Review
The ACiQ 3.5 ton system represents a practical middle ground in the HVAC market. With a 96% AFUE furnace outputting 100,000 BTU and a 14 SEER air conditioner delivering 42,000 BTU cooling capacity, this combination addresses both heating and cooling needs in residential applications. The unit ships Energy Star certified and qualifies for rebates in many utility territories, making it attractive to contractors managing customer budgets.
Performance-wise, the two-stage burner allows the furnace to operate at reduced capacity during mild heating periods, cutting energy consumption compared to single-stage competitors. The variable-speed ECM blower motor running up to 2,000 CFM provides flexibility across changing loads. However, the single-stage scroll compressor cannot modulate cooling output, meaning the air conditioner runs at full capacity or off, without intermediate steps. This design trade-off keeps costs down but sacrifices some efficiency during partial-load conditions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency reduces heating costs significantly compared to 80-90% units
- 14 SEER cooling qualifies for Energy Star, capturing rebates in many regions
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts airflow from 0 to 2,000 CFM for comfort and savings
- Two-stage burner provides modulating heat output, reducing short-cycling and improving comfort
- 10-year compressor and parts warranty with online registration adds peace of mind
Cons
- Single-stage compressor cannot modulate cooling capacity, limiting efficiency in mild weather
- 14 SEER is mid-tier efficiency, not high-end, so payback takes longer than 16+ SEER systems
- 73 dB noise level is audible, particularly during air conditioning operation
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in moderate climates looking to replace 10-15 year old systems and qualify for utility rebates. Contractors installing systems for budget-conscious customers who want proven reliability without bleeding-edge efficiency.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone needing whisper-quiet operation or those in hot climates where high-SEER cooling efficiency justifies premium pricing.
Installation
Installation is straightforward for licensed technicians. The A-coil configuration works in upflow or downflow positions, fitting most homes. Suction and liquid line sizes are standard at 7/8 inch and 3/8 inch respectively, with 30 feet of pre-insulated suction line included. The unit requires 115V single-phase 60Hz power with 22-35 amp breaker sizing, typical for residential equipment.
Warranty & Reliability
ACiQ backs this system with a 10-year parts and compressor warranty upon online registration. That's competitive coverage for the price point. Activation requires registration within 30 days of installation, a straightforward process that most contractors handle automatically. No parts labor is covered, so homeowners should budget for service calls if repairs occur after year one.
Specifications
| SKU | ACIQ-4X-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 42,000 |
| Heating BTU | 100,000 |
| 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 | 30" |
| Width | 21" |
| Depth | 21" |
| Resources | CAPF Installation Manual CAPF Specifications Sheet Goodman Evaporator Coil 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. |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368836 |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| 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.