Review
The ACiQ 3 ton combination furnace and air conditioner system sits in a crowded mid-market segment where contractors and homeowners expect real efficiency without flagship pricing. At $415, this unit undercuts most branded Goodman equivalents by 30-40 percent. The system ships as an upflow configuration, meaning it handles both heating and cooling through a single cabinet. Energy Star certification confirms compliance with EPA standards, though that baseline has become table stakes in this category.
Where this system earns its value proposition is in the heating efficiency metrics. The furnace delivers 120,000 BTU output with 97% AFUE, meaning only 3 percent of fuel energy vents as waste. The modulating burner stages its flame throughout the heating cycle rather than cycling on-off, reducing temperature swings. Cooling operates at 14 SEER1 with R454B refrigerant through a single-stage scroll compressor. The variable-speed ECM blower reaches 2000 CFM, distributing conditioned air more evenly than fixed-speed alternatives.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 97% AFUE rating means minimal heating waste, reducing winter utility bills by 10-15% compared to 80% units
- Modulating burner adjusts output in real time, improving comfort and efficiency versus single-stage alternatives
- Variable-speed ECM blower with 2000 CFM maximum capacity delivers precise temperature control
- R454B refrigerant meets current EPA standards without requiring mid-life fluid additions
- 10-year warranty with online registration covers parts and labor on most components
Cons
- Single-stage cooling compressor lacks the efficiency gains of two-stage or inverter units in partial-load conditions
- 73 dB noise level runs on the louder side for condenser operation, noticeable in quiet residential settings
- 3.5 ton actual tonnage exceeds the advertised 3 ton rating, risking oversizing in smaller homes
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners replacing 15-plus year old systems who want efficiency improvements without $6,000-$8,000 price tags. Contractors managing multi-unit rental properties or residential flips where upfront cost directly impacts project ROI.
Consider Alternatives If
Anyone seeking cutting-edge 16+ SEER performance or homes with existing ductwork designed for higher-efficiency variable-capacity systems should explore alternatives.
Installation
Upflow orientation works for basements and closet installations with overhead ductwork. The unit accepts natural gas or propane without modification, simplifying fuel-type swaps. Electrical demand runs modest at 115V single-phase with maximum 30-amp breaker requirement. Plastic PVC flue venting is standard. Suction and liquid line sizing at 3/4-inch and 3/8-inch respectively matches common residential refrigerant piping, reducing custom fabrication needs.
Warranty & Reliability
Ten-year parts coverage kicks in after online registration, a process taking under five minutes. Most compressor and heat exchanger failures qualify for full replacement at no cost. Labor coverage varies by installer network participation, so confirm your technician's coverage status before purchase. This warranty positions competitively against budget-tier units but trails premium manufacturers offering 10-year compressor-only plus extended component protection.
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 | 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 | 30" |
| Width | 24.5" |
| 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. |
| AHRI Certificate Number | 7424268 |
| Airflow Direction | Upflow/Horizontal |
| Exhaust Flue Requirement | Plastic / PVC |
| Product Features | Rebate Available |
| Furnace Efficiency / AFUE | 97% |
| Blower Motor | Variable Speed - ECM |
| Maximum CFM | 2000 |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Flue Location | Right |
| Burner Stages | Modulating |
| Fuel Type | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 30 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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