ACiQ 3.5 Ton Evaporator Coil | 17.5" Wide V-Coil w/ TXV | R454B (EVD5X42M17A)
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Key features
- 3.5-ton capacity V-coil configuration in a 17.5-inch wide cabinet
- Compatible with R-454B refrigerant, meeting current EPA phasedown requirements
- Includes factory-installed TXV for active refrigerant metering
- Designed as part of an ACiQ split system or compatible matched pairing
- Cased coil construction for easier installation in upflow and horizontal applications
- Ships direct with ACiQ's 12-year parts warranty when registered
About this system
The ACiQ EVD5X42M17A is a 3.5-ton, 17.5-inch wide V-coil evaporator coil designed for use with R-454B refrigerant, the lower-GWP replacement that has become the industry standard as R-410A is phased out. The 17.5-inch cabinet width fits a specific footprint that works with many horizontal and upflow furnace configurations, so confirming your air handler or furnace cabinet dimensions before ordering is essential. The included thermal expansion valve (TXV) actively meters refrigerant flow in response to load changes, which improves system efficiency and protects the compressor better than a fixed orifice metering device would.
This coil is a replacement or new-installation component, not a standalone cooling system. It pairs with a matched outdoor condensing unit to form a split system, and for rated efficiency the outdoor unit should also be R-454B compatible and ideally matched by ACiQ or a verified cross-brand ARI-certified combination. Buyers replacing an older coil on an existing system should verify refrigerant compatibility, metering device type, and tonnage match with their existing equipment before purchasing. At 3.5 tons, this coil targets homes in roughly the 1,800 to 2,400 square foot range, depending on climate, insulation, and load calculations.
The EVD5X42M17A is a competitively priced R-454B evaporator coil that covers the basics well, including a TXV and a generous warranty, at a cost that undercuts most name-brand equivalents. The value case is real, but the undisclosed manufacturer and limited long-term field data mean buyers are accepting more uncertainty than they would with a Carrier or Trane coil. For cost-conscious buyers working with a trusted independent installer, it is a reasonable choice; for those who want the fullest parts traceability and dealer network support, name brands still have an edge.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- R-454B refrigerant compatibility keeps the coil current with EPA phasedown rules
- Factory-installed TXV improves efficiency and compressor protection versus fixed orifice
- 12-year parts warranty with no dealer markup is longer than many competitor base warranties
- Lower purchase price than comparable coils from Carrier, Trane, or Lennox
- Early owner feedback on ACiQ equipment trends positive for build quality and support responsiveness
Trade-offs
- Manufacturer identity is not disclosed, making parts cross-referencing and service history harder to verify
- No independent long-term reliability data exists yet; Consumer Reports has not ranked ACiQ
- Sold direct, so support depends on independent contractors rather than a branded dealer network
- Warranty and efficiency claims depend on correct matched-system pairing, which requires careful ARI combination verification
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Homeowners who have installed ACiQ equipment generally report satisfaction with build quality and the buying experience, noting that the direct pricing feels like a real saving compared to what local dealers quoted for Carrier or Trane equivalents. The responsive customer support is a recurring theme in early feedback. That said, because the brand is relatively new to the market, Consumer Reports has not yet accumulated enough long-term field data to assign a reliability score, which means buyers are working without the kind of independent verification that exists for established brands. The undisclosed manufacturer adds a layer of uncertainty that matters most when a technician needs to cross-reference a failed component against a known parts catalog.
For HVAC professionals, the EVD5X42M17A raises a few practical questions specific to this coil. R-454B is mildly flammable (A2L classification), so installers need to confirm local code compliance and confirm their equipment and practices meet the handling requirements. The factory TXV is a genuine plus and removes one variable from the installation. The coil’s lack of a disclosed OEM is the concern most contractors raise, not because the build quality appears poor in early installs, but because identifying the source of a coil leak or verifying long-term corrosion resistance against a known manufacturer’s track record is not possible here the way it would be with a Trane 4TXCB or Carrier CNPVP coil. Buyers who prioritize cost and are working with a contractor comfortable with the brand will likely be satisfied; those who want maximum parts traceability should weigh that trade-off carefully.
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 | EVD5X42M17A | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil component) | Value pick |
| Carrier | Infinity Series Evaporator Coil (CNPVP series) | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil component) | Priced notably higher than ACiQ |
| Trane | Coil Module (4TXCB series) | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil component) | Priced higher than ACiQ, mid-to-upper market |
| Lennox | Signature Collection Coil (C35 series) | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil component) | Priced higher than ACiQ, premium tier |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Can I pair this coil with a non-ACiQ outdoor unit?
Yes, but you need to verify an ARI-certified matched combination to get rated system efficiency and to protect your warranty. R-454B compatibility on the outdoor unit is required, and tonnage must match. Running an unmatched combination risks reduced efficiency and potential warranty disputes.
My existing system uses R-410A. Can I just swap in this coil?
No. R-454B and R-410A are not interchangeable, and the coil, outdoor unit, and refrigerant must all be compatible with each other. Retrofitting R-454B equipment into an R-410A system is not a valid installation and would void the warranty.
What does the 17.5-inch width mean for installation, and how do I know if it fits my furnace?
The 17.5-inch dimension refers to the cabinet width of the cased coil, which must match the width of your furnace or air handler cabinet opening. Measure your existing cabinet carefully and consult the furnace manufacturer's coil compatibility list before ordering, as a mismatch requires additional adapters or makes installation impossible.
Since ACiQ is sold direct and the manufacturer is undisclosed, how do I find replacement parts if something fails?
ACiQ's customer support is the primary parts channel, and early owner reports suggest the support team is responsive. However, because the OEM is not publicly named, cross-referencing parts with other brands is difficult, which could create delays if ACiQ's own supply chain has gaps.
Does the TXV come pre-installed, or does the installer need to add it?
The TXV is factory-installed on the EVD5X42M17A, so the installer does not need to source or add one separately. Confirm with your installer that no additional metering device is present on the outdoor unit that would create a conflict.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 3.5 Ton |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Model | EVD5X42M17A |