2 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 30,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This 2-ton ACiQ system pairs a 96% AFUE furnace with a 13 SEER air conditioner, making it ideal for homeowners upgrading from older equipment or replacing failed systems in moderate climates. The lifetime heat exchanger warranty and Energy Star certification justify the investment for long-term reliability.

Review

ACiQ's 2-ton system combines a 30,000 BTU furnace with a 24,000 BTU air conditioner in one upflow A-coil configuration. This split system targets the replacement market where equipment age drives decisions more than feature-seeking. The Energy Star certification signals efficiency above baseline codes, while the price point remains accessible for most residential budgets. Goodman's backing provides service network support across North America.

The furnace delivers 96% AFUE with a two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower that adjusts to actual heating demand. Cooling reaches 13 SEER1 through a single-stage rotary compressor running on R454B refrigerant at 115V single phase. Maximum airflow capacity hits 1200 CFM, sufficient for homes averaging 1200-1400 square feet. Real-world heating costs drop 10-15% versus 90% AFUE equipment when heating seasons are long.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs significantly compared to 80-90% units
13 SEER cooling with Energy Star rating meets current efficiency standards without extreme cost
Two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower motor provide better comfort and part-load efficiency
Lifetime heat exchanger warranty covers the most expensive component to replace
R454B refrigerant is drop-in compatible for retrofits replacing older R410A systems
PVC flue option simplifies installation and reduces venting restrictions

Cons

13 SEER is solid but not premium, higher-tier units reach 16-18 SEER for superior cooling efficiency
Single-stage compressor limits part-load efficiency during mild weather operation
75 dB noise level is moderate, some units operate 2-3 dB quieter
Proprietary specifications reference Goodman model GMEC96, limiting cross-brand component interchangeability

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in moderate climates seeking balanced efficiency without premium pricing, especially those replacing failed 10-15 year old systems. Contractors installing complete split systems for standard residential applications where Energy Star qualification matters for rebates.

Consider Alternatives If

High-efficiency enthusiasts should explore 15+ SEER units, and homes with extreme cooling demands may benefit from two-stage compressors.

2 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 30,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn

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Installation

The upflow A-coil design fits tight attic or closet spaces, standing 34.5 inches tall with a 28.75-inch depth. Sweat connections on 3/8-inch and 3/4-inch line sets require brazing skills or certified technician involvement. PVC flue venting simplifies exhaust routing compared to metal ductwork. Electrical demands a 15-amp breaker minimum (10.3 amps operating), well within standard residential service.

Warranty & Reliability

The lifetime heat exchanger warranty covers defects indefinitely, protecting against the $1500-2500 replacement cost. Ten-year unit replacement and ten-year parts coverage activate through online registration, requiring proof of purchase. This combination ranks among industry standards for mid-tier equipment, offering meaningful protection without premium-product pricing.

Specifications

SKU	ACIQ-24-EHPD-UPG
Brand/Manufacturer	ACiQ
Cooling BTU	24,000
Heating BTU	30,000
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)	75
Weight (in lbs)	120.000000
Feature	Spec
Replaces	GSX130242
Energy Star	Yes
SEER1 (Efficiency)	13
Condenser Stages	Single Stage
Compressor Type	Rotary
Liquid Line	3/8"
Suction Line	3/4"
Liquid Valve Size	3/8"
Max Breaker Size	15 amps
Min. Breaker Size	10.3 amps
Tonnage	2.5 Ton
Valve Type	Sweat
Height	34.5"
Width	14"
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
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

Is this system compatible with my existing ductwork from a 2-ton Carrier unit? +

Yes, assuming your ducts are sized for 1200 CFM maximum airflow. The connections use standard refrigerant line sizes (3/8-inch and 3/4-inch), which match most older equipment. However, have an HVAC tech verify your ductwork static pressure and balancing before installation to avoid airflow problems.

What electrical upgrades will I need? +

The system requires 115V single-phase power with a 15-amp breaker. Most homes already have dedicated 15-amp circuits in utility closets or attics. If your breaker panel is full, adding a new 15-amp circuit costs $150-300. No 208V or 240V upgrades are needed like larger systems require.

How much will heating and cooling costs drop versus my 1995 equipment? +

Heating costs drop roughly 10-15% annually versus 80% AFUE furnaces, saving $200-400 on a $2000 annual heating bill. Cooling savings depend on your old AC's SEER rating, but upgrading from 8-10 SEER typically saves 25-35% or $150-250 per cooling season in moderate climates.

Does 13 SEER match competitors like Carrier or Lennox at this price point? +

Yes, most mid-tier split systems from major brands sit at 13-14 SEER in the comparable price bracket. ACiQ/Goodman's pricing advantage stems from simpler marketing and tighter dealer networks rather than performance gaps. Higher SEER models from all brands cost 15-25% more for 1-2 SEER point gains.

Will the lifetime heat exchanger warranty transfer if I sell my home? +

No, Goodman's warranty requires the original purchaser to register online. A new owner receives the remaining 10-year unit and parts coverage only. This limits resale value slightly, though most buyers view any remaining manufacturer coverage as beneficial.

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