ACiQ 120000 BTU Gas Furnace – 96% Two Stage Variable Speed Multi-Positional (G96VTN1202422A)
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Key features
- 96% AFUE condensing efficiency reduces fuel consumption versus 80% AFUE models
- Two-stage gas valve runs at reduced capacity most of the time for quieter, steadier heat
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor cuts electricity use and reduces air-movement noise
- Multi-positional cabinet supports upflow, downflow, and horizontal installations
- 120,000 BTU gross output sized for large homes or high heat-loss climates
- 12-year parts warranty included without dealer markup
About this system
The ACiQ G96VTN1202422A is a 120,000 BTU, 96% AFUE two-stage gas furnace with a variable-speed blower motor, designed to handle large homes in cold climates or structures with high heat-loss loads. At 96% AFUE, nearly all the gas it burns becomes usable heat, placing it in the upper tier of condensing furnace efficiency and qualifying it for many utility rebate programs. The two-stage burner runs at a lower first stage most of the time, cycling up to full capacity only when outdoor temps drop sharply, which reduces temperature swings, lowers operating costs compared to single-stage models, and eases stress on the heat exchanger over the long run.
The variable-speed ECM blower is the other defining feature here. Unlike a PSC motor that runs at fixed speeds, an ECM ramps up and down continuously, moving air more quietly, more evenly, and at a fraction of the electricity draw during sustained operation. Multi-positional installation means the cabinet can be set up in upflow, downflow, or horizontal configurations, giving installers flexibility in tight utility rooms, attics, or crawlspaces. This is a furnace-only unit, so it requires a separate cooling system and is best paired with a compatible air handler or coil for year-round comfort. It suits homeowners replacing an aging 80% furnace who want a meaningful efficiency jump without paying the premium of a Carrier, Trane, or Lennox nameplate.
The ACiQ G96VTN1202422A offers legitimate high-efficiency furnace technology at a price that undercuts established name brands by a meaningful margin. The 96% AFUE rating and variable-speed ECM blower are real, substantive features rather than marketing language, and early owner feedback on ACiQ products points to quiet operation and responsive support. The honest caveat is that long-term reliability data simply does not exist yet for this relatively new brand, which is a real consideration for a 15-to-20-year appliance.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- 96% AFUE puts annual fuel costs noticeably lower than 80% AFUE replacements
- Variable-speed ECM blower runs quietly and uses less electricity during long heating cycles
- Two-stage operation reduces short-cycling and temperature variance throughout the home
- 12-year parts warranty ships with the unit and does not depend on dealer registration to activate
- Multi-positional design gives HVAC contractors genuine flexibility during replacement installs
Trade-offs
- Consumer Reports has not yet assigned a reliability score due to insufficient long-term data on the ACiQ brand
- The actual manufacturer is undisclosed, making parts cross-referencing and service history harder than with a named brand
- Sold direct rather than through a dealer network, so service coordination falls to the homeowner and independent contractors
- 120,000 BTU is a large output that requires a proper Manual J load calculation to confirm it is not oversized for the application
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Early owners of ACiQ furnaces and heat pumps consistently mention quiet blower operation and straightforward communication with the company’s support team as standout positives. Because ACiQ is a newer brand, Consumer Reports has not yet collected enough long-term field data to assign a reliability rating, which means buyers are working with a limited track record on a product that is expected to last 15 to 20 years. That gap is worth acknowledging honestly rather than dismissing. The brand’s undisclosed manufacturing origin also surfaces in contractor forums as a real friction point: technicians who encounter a warranty claim or an unusual failure cannot easily cross-reference the unit against a parent brand’s service library the way they can with a Carrier or Trane product.
On the installer side, the multi-positional cabinet and standard control board have not generated significant complaints in early field reports, and the direct-to-consumer pricing model means contractors can sometimes offer a lower total installed cost than they could with a name-brand equivalent. The specific failure modes documented for ACiQ’s broader lineup center on the realities of any newer brand: limited parts cross-referencing data, service coordination that depends entirely on the homeowner rather than a dealer network, and the simple fact that no independent body has yet validated long-term compressor or heat-exchanger durability. For this furnace specifically, a buyer who vets their installing contractor carefully, confirms parts availability upfront, and registers the 12-year warranty promptly is in a reasonable position; a buyer who wants the reassurance of a decades-long reliability record from a recognized name should weigh that premium accordingly.
Sources: Consumer Reports heat pump ratings, HVACDirect on the ACiQ brand, AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance, U.S. DOE appliance and equipment efficiency standards.
How it compares
| Brand | Comparable model | SEER2 | Stage | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACiQ | G96VTN1202422A | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance 96 (59TP6) | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Moderately higher than ACiQ |
| Trane | S9V2 (variable-speed, 96% AFUE) | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Moderately to significantly higher than ACiQ |
| Lennox | EL296V (96% AFUE, two-stage) | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Moderately higher than ACiQ |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Is 120,000 BTU the right size for my house, or is this furnace too large?
Output sizing depends on your home's square footage, insulation levels, window area, climate zone, and duct system, not just square footage alone. A licensed HVAC contractor should perform a Manual J heat-load calculation before purchase; an oversized furnace short-cycles, wears components faster, and creates uncomfortable temperature swings regardless of its efficiency rating.
Who actually manufactures this furnace, and can I get parts easily?
ACiQ is AC Direct's house brand and the underlying manufacturer has not been publicly disclosed. Forum discussion points toward the ICP and Carrier family, but this is unconfirmed. Because the OEM is unknown, cross-referencing parts numbers against a named parent brand is not straightforward, so confirm parts availability with ACiQ support or your installing contractor before committing.
How does the 12-year warranty work if there is no local dealer?
ACiQ's 12-year parts warranty is included at purchase and does not require dealer registration or markup. Labor is not covered, and warranty service is performed by independent contractors the homeowner arranges. Confirm before installation that your contractor is familiar with the process for warranty parts claims on ACiQ equipment.
What does two-stage operation actually mean for day-to-day comfort and my gas bill?
A two-stage furnace runs at a reduced first-stage capacity during moderate cold and only fires at full 120,000 BTU when temperatures drop severely. Longer, lower-intensity cycles distribute heat more evenly, reduce temperature swings between thermostat calls, and lower average gas consumption compared to a single-stage unit running at full blast and then shutting off completely.
Will this furnace work with my existing air conditioner or do I need to replace that too?
This is a furnace-only unit with no cooling components. It can share ductwork with a separate central air conditioner or heat pump, but compatibility depends on coil sizing, refrigerant type, and control wiring. Have your installing contractor verify that your existing cooling equipment and thermostat are compatible before purchase.
Specifications
| Furnace output | 120000 BTU |
| Furnace efficiency | 96% AFUE |