Review
The Goodman 4-ton upflow system represents the practical middle ground for homeowners seeking both heating and cooling without premium pricing. This split system pairs a gas furnace rated at 96% AFUE with a 48,000 BTU air conditioner, making it suitable for homes ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. The unit uses modern R454B refrigerant and qualifies for Energy Star recognition, signaling compliance with current efficiency standards. Goodman's reputation for straightforward reliability and parts availability makes this an attractive option for contractors and DIY-minded homeowners.
On the heating side, the furnace delivers 100,000 BTU output through a two-stage burner that modulates capacity based on demand, improving efficiency compared to single-stage units. The 96% AFUE rating means only 4 cents of every heating dollar is wasted as exhaust loss. For cooling, the 13 SEER rating and 48,000 BTU capacity handle moderate climates effectively but won't compete with inverter-driven units in extreme heat. The multi-speed ECM blower adjusts automatically to maintain even airflow regardless of which system is running, a meaningful comfort advantage over fixed-speed alternatives.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 96% AFUE furnace efficiency significantly reduces heating costs compared to 80-90% units
- Two-stage burner adapts heating output to actual demand, improving comfort and efficiency
- 13 SEER air conditioning meets Energy Star standards with R454B refrigerant
- Lifetime heat exchanger warranty provides long-term protection on the most expensive component
- Multi-speed ECM blower motor delivers up to 1,600 CFM with flexible airflow control
Cons
- 76 dB noise level is moderately loud, noticeable during operation in quiet homes
- Single-stage condenser limits cooling efficiency during partial-load conditions
- 5-ton cooling capacity may be oversized for smaller homes, reducing efficiency
Who Should Buy
Best For
Homeowners in northern and transitional climates where heating dominates seasonal costs will see the strongest return on the 96% AFUE rating. Contractors installing replacement systems in established homes with upflow configurations will appreciate the straightforward installation.
Consider Alternatives If
Hot-climate homeowners should look elsewhere, as the single-stage condenser and 13 SEER rating won't match the efficiency of variable-capacity systems designed for continuous cooling demand.
Installation
The upflow A-coil configuration suits homes with basements or crawl spaces where ductwork runs vertically. The unit requires plastic PVC exhaust flue, eliminating the need for expensive metal venting materials. Electrically, it demands a 115V single-phase connection with breaker sizing between 26.3 and 45 amps, manageable on most residential panels. The 120-pound weight and 50-foot refrigerant line length accommodate typical residential installations without specialized equipment.
Warranty & Reliability
Goodman backs this system with a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, protecting the furnace's costliest component indefinitely. Unit replacement and parts coverage extend for 10 years with online registration. This tiered approach prioritizes the furnace's core component while offering reasonable coverage for other parts, though it falls short of premium manufacturers offering longer universal protection.
Specifications
| SKU | ACIQ-48-EHPD-UPG |
| Brand/Manufacturer | ACiQ |
| Cooling BTU | 48,000 |
| Heating BTU | 100,000 |
| 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) | 76 |
| Weight (in lbs) | 120.000000 |
| Feature | Spec |
| Replaces | GSX130483, GSX130484, GSX130485 |
| Energy Star | Yes |
| SEER1 (Efficiency) | 13 |
| Condenser Stages | Single Stage |
| Compressor Type | Reciprocating |
| Liquid Line | 3/8" |
| Suction Line | 1 1/8" |
| Liquid Valve Size | 3/8" |
| Max Breaker Size | 45 amps |
| Min. Breaker Size | 26.3 amps |
| Tonnage | 5 Ton |
| Valve Type | Sweat |
| Height | 34.5" |
| Width | 21" |
| 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 | 1600 |
| Flue Location | Right |
| Burner Stages | Two |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Suction Line Insulation Thickness | 1/2" |
| Length | 50 feet |
Frequently Asked Questions
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