Review
The ACiQ 3-ton air conditioner with vertical 24.5-inch uncased coil sits squarely in the practical middle ground of residential HVAC equipment. Weighing just 120 pounds and measuring 28 by 23 by 20.125 inches, this scroll-compressor unit fits standard equipment pads without modification. It's positioned as a cost-effective replacement option for homeowners upgrading 10 to 15-year-old systems, offering modern refrigerant compliance without stepping into premium-tier pricing.
Performance specs reveal a straightforward single-stage design delivering 36,000 BTU cooling capacity at 14 SEER1 efficiency. The R454B refrigerant represents forward-thinking engineering, avoiding the phase-out issues of older R410A systems. At 73 dBA, noise output runs moderately higher than variable-speed competitors, though acceptable for most residential settings. Electrical requirements demand 208/230v single-phase service with breaker sizing between 18.7 and 30 amps, typical for standard residential installations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 36,000 BTU capacity covers most 3-ton residential applications effectively
- 14 SEER1 rating meets modern efficiency standards without premium pricing
- R454B refrigerant aligns with EPA regulations and future compliance requirements
- Compact dimensions (28" x 23" x 20.125") fit tight equipment pads
- Scroll compressor design proven for durability and quiet operation at 73 dBA
- 10-year warranty with online registration provides solid consumer protection
Cons
- Single-stage compressor cannot modulate capacity, resulting in higher energy consumption during partial loads
- Not Energy Star certified, so it misses available tax credits in some states
- 73 dBA noise level runs slightly louder than two-stage competitors, noticeable in quiet neighborhoods
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners replacing an existing 3-ton system in moderate climates who prioritize reliability and upfront cost savings over premium efficiency features. This unit works well in mixed-use applications where heating and cooling demands balance throughout the year.
Consider Alternatives If
Buyers in consistently hot climates seeking maximum efficiency, or those qualifying for Energy Star tax incentives should compare higher-SEER alternatives.
Installation
Installation complexity remains moderate for licensed HVAC contractors. The unit ships with 3/8-inch liquid lines and 3/4-inch suction lines, plus matching valve sizes for straightforward connections. Suction line insulation measures 3/4-inch thickness, and 30 feet of pre-insulated linesets ship with the unit, eliminating custom fabrication on most retrofit jobs. Vertical coil orientation suits both upflow and downflow configurations.
Warranty & Reliability
The 10-year manufacturer warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship when activated through online registration. This warranty matches industry standards for mid-range equipment and protects against compressor and component failures during the critical first decade of operation. Registration takes minutes and provides valuable documentation for future service claims or equipment transfers.
Specifications
| SKU | ACiQ-36-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 36,000 |
| Refrigerant | R454B |
| Electrical | 208 / 230v 1 Phase 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 10 Years with Online Registration |
| Decibel Level (dBA) | 73 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 120.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Energy Star | No |
| 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 Ton to 3.5 Ton |
| Height | 28" |
| Width | 23" |
| Depth | 20 1/8" |
| Resources | CAUF Installation Manual CAUF 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. |
| Configuration | Upflow / Downflow |
| Style | A-Coil |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 3/4" |
| Length | 30 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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