Review
The ACiQ 3-ton downflow furnace and air conditioner system occupies an underserved market position, offering contemporary efficiency specifications at pricing that appeals to value-focused contractors and budget-constrained homeowners. Manufactured under the ACiQ brand, this unit delivers 80,000 BTU heating capacity paired with 36,000 BTU cooling, hitting AHRI certificate 7368843. The 30-inch by 21-inch by 21-inch footprint suits basement, closet, or attic installations where space constraints eliminate many alternatives.
Performance metrics justify the aggressive pricing. The 96% AFUE rating means only 4% of fuel energy is lost up the flue, compared to 80% AFUE units still operating in older homes. Cooling efficiency of 13 SEER1 handles moderate loads adequately, while the variable-speed ECM blower motor automatically adjusts between 0 and 1,600 CFM based on demand. Two-stage burner modulation reduces short-cycling and improves comfort during shoulder seasons. The R454B refrigerant meets 2023 environmental phase-down requirements without reliability concerns.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency exceeds federal minimums by 6 percentage points, reducing heating costs significantly
- 13 SEER cooling with R454B refrigerant meets modern environmental standards while maintaining adequate AC performance
- Variable speed ECM blower motor adjusts to demand, improving comfort and reducing energy waste across heating and cooling cycles
- Two-stage burner allows modulation during mild weather, lowering runtime and fuel consumption compared to single-stage competitors
- Downflow/horizontal configuration suits basement or closet installations where space is tight
- $647 price point is 30-40% lower than equivalent Goodman and Lennox models
Cons
- 13 SEER is respectable but not premium, lagging 15+ SEER high-efficiency units that justify higher costs in extreme climates
- Single-stage condenser limits cooling modulation and comfort optimization during partial-load operation
- 74 dBA decibel level is audible during compressor operation, noticeable in open floor plans or quiet environments
- No Energy Star certification, though efficiency metrics are solid
Who Should Buy
Best For
Contractors building rental properties or spec homes where initial equipment cost drives project margins, and homeowners in transitional climates with moderate heating and cooling demands who want genuine efficiency gains without premium pricing. This is the right choice if your utility bills are higher during heating season than cooling season.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone in Arizona, Florida, or other extreme cooling climates should consider 15+ SEER units, and buyers expecting whisper-quiet operation should audition this unit first given the 74 dBA rating.
Installation
Downflow configuration requires horizontal ductwork routing, typical of basement or slab-on-grade installations. Plastic PVC exhaust flue is standard, reducing corrosion issues in humid climates. Electrical demand ranges from 19.1 to 30 amps at 208/230V single phase 60Hz, requiring a dedicated 30-amp circuit breaker. Suction and liquid valve sizes (3/4-inch and 3/8-inch respectively) are standard, simplifying field modifications. Most experienced HVAC technicians complete installation in 6-8 hours.
Warranty & Reliability
Ten-year parts warranty requires online registration but covers compressor, heat exchanger, and blower motor against manufacturer defects. No labor warranty is included, a cost-cutting measure common at this price tier. This protection is solid for equipment expected to run 15-20 years with routine maintenance, though longer coverage would distinguish it from competitors.
Specifications
| SKU | ACiQ-36-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 36,000 |
| Heating BTU | 80,000 |
| Refrigerant | R454B |
| Electrical | 208 / 230 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 74 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 120.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368843 |
| Airflow Direction | Downflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 1600 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Energy Star | No |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| 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. |
| Replaces | GSX130362, GSX130363, GSX130365 |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 13 |
| Condenser Stages | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Reciprocating |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 3/4" |
| Max Breaker Size | 30 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 19.1 amps |
| Tonnage | 3.5 Ton |
| Valve Type | Sweat |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 7/8" |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/8" |
| Length | 30 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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