Review
The Goodman 3-ton gas furnace and air conditioner system at $634 occupies a practical middle tier in the residential HVAC market. This isn't a premium product loaded with smart controls or advanced staging, but it's a genuine step up from budget basement models. Goodman's manufacturing footprint and parts availability make this a workhorse choice for contractors and homeowners who prioritize reliability over features. The upflow A-coil configuration fits most residential installations, and the spec sheet reflects thoughtful engineering without unnecessary complexity.
Performance numbers tell the real story here. The furnace delivers 96% AFUE efficiency, recovering nearly all fuel energy as usable heat, compared to 80-85% from units installed before 2015. On the cooling side, 14 SEER translates to roughly 25% better efficiency than older 10 SEER equipment. The two-stage burner modulates between high and low fire for comfort and efficiency, while the multi-speed ECM blower adjusts airflow from 400 to 2,000 CFM depending on demand. With 120,000 BTU heating and 36,000 BTU cooling capacity in a 3.5-ton frame, this unit handles most homes effectively without oversizing penalties.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency means real savings on heating costs compared to older 80-90% units
- 14 SEER cooling qualifies for ENERGY STAR, delivering respectable AC efficiency at this price point
- Two-stage burner and multi-speed ECM blower motor provide better comfort and efficiency than single-stage alternatives
- R454B refrigerant is the modern standard, future-proofing against regulatory phase-outs
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty plus 10-year unit and parts coverage offers legitimate peace of mind
- PVC/plastic flue compatibility simplifies installation in most homes without expensive metal ductwork
Cons
- Single-stage compressor means the AC runs at full capacity constantly, less efficient than two-stage units in mild weather
- 73 dB noise level is audible under operation, noticeably louder than premium variable-capacity models
- 3.5-ton cooling capacity paired with 120,000 BTU heating may oversized for some climates, reducing efficiency and lifespan
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in mixed climates replacing 15+ year old furnace-AC systems who want measurable efficiency gains without premium pricing. Contractors installing equipment in rental properties or flips will appreciate the balance of performance, warranty coverage, and customer-friendly price point.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone in consistently hot climates needing variable-capacity cooling should explore two-stage or modulating compressor units, and those in mild climates may find oversizing costly.
Installation
This upflow unit requires a 30-amp minimum breaker and 115V single-phase power, standard in most homes. The PVC/plastic flue exhaust simplifies venting compared to metal alternatives, reducing installation labor. Suction and liquid line sizes of 3/4-inch and 3/8-inch respectively are industry standard, and the 34.5-inch height fits tight basements. Refrigerant charging and field assembly require EPA certification, so DIY installation isn't advisable despite the accessible design.
Warranty & Reliability
Coverage spans a lifetime heat exchanger, 10 years of unit replacement, and 10 years of parts with online registration. This exceeds industry minimums and protects against major failures during the critical ownership window. The lifetime heat exchanger coverage is Goodman's confidence statement, since that component rarely fails outside manufacturing defects. Parts availability through Goodman's network means repairs stay affordable long-term.
Specifications
| SKU | ACiQ-36-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 36,000 |
| Heating BTU | 120,000 |
| Refrigerant | R454B |
| Electrical | 115 V. 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | Lifetime Heat Exchanger, 10 Years Unit Replacement, and 10 Years Parts 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 | 24.5" |
| Depth | 28.75" |
| Resources | GMEC96 Installation Manual GMEC96 Specifications Sheet GMEC96 Owner's Manual GMEC96 Service Manual GMEC96 Replacement Parts Manual GMEC96 Brochure Goodman Furnace 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 | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 96% |
| Blower Motor | Multi-Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Flue Location | Right |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 30 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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