pump with R454B refrigerant meets current environmental standards and Energy Star certification
Multi-speed blower motor optimizes comfort by reducing temperature swings and cycling efficiency
PVC flue compatibility simplifies venting in retrofit applications where metal chimneys aren't available
10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage at this price tier
30,000 BTU heating and cooling capacity sized for 2.5 ton applications covers typical mid-size residential spaces

Cons

Single-stage burner and condenser mean less modulation capability, so equipment cycles more noticeably in mild weather
74 dBA noise level is acceptable but not quiet, particularly noticeable in finished basements during heating cycle
ACiQ brand has less market presence than Goodman or Lennox, which may affect local service availability and technician familiarity

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors installing systems in budget-conscious markets and homeowners replacing 10-15 year old equipment who prioritize heating efficiency. This system works particularly well for upflow applications in basements or attics with tight space constraints, where the 30 inch height and A-coil configuration fit standard installations.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in very cold climates who need the modulation efficiency of two-stage burners, or anyone requiring minimal operating noise in occupied basements should consider higher-tier alternatives.

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

$732

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Installation

Upflow configuration and 30 inch height fit standard basement plenums without modification. PVC venting eliminates expensive masonry work in many retrofit scenarios. The A-coil design requires proper drainage, and technicians should verify 208/230V power availability. Refrigerant lines arrive pre-charged, reducing on-site work. Installation typically requires 4-6 hours for experienced crews.

Warranty & Reliability

Ten-year parts coverage with online registration is solid for this price segment, though it requires homeowner participation to activate. ACiQ honors manufacturer defects in compressor, heat exchanger, and coil components. Labor costs fall on the customer, making extended service plans worth considering for older homes with uncertain electrical infrastructure.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	30,000
Heating BTU	30,000
Refrigerant	R454B
Electrical	208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty	10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)	74
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Multi Speed
Maximum CFM	1200
Configuration	Upflow / Downflow
Flue Location	Right
Burner Stages	Single
Fuel Type	Gas
Height	30"
Width	17.5"
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.
Replaces	GSZ140311
Product Features	Rebate Available
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	14
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Scroll
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Suction Valve Size	3/4"
Max Breaker Size	30 amps
Min. Breaker Size	18.7 amps
Tonnage	3 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	3/4"
Style	A-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness	3/4"
Length	50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 96% AFUE furnace compare to 80% units in real heating costs? +

A 96% unit converts 96 cents of every fuel dollar into usable heat versus 80 cents with older equipment. On a $1,200 annual heating bill, upgrading saves approximately $200 yearly. Over 15 years, that exceeds $3,000 in fuel savings before considering equipment lifespan and maintenance costs.

Is this unit compatible with my existing ductwork and thermostat? +

Yes, if your current system is 2.5 ton upflow. The unit requires 208/230V single-phase power and standard 24V thermostat wiring. Have a technician verify duct sizing and CFM capacity at 1,200 maximum, as undersized ducts reduce efficiency gains.

What makes the 14 SEER rating competitive in today's market? +

14 SEER meets Energy Star standards and sits at the practical efficiency threshold before costs spike dramatically. It's not the highest available, but paired with the 96% furnace, the system delivers strong total efficiency. Real-world cooling performance depends heavily on proper refrigerant charging and airflow.

How does ACiQ brand support compare to Goodman or Lennox? +

ACiQ is an online-first distributor brand with solid manufacturing partnerships. Local HVAC shops may stock parts readily, but field service technician familiarity varies by region. Verify your local contractor stocks or can readily source replacement components before purchasing.

Does the 10-year warranty require anything beyond online registration? +

Yes, registration activates coverage, but labor is excluded. Keep proof of purchase and installation documentation. Coverage applies to manufacturer defects in sealed components only, not wear items like capacitors or contactors.

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