Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2.5 Ton 14 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Vertical 17.5" Cased Coil

Budget-friendly 3-ton coil with solid 14 SEER efficiency and straightforward installation

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2.5 Ton 14 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Vertical 17.5
Current Price
$643
Check Price at HVACDirect → Shop Now at HVACDirect
Authorized dealer · Full manufacturer warranty
// Bottom Line
This ACiQ cased coil is ideal for contractors building affordable cooling systems or homeowners replacing worn evaporators in existing 3-ton setups. The R454B refrigerant future-proofs your system, while the vertical A-coil design works seamlessly in standard return air plenums.

Review

The ACiQ ACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG is a vertical cased coil engineered for straightforward system builds and field replacements. At 3 tons and 30,000 BTU capacity, it slots cleanly into most residential installations without custom ductwork modifications. Priced at $643, this unit targets cost-conscious contractors and homeowners who prioritize reliable cooling over advanced features. The vertical A-coil configuration works in both upflow and downflow applications, making it adaptable to existing return air plenums.

Performance sits at 14 SEER1 efficiency with R454B refrigerant, offering moderate cooling power and future regulatory compliance. The rotary compressor runs single-stage operation, cycling fully on or off rather than modulating capacity. Electrical specs call for 208/230V single-phase power with a 25-amp maximum breaker, making it compatible with standard residential service panels. At 72 dB, noise output is acceptable for utility closet or attic mounting but noticeably present compared to two-stage alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • R454B refrigerant aligns with EPA regulations and environmental standards for long-term compatibility
  • 14 SEER rating delivers respectable efficiency at $643, strong value for budget installations
  • Rotary compressor and single-stage design keep mechanical complexity and failure points minimal
  • 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid coverage for parts and labor claims
  • Vertical 17.5-inch cased design fits standard ductwork and upflow/downflow configurations without custom fabrication

Cons

  • Not Energy Star certified, missing potential rebate opportunities in some utility programs
  • 72 dB noise level is moderate to loud, acceptable but not quiet-running compared to variable-speed alternatives
  • Single-stage compressor means no efficiency modulation, runs full-capacity or off with no mid-range option

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors seeking cost-effective coil replacements for 3-ton systems and homeowners in moderate climates where 14 SEER meets efficiency standards. This unit makes sense for straightforward replacements where simplicity and affordability outweigh premium efficiency features.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers chasing Energy Star certification, noise-sensitive installations, or high-efficiency variable-capacity performance should explore two-stage or modulating units instead.

2.5 Ton 14 SEER Goodman Air Conditioner with Verti
$643
Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Installation is straightforward. The unit requires 3/8-inch liquid and suction lines with 3/4-inch insulation thickness on the suction side. Valve sizes match standard linesets, and the 17.5-inch width fits conventional return plenums. Mounting orientation flexibility (upflow/downflow) simplifies retrofit work. Pre-charged and factory-sealed design reduces field commissioning time, though proper electrical service confirmation remains essential.

Warranty & Reliability

ACiQ provides 10 years of parts coverage with online registration, no hidden activations required. This warranty covers compressor, coil, and component failures but excludes normal wear and installation errors. Registration is straightforward and strongly recommended to document purchase date. Most contractors factor this coverage into service plans, making it a reliable safety net for budget installations.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-30-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU30,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)72
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
Energy StarNo
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.
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this coil compatible with Goodman or other brand condensers? +
Yes. ACiQ coils work with Goodman, Amana, and other units using compatible refrigerants and linesets. Confirm matching tonnage (3 tons) and verify refrigerant type (R454B) with your condenser specs. Cross-brand pairing is common in retrofit work and saves money versus full-system replacement.
Can I use this in an upflow and downflow configuration interchangeably? +
Yes, the vertical A-coil design supports both orientations. This flexibility eliminates custom fabrication when replacing older coils in existing plenums. Ensure adequate clearance for 30-inch height and proper airflow direction through your return plenum before installation.
How does 14 SEER compare to current efficiency standards? +
14 SEER meets baseline 2023 SEER2 requirements in most U.S. regions but doesn't qualify as Energy Star, which requires higher ratings. For moderate climates and budget-conscious buyers, it's acceptable. High-efficiency seekers should consider 16+ SEER units for greater long-term utility savings.
Why R454B instead of R410A? +
R454B offers lower global warming potential and aligns with EPA phase-down regulations, ensuring your system won't become obsolete. It's slightly less efficient than R410A but provides regulatory future-proofing. Most new equipment now uses R454B or R32 variants.
Does 10-year warranty cover installation labor? +
Warranty covers parts only. Labor is typically handled by your contractor's service plan or separate service contract. Always confirm with your installer whether they include labor coverage in their pricing before purchase.

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