3 Ton 13 SEER 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU Goodman Gas Furnace and Air Conditioner System - Horizontal Review 2026

// Bottom Line

This ACiQ horizontal furnace-coil combo excels for contractors upgrading older Goodman units or homeowners in tight attic spaces needing solid heating and cooling without premium pricing. The 96% AFUE furnace efficiency and 13 SEER cooling make it genuinely competitive, while the sub-$100 price point feels almost aggressive.

Review

The ACiQ 3-ton horizontal furnace-coil system sits in that sweet spot where budget meets substance. This is the upgrade path for contractors servicing aging Goodman equipment, and it slots into tight residential attics without the contortions required for vertical cabinets. The AHRI Certificate (7368835) confirms this is a legitimate matched pair, not a parts-bin assembly. At this price point, you're getting genuinely current technology, not last decade's closeouts.

The furnace delivers 80,000 BTU with 96% AFUE, meaning nearly all fuel converts to usable heat rather than venting away as waste. The air conditioner side pushes 36,000 BTU (3 tons) at 13 SEER efficiency. Variable-speed ECM blower handles up to 1600 CFM, automatically adjusting to actual load rather than hammering at full speed constantly. Two-stage burners further improve efficiency by running low when partial heating suffices. The R454B refrigerant aligns with EPA regulations, future-proofing against phaseouts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

96% AFUE furnace efficiency significantly reduces heating costs compared to 80-90% baseline units
13 SEER rating on the cooling side is respectable mid-tier performance for budget equipment
Variable-speed ECM blower motor adapts to actual heating and cooling demand, improving comfort and reducing electricity use
Horizontal configuration fits compact attics and crawl spaces where vertical units won't fit
PVC exhaust flue compatible with modern high-efficiency venting standards
Two-stage burner provides better modulation than single-stage competitors

Cons

R454B refrigerant still relatively new in supply chains, so service calls may be slower in rural areas
74 dBA noise level is average, not particularly quiet for premium comfort seekers
Single-stage condenser means cooling runs at full capacity or off, less efficient than two-stage alternatives
Not Energy Star certified despite 96% AFUE, which may disappoint green-minded buyers

Who Should Buy

Best For

Contractors replacing aging Goodman GSX130362/363/365 units will appreciate the direct compatibility and 10-year warranty backing. DIY-friendly homeowners upgrading 15+ year old systems in tight spaces benefit from the horizontal footprint and straightforward installation requirements.

Consider Alternatives If

Buyers prioritizing whisper-quiet operation or wanting the absolute highest seasonal efficiency should compare 14+ SEER two-stage units, which cost more but deliver meaningfully better performance.

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

$89

Buy at HVACDirect →

Installation

Horizontal orientation requires right-side flue exit clearance and proper PVC ductwork, but installation complexity is moderate for experienced technicians. The unit weighs 120 pounds, manageable for attic placement with basic mechanical support. 208/230V single-phase 60 Hz electrical demand fits standard residential service. Sweat-type connections (3/8 inch liquid, 7/8 inch suction) mean soldering skills matter. Pre-insulated suction line (3/8 inch thickness) ships included.

Warranty & Reliability

Goodman provides 10 years of parts coverage with online registration, a legitimate benefit often worth $300-500 if failures occur. This isn't limited warranty language, meaning compressors, coils, and furnace heat exchangers receive equal protection. Registration is quick and removes the typical 5-year default restriction. Real-world reliability data on ACiQ equipment shows typical lifespans of 15-18 years with proper maintenance.

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	7368835
Airflow Direction	Upflow/Horizontal
Exhaust Flue Requirement	Plastic / PVC
Furnace Efficiency / AFUE	96%
Blower Motor	Variable Speed - ECM
Maximum CFM	1600
Configuration	Horizontal
Flue Location	Right
Energy Star	No
Burner Stages	Two
Fuel Type	Propane, Natural Gas
Height	21"
Width	21.125"
Depth	26"
Resources	CHPF Installation Manual CHPF 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

What furnace models does this replace? +

The ACiQ directly replaces Goodman GSX130362, GSX130363, and GSX130365 air conditioners. The furnace integrates with compatible 80,000 BTU 96% AFUE systems already in the field. Check your existing unit's model number before ordering to confirm compatibility with your current installation footprint.

Can I install this in my crawl space or attic horizontally? +

Yes, the horizontal configuration is specifically designed for tight spaces. Dimensions are 21 inches tall by 21.125 inches wide by 26 inches deep, fitting most standard joist cavities. The right-side flue exit requires ductwork routing, so plan your exhaust path before mounting. Ensure adequate return air access at the unit's intake.

How much will this reduce my heating bills compared to older units? +

The 96% AFUE furnace converts nearly all natural gas or propane into heat. If replacing an 80% AFUE unit, expect roughly 16-20% lower heating costs long-term. Variable-speed blower saves additional electricity by avoiding constant full-speed operation. Exact savings depend on climate, insulation, and thermostat programming habits.

Is 13 SEER cooling competitive with modern systems? +

13 SEER is solid mid-tier performance, roughly 30% better than 10-11 SEER units from a decade ago. Two-stage AC units reach 14-16 SEER but cost considerably more. For typical cooling season bills, you're looking at respectable efficiency without premium pricing. It's a pragmatic choice over bleeding-edge alternatives.

Does this come with the refrigerant pre-charged? +

Units ship with refrigerant factory-charged and sealed. You will need to verify charge weight matches your actual line set length (maximum 30 feet included). Have a licensed technician perform final pressure checks during commissioning to ensure proper operation and warranty validity.

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