Independent Review · Updated June 2026

2 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

Energy Star 13 SEER cooling paired with 96% AFUE heating for balanced efficiency

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
2 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This 2-ton ACiQ system (Goodman equivalent) delivers solid combined heating and cooling performance for homeowners upgrading split systems in moderate climates. Best suited for contractors needing a balanced, reasonably priced solution where both heating and cooling matter equally.

Review

The ACiQ 2-ton system (replacing Goodman's GSX130242) occupies the practical middle ground of residential HVAC equipment. With 80,000 BTU heating output and 24,000 BTU cooling capacity, it's sized for typical 2-ton applications in homes under 2,000 square feet. This upflow, A-coil configuration fits standard attic installations, and the Energy Star certification signals reasonable year-round efficiency without premium costs.

Heating efficiency reaches 96% AFUE through a two-stage burner design that adjusts output to match demand, reducing short-cycling and parasitic losses. Cooling delivers 13 SEER1 using a single-stage rotary compressor, which is adequate but not outstanding, with R454B refrigerant meeting current environmental regulations. The multi-speed ECM blower maxes at 1200 CFM, providing 50 feet of suction line insulation for proper refrigerant management in extended runs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE furnace exceeds most conventional gas furnace efficiency standards, reducing winter heating costs measurably
  • 13 SEER cooling with R454B refrigerant meets Energy Star certification for environmental and utility bill benefits
  • Multi-speed ECM blower motor with 1200 CFM maximum handles variable load conditions without excessive cycling
  • Two-stage burner design provides modulated heating for improved comfort and efficiency at part-load conditions
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty covers the most expensive failure point, backed by 10-year parts and unit replacement coverage

Cons

  • 13 SEER is baseline modern efficiency, not high-tier, so seasonal cooling costs remain moderate compared to 16+ SEER units
  • Single-stage compressor means the cooling side cannot modulate capacity, reducing part-load efficiency during mild weather
  • 75 dB noise level is noticeably louder than variable-capacity systems, potentially bothersome in quiet suburban settings

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners and contractors in regions with moderate heating demands who need straightforward equipment replacement without premium pricing. Works well for upflow attic installations where both seasonal heating and cooling loads matter equally.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers in high-cooling climates seeking maximum seasonal efficiency should consider 16+ SEER units, and those in mild climates may overpay for 96% AFUE heating capacity they rarely use.

2 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furn
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Installation

Installation requires standard split-system setup with 3/8 inch liquid and 3/4 inch suction linesets, both sweat-valve connections. The unit draws 115V single-phase power with a 10.3 to 15 amp breaker range, making it compatible with standard residential electrical panels. Plastic PVC exhaust flue with right-side location keeps ductwork simple; upflow/horizontal airflow handles typical basement or attic placement without complexity.

Warranty & Reliability

Coverage includes a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, protecting against the most costly failure, plus 10 years of unit replacement and 10 years of parts coverage with online registration. This three-tier structure acknowledges that modern furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, so the heat exchanger lifetime coverage is the material benefit; parts and unit replacement provide safety net coverage during the critical first decade.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-24-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU24,000
Heating BTU80,000
RefrigerantR454B
Electrical115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
WarrantyLifetime Heat Exchanger, 10 Years Unit Replacement, and 10 Years Parts with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)75
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
ReplacesGSX130242
Energy StarYes
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeRotary
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line3/4"
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Max Breaker Size15 amps
Min. Breaker Size10.3 amps
Tonnage2 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
Height34.5"
Width17.5"
Depth28.75"
ResourcesGMEC96 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 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/Horizontal
StyleA-Coil
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorMulti-Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM1200
Flue LocationRight
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypeGas
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/4"
Length50 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 13 SEER compare to modern efficiency standards? +
13 SEER meets Energy Star baseline but sits below current mid-tier systems (15 to 16 SEER). You'll see lower cooling bills than older units, but not optimal savings. Good trade-off between upfront cost and efficiency gains for moderate climates.
Will this fit my attic space with existing ductwork? +
At 34.5 inches tall, 17.5 inches wide, and 28.75 inches deep, this A-coil fits most standard attic spaces. Verify your existing lineset distances; the 50-foot suction line insulation covers typical runs. Have your installer measure clearances before purchase.
Why is the furnace two-stage but the AC single-stage? +
Two-stage burners modulate efficiently in heating-dominated climates. Single-stage cooling is cost-effective but runs at full capacity in mild weather, reducing part-load efficiency. Common design choice for value-oriented systems.
How does this compare to higher-SEER Lennox or Carrier units? +
Premium brands offer 15 to 18 SEER cooling with variable-capacity compressors, quieter operation, and better part-load efficiency. This ACiQ system costs 20 to 30 percent less but trades peak efficiency and comfort for honest reliability and reasonable performance.
What does the lifetime heat exchanger warranty actually cover? +
It covers heat exchanger failure from manufacturing defects or workmanship without time limit. Parts and labor for repairs are separate; review warranty terms for coverage specifics. Registration is required to activate all warranty tiers.

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