Independent Review · Updated June 2026

3.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow

High-efficiency 96% AFUE furnace with variable-speed blower and solid 13 SEER cooling

8.2
IndustrialRank Score
Efficiency
8.5
Reliability
7.8
Value
8.0
Installation
8.5
Warranty
8.0
3.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Upflow
Current Price
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// Bottom Line
This ACiQ system delivers exceptional heating efficiency at 96% AFUE with a variable-speed ECM blower that reduces energy waste during partial-load operation. It's ideal for homeowners in moderate climates seeking reliable, efficient heating without premium pricing.

Review

The ACiQ 3.5-ton system (marketed with Goodman branding) is a mid-market furnace-condenser combo designed for homeowners seeking reliable heating without premium-tier pricing. Its 96% AFUE rating places it in the high-efficiency category for gas furnaces, appealing to cost-conscious buyers focused on winter heating costs. The variable-speed ECM blower is the standout feature, automatically adapting to heating and cooling demand rather than running at fixed speeds. This configuration makes sense for contractors installing upflow systems in standard basement or closet installations.

Heating performance delivers 100,000 BTU output with two-stage burner modulation, allowing the furnace to run at reduced capacity during mild weather and ramp up during cold snaps. The cooling side produces 42,000 BTU at 13 SEER using R410A refrigerant and a reciprocating compressor, adequate for moderate climates but not exceptional for high-cooling-demand regions. Maximum airflow reaches 2000 CFM with the variable blower, and the unit operates at 75 dBA, relatively quiet for this class. Electrical requirements are straightforward at 208/230V single-phase.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 96% AFUE heating efficiency means only 4% energy loss, significantly reducing winter fuel costs
  • Variable-speed ECM blower automatically adjusts to demand, improving comfort and lowering electricity consumption
  • Two-stage burner provides modulating heat for smoother temperature control and reduced cycling
  • PVC exhaust compatibility simplifies installation in homes with plastic vent systems
  • 10-year warranty with online registration offers solid coverage for system longevity

Cons

  • 13 SEER cooling is mid-range efficiency, not high-tier like 16+ SEER alternatives
  • Single-stage condenser limits cooling flexibility compared to two-stage models
  • Not Energy Star certified, missing potential rebates in some utility programs

Who Should Buy

Best For

Homeowners in mild to moderate climates prioritizing heating efficiency over cooling performance, or those replacing older furnaces in homes already equipped for PVC exhaust. Contractors installing systems in new construction or retrofits where upflow configuration fits floor plans.

Consider Alternatives If

Homeowners in hot climates where cooling dominates utility bills should seek higher SEER ratings, and those without PVC exhaust capability should look at units supporting metal flue options.

3.5 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 100,000 BTU Goodman Gas F
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Installation

Installation is contractor-friendly with PVC/plastic exhaust compatibility, eliminating the cost and complexity of metal venting in many homes. The upflow configuration suits standard basement or utility closet placement. Dimensions of 30 inches tall, 21 wide, and 21 deep fit most standard furnace spaces. Suction and liquid line sizes of 7/8 inch and 3/8 inch respectively are manageable with standard tools. Breaker sizing between 23.9 and 40 amps keeps electrical work routine.

Warranty & Reliability

ACiQ backs this system with a 10-year parts warranty when registered online, a respectable duration for mid-market equipment. The Goodman evaporator coil carries separate warranty coverage, protecting the cooling component. This warranty level provides reasonable peace of mind without matching top-tier manufacturers like Carrier or Lennox, which sometimes offer longer terms. Registration is required to activate coverage.

Specifications

SKUACIQ-4X-EHPD-UPG
Brand/ManufacturerACiQ
Cooling BTU42,000
Heating BTU100,000
RefrigerantR410A
Electrical208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz
Warranty10 Years with Online Registration
Decibel Level (dBA)75
Weight (in lbs)120.000000
FeatureSpec
AHRI Certificate Number7368836
Airflow DirectionUpflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue RequirementPlastic / PVC
Product FeaturesRebate Available
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE96%
Blower MotorVariable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM2000
ConfigurationUpflow / Downflow
Energy StarNo
Burner StagesTwo
Fuel TypePropane, Natural Gas
Height30"
Width21"
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.
SEER1 (Efficiency)13
Condenser StagesSingle Stage
Compressor TypeReciprocating
Liquid Line3/8"
Suction Line7/8"
Liquid Valve Size3/8"
Max Breaker Size40 amps
Min. Breaker Size23.9 amps
Tonnage5 Ton
Valve TypeSweat
StyleA-Coil
Suction Line Insulation Thickness3/8"
Length30 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 96% AFUE enough to justify upgrading from my 80% AFUE furnace? +
Yes, especially in cold climates. A 16-percentage-point efficiency gain translates to roughly 20% annual fuel savings over a furnace's 15-20 year lifespan. For a home heating 12 months annually, this easily recovers the upgrade cost, plus improves comfort with two-stage burner modulation.
Can I install this in a horizontal attic position? +
The specs list upflow/horizontal configuration capability, but ACiQ typically requires separate horizontal-specific models for true side-discharge installation. Confirm with the AHRI certificate number 7368836 or contact the manufacturer before assuming horizontal attic mounting works.
How does 13 SEER compare to newer systems? +
13 SEER is respectable but mid-range. Modern high-efficiency systems reach 16-18+ SEER2 ratings (SEER2 is the newer metric). This unit suits mild climates; hot regions benefit from higher ratings. SEER2 conversions suggest 13 SEER roughly equals 11 SEER2, placing it solidly average.
What's the difference between this and higher-end Goodman models? +
This ACiQ-badged system shares Goodman platform architecture but skips Energy Star certification and uses single-stage cooling versus two-stage options in premium lines. You gain solid heating efficiency and variable blower technology while accepting simpler cooling control. Price savings are typically 15-25%.
Does this qualify for federal tax credits or rebates? +
Not automatically. Federal credits require ENERGY STAR certification, which this unit lacks. However, many state and utility programs offer propane/natural gas furnace rebates regardless of Energy Star status. Check local utility websites for current incentive eligibility.

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