Review
The ACiQ 5-ton outdoor unit paired with this Goodman furnace represents a mainstream choice in the mid-efficiency market segment. At $3,136, it undercuts premium brand bundles while maintaining solid engineering credentials through AHRI certification 7368845 and Energy Star qualification. This is not a budget-basement system, nor a high-end variable-capacity platform. It occupies the practical middle ground where contractors and homeowners expect reliable performance without exotic features or premium costs.
Performance numbers tell a straightforward story. The furnace delivers 120,000 BTU heating output with 96% AFUE, while the condenser produces 42,000 BTU cooling capacity at 14 SEER1 efficiency. That SEER1 rating means cooling costs roughly 30% less than 10 SEER units from 15 years ago. The variable-speed ECM blower motor can deliver up to 2,000 CFM, allowing technicians to fine-tune airflow for comfort and noise balance. Two-stage burner control keeps the heating system modulating, avoiding the short-cycling inefficiency of single-stage units. This is honest, predictable equipment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency minimizes heating losses, saving approximately 15-20% on winter gas bills compared to 80% AFUE systems
- 14 SEER1 cooling rating qualifies for Energy Star certification and most utility rebates, worth $300-800 depending on your region
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts CFM from 500 to 2000, reducing runtime cycles and improving humidity control versus fixed-speed units
- Two-stage burner operation allows low-fire heating during mild days, cutting energy consumption 20-30% in shoulder seasons
- Downflow/horizontal A-coil configuration fits tight attic and basement spaces where vertical units won't work
- PVC exhaust piping simplifies installation compared to metal ductwork, reducing labor costs by 2-4 hours per job
Cons
- 14 SEER1 is good but not exceptional, trailing newer 16-18 SEER2 competitors by $500-1200 over a 15-year lifespan
- Single-stage condenser compressor means cooling capacity doesn't modulate below full output, reducing part-load efficiency on mild days
- 73 dB noise level during peak operation exceeds the 70 dB threshold preferred by sound-sensitive homeowners
- Requires 22-35 amp breaker, necessitating electrical panel upgrades in older homes with limited capacity
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in mixed climates who need both reliable heating and efficient cooling, particularly those replacing 1995-2010 equipment where the efficiency jump pays for itself in 6-8 years. Contractors bidding jobs with tight attic space constraints will appreciate the compact horizontal footprint and straightforward installation.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers in hot-only climates should skip the heating component and consider standalone cooling units, and those prioritizing whisper-quiet operation or maximum efficiency should invest in 16+ SEER2 variable-capacity systems.
Installation
Installation involves standard split-system practices. Refrigerant lines require 3/8 inch liquid and 7/8 inch suction connections with 3/8 inch insulation wrapping. The horizontal A-coil design (34.5 inches tall, 24.5 inches wide, 28.75 inches deep) fits most attic applications where height clearance exceeds 36 inches. Electrical requirements demand a 22 to 35 amp breaker circuit with 115V single-phase 60Hz service. PVC exhaust piping simplifies venting through exterior walls, saving installation time versus metal ductwork approaches.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman provides a 10-year comprehensive warranty activated through online registration, covering parts and compressor failure without proration. This is standard industry coverage, matching competitors like Lennox and Carrier entry-level units. Registration is straightforward, taking less than five minutes online. Ten years protects against early manufacturing defects, though coverage excludes refrigerant top-ups, filter changes, and wear items.
Specifications
| SKU | ACIQ-4X-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 42,000 |
| Heating BTU | 120,000 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Electrical | 115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 73 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 120.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Energy Star | Yes |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 14 |
| Condenser Stages | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Scroll |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 7/8" |
| Max Breaker Size | 35 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 22 amps |
| Tonnage | 5 Ton |
| Height | 34.5" |
| Width | 24.5" |
| Depth | 28.75" |
| Resources | Goodman Brochure Goodman Installation Instructions Goodman Parts Manual Goodman Service Manual Goodman Specifications Goodman Technical Information Goodman User Information Goodman 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 | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368845 |
| Airflow Direction | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/8" |
| Length | 30 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Affiliate disclosure: IndustrialRank earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have independently reviewed.