Review
The ACiQ 3-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system represents a practical middle ground in the residential HVAC market. Positioned below premium branded systems but above bare-minimum equipment, this upflow configuration handles homes requiring furnace-above-condenser stacking. The 120,000 BTU furnace and 36,000 BTU cooling capacity address moderate residential loads, while the Goodman heritage provides established field repair networks and parts availability that contractors value.
Performance metrics show competent engineering without cutting-edge optimization. The 96% AFUE rating means only 4% of fuel energy escapes as waste, a genuine improvement over standard 80% units and substantial over typical 90% models. The 13 SEER cooling efficiency is respectable but not exceptional, delivering roughly 13 BTU of cooling per watt-hour consumed. The variable-speed ECM blower motor distinguishes this from single-speed competitors, enabling five-stage airflow adjustment that reduces runtime and improves humidity management. Two-stage burner operation provides comfort through graduated heating rather than full-blast cycling.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency beats standard 80-90% units by significant margin on heating bills
- 13 SEER cooling rating provides respectable efficiency for 3-ton cooling demand at this price point
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor adjusts airflow dynamically, improving comfort and reducing energy waste
- Two-stage burner allows modulated heating, reducing temperature swings and fuel consumption
- PVC exhaust compatibility simplifies installation compared to metal flue requirements on older units
- Modern R454B refrigerant meets current environmental standards and future-proofs the system
Cons
- 13 SEER rating trails premium systems rated 16-18 SEER, meaning higher cooling costs in hot climates
- 74 dBA noise level is noticeably loud for outdoor unit operation during cooling cycles
- Single-stage condenser cannot modulate cooling capacity, cycling on-off instead of ramping down
- Not ENERGY STAR certified despite reasonable efficiency specs
- $634 price appears unusually low, suggesting potential dealer markup or promotional pricing that may not reflect true market value
Who Should Buy
Best For
This system suits homeowners in moderate climates replacing failed Goodman equipment where upflow installation is required and budget is the primary constraint. It's also appropriate for contractors stocking inventory for rental properties or value-conscious customers who prioritize reliability over peak efficiency.
Consider Alternatives If
Skip this if you live in a hot climate where cooling runs 8+ months yearly, as the 13 SEER rating will cost significantly more in electricity than 16+ SEER alternatives.
Installation
Installation demands standard HVAC skills with some advantages. The PVC exhaust flue requirement eliminates costly metal ductwork, cutting labor and material expenses. The 30-inch height and upflow configuration fit standard furnace closets and basements with typical ceiling clearance. Refrigerant lines use 3/8-inch liquid and 7/8-inch suction ports with provided insulation, standard sizing for 3-ton systems. Electrical connection requires 208/230V single-phase power with 19.1-30 amp breaker sizing.
Warranty & Reliability
The 10-year parts warranty with online registration covers compressor, heat exchanger, and components after activation. This is industry-standard for Goodman-branded equipment and matches what contractors expect. Registration is required to activate coverage, so buyers must complete paperwork promptly. The evaporator coil warranty extends standard protection on the matching cooling side.
Specifications
| SKU | ACiQ-36-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 36,000 |
| Heating BTU | 120,000 |
| 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 | 7368842 |
| 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 |
| Energy Star | No |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Height | 30" |
| Width | 24.5" |
| Depth | 21" |
| Resources | CAPT Installation Manual CAPT 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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