ACiQ 66000 BTU Gas Furnace – 80% Two Stage Variable Speed Multi-Positional Communicating (G80CTL0701716A)
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Key features
- 66,000 BTU output with 80% AFUE single-stage heat exchanger design
- Two-stage burner for reduced-output operation during mild cold weather
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor for quiet, efficient air distribution
- Communicating controls compatible with compatible communicating thermostats and air handlers
- Multi-positional cabinet supports upflow, downflow, and horizontal installation
- Ships with ACiQ's 12-year parts warranty at no dealer markup
About this system
The ACiQ G80CTL0701716A is a 66,000 BTU, 80% AFUE two-stage gas furnace with a variable-speed blower motor and communicating controls. At 80% AFUE, roughly 80 cents of every dollar of gas becomes usable heat, which meets the federal minimum for most northern climates but falls short of the 90%-plus tier. That trade-off is intentional: 80% units skip the secondary heat exchanger and the condensate drain that come with high-efficiency models, keeping installation simpler and upfront cost lower, especially in homes where venting an 80% unit through an existing flue is far easier than rerouting PVC for a 96% furnace.
The two-stage burner runs at a reduced first stage most of the time, cycling to full output only when outdoor temperatures demand it. Paired with the variable-speed ECM blower, this combination means quieter airflow, more even temperatures room to room, and better humidity control versus a single-stage furnace. The communicating capability allows the furnace to exchange real-time data with a compatible communicating thermostat or air handler, giving the system finer control over staging and airflow without manual balancing. The multi-positional design supports upflow, downflow, and horizontal installations, which broadens its fit across attics, basements, closets, and crawlspaces.
This furnace suits homeowners replacing an aging 80% unit who want modern comfort features without paying for a full high-efficiency upgrade, or those whose existing venting or structural layout makes a condensing furnace impractical. It is also a reasonable match for moderate climates where heating loads are lower and the payback period on a 96% furnace stretches out over many years.
The ACiQ G80CTL0701716A delivers genuinely modern comfort features, including a two-stage burner and variable-speed blower, at a price that undercuts established name brands by a meaningful margin. The 80% AFUE rating keeps it competitive for replacement jobs where high-efficiency venting is impractical, though buyers seeking the lowest long-term operating costs should price out a 96% unit before committing. The brand is newer and long-term reliability data is still limited, so it rewards buyers who do their homework on local contractor support before purchasing.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- Two-stage burner and variable-speed ECM blower deliver noticeably quieter, more even heating than single-stage units
- Communicating capability enables tighter system integration with compatible thermostats and air handlers
- Multi-positional design simplifies installation across a wide range of home configurations
- 12-year parts warranty ships standard without dealer markup, which is strong coverage at this price tier
- Price point undercuts Carrier, Trane, and Lennox equivalents, making modern comfort features accessible on a tighter budget
Trade-offs
- 80% AFUE means roughly 20% of fuel is exhausted unused, resulting in higher operating costs than 90%-plus alternatives over the furnace's lifetime
- ACiQ is a newer brand with limited long-term reliability data and no Consumer Reports ranking yet, so durability over a full 15-20 year service life remains unproven
- The undisclosed manufacturer makes it harder for technicians to cross-reference parts, service bulletins, and failure histories compared to a named-brand unit
- Sold direct rather than through a dealer network, so finding a local contractor experienced with ACiQ communicating controls may require extra effort
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Early owners of ACiQ furnaces and heat pumps frequently highlight quiet operation and responsive customer support as standout positives, and those themes appear consistently in online forums and early reviews. For this 80% two-stage model specifically, the variable-speed blower draws praise from homeowners who have lived with noisy single-stage units for years. That said, the documented friction points are real: because ACiQ sells direct rather than through a dealer network, buyers in some markets report that finding a local contractor willing to install and service the equipment takes more phone calls than a standard Carrier or Trane purchase would. Once installed, a technician unfamiliar with ACiQ communicating controls may take longer to diagnose an issue, and the undisclosed manufacturer relationship means parts cross-referencing is less straightforward than with a fully transparent brand.
Consumer Reports has not yet ranked ACiQ due to insufficient long-term field data, and that gap matters for a gas furnace that is expected to run for 15 to 20 years. HVAC professionals who follow the brand on trade forums note that the equipment appears well-built at its price point, with speculation that it shares lineage with ICP or the broader Carrier family, though that is unconfirmed. The honest picture is that ACiQ offers genuinely compelling specs and warranty coverage at a lower price than the established names, but buyers are accepting some uncertainty on long-term reliability and service infrastructure in exchange for those savings. For a straightforward 80% replacement job with a competent local installer, the trade-off is reasonable; for a more complex communicating system or a market with thin contractor coverage, that uncertainty weighs more heavily.
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 | G80CTL0701716A | N/A | Two-stage | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance 80 (58TP) | N/A | Two-stage | Moderately higher than ACiQ, with established dealer network |
| Trane | S8X2 (XR80) | N/A | Two-stage | Comparable to Carrier, notably higher than ACiQ |
| Lennox | Merit ML180 | N/A | Single-stage | Similar or slightly higher than ACiQ with wider dealer availability |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Can I replace my existing 80% furnace with this unit without re-venting?
In most cases, yes. An 80% AFUE furnace like this one vents combustion gases through a standard B-vent or existing metal flue, so a like-for-like replacement typically requires no venting changes. Always have your installer verify flue sizing and condition before finalizing the job.
What thermostat do I need to use the communicating feature?
The communicating controls on this furnace are designed to work with ACiQ-compatible communicating thermostats and matched air handlers. Using a standard non-communicating thermostat is possible but will not unlock the system-level communication benefits, so confirm compatibility with your installer before selecting a thermostat.
How does a two-stage furnace actually feel different from a single-stage unit?
A two-stage furnace runs at a lower firing rate, typically around 65-70% of capacity, during mild weather and only steps up to full output on the coldest days. Combined with the variable-speed blower, you get gentler, more consistent airflow with fewer abrupt on-off cycles, which most homeowners describe as noticeably quieter and more comfortable.
Will a local HVAC contractor be able to service this furnace, and will parts be available?
Any licensed HVAC technician can service an 80% gas furnace, and standard components like igniters, pressure switches, and blower motors are widely available. The undisclosed manufacturer relationship does mean your tech may not immediately recognize the part cross-references, so it is worth confirming that your preferred contractor is comfortable working with ACiQ equipment before installation.
Is the 12-year warranty transferable if I sell the house?
ACiQ's warranty terms should be verified directly with ACiQ at the time of purchase, as transferability conditions and registration requirements can affect coverage. Register the product promptly after installation and retain documentation, since warranty validation typically requires proof of professional installation and timely registration.
Specifications
| Furnace output | 66000 BTU |
| Furnace efficiency | 80% AFUE |