Review
The Goodman 3-ton downflow combo system merges gas furnace heating with air conditioning cooling in one compact unit designed for homes and light commercial applications. This SKU ACiQ-36-EHPD-UPG sits comfortably in the mid-range efficiency tier, offering 96% AFUE heating and 14 SEER cooling. Contractors and homeowners appreciate Goodman's reputation for straightforward service and parts availability. The downflow configuration makes it suitable for installations above living spaces, attics, or crawl spaces where return air flows upward and supply air flows down.
Performance metrics confirm this is a solid all-in-one option. The furnace produces 100,000 BTU heating output with two-stage burner operation, while the 36,000 BTU cooling capacity (3.5 tons actual) handles typical residential loads efficiently. Variable-speed ECM blower motor with 2,000 CFM maximum capacity adjusts automatically to match demand, reducing electricity draw during mild weather. Single-stage scroll compressor cooling and Energy Star certification demonstrate manufacturer confidence in part-load efficiency. Electrical requirement is modest at 115V single-phase with 18.7 to 30 amp breaker sizing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace and 14 SEER air conditioner pair well for comprehensive climate control
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor maximizes comfort while reducing energy waste at part-load conditions
- Two-stage burner provides smoother heating ramp-up and better temperature consistency than single-stage alternatives
- 100,000 BTU heating capacity handles cold climates without supplemental electric heat
- Energy Star certified with rebate eligibility, offsetting initial purchase cost
- 10-year warranty with online registration covers major components
Cons
- 73 dB noise level is moderate to loud, comparable to older equipment that some users find intrusive
- Single-stage cooling compressor lacks the efficiency gains of variable-capacity alternatives in partial-load scenarios
- R454B refrigerant requires properly trained technicians for service, limiting repair options in some rural areas
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in moderate to cold climates seeking a single system replacement with good heating and cooling efficiency. Contractors looking for a field-proven combo unit that qualifies for manufacturer rebates and delivers reliable performance without premium pricing.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone prioritizing whisper-quiet operation should look at units rated below 70 dB, and budget-conscious buyers in very mild climates may find a cooling-only plus heat pump approach more cost-effective.
Installation
Downflow configuration requires installation in an attic, basement, or equipment room above the return air plenum with clear airflow paths. Suction line insulation thickness of 3/4 inch plus liquid and suction line sizing (3/4 inch and 3/8 inch respectively) must follow AHRI certified documentation. PVC or plastic exhaust flue is required for gas furnace venting, simplifying ductwork compared to metal alternatives. Technicians should reference the included installation instructions and AHRI certificate number 7368844 for matching indoor and outdoor equipment.
Warranty & Reliability
10-year parts and compressor coverage applies automatically upon online registration, a straightforward process Goodman streamlines through their website. This protection covers manufacturing defects on both heating and cooling components, though labor and refrigerant are typically excluded. Registration should be completed at installation to document proof of purchase and activate coverage. This warranty term matches most mid-tier HVAC equipment and demonstrates Goodman's confidence in component durability.
Specifications
| SKU | ACiQ-36-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 36,000 |
| Heating BTU | 100,000 |
| Refrigerant | R454B |
| 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 Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 3/4" |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Suction Valve Size | 3/4" |
| Max Breaker Size | 30 Amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 18.7 Amps |
| Tonnage | 3.5 Ton |
| Height | 34.5" |
| Width | 21" |
| 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 |
| Style | A-Coil |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7368844 |
| 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 | 3/4" |
| 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.