ACiQ 2 Ton Evaporator Coil | 17.5" Wide Multi-Positional V-Coil w/ TXV | R454B (EVM5X24M17A)
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Key features
- 2-ton capacity, 17.5-inch-wide cabinet fits standard split-system air handlers
- Multi-positional: upflow, downflow, or horizontal installation
- Factory-installed TXV for precise refrigerant metering
- R-454B refrigerant-ready, compatible with next-generation low-GWP systems
- V-coil design maximizes heat-exchange surface area in a compact footprint
- Sold direct with a 12-year parts warranty, no dealer markup
About this system
The ACiQ EVM5X24M17A is a 2-ton, 17.5-inch-wide multi-positional V-coil designed to work as the indoor half of a split-system air conditioner or heat pump. It ships with a factory-installed thermostatic expansion valve (TXV), which meters refrigerant flow more precisely than an orifice-style piston and helps the system respond to changing load conditions without sacrificing efficiency. Critically, it is pre-configured for R-454B, the lower-global-warming-potential refrigerant that the industry is moving to as R-410A is phased out under EPA Section 608 rules, so this coil is a forward-compatible choice for any new installation or system refresh heading into the mid-2020s and beyond.
The V-coil configuration means the two coil faces are arranged in a V shape inside the cabinet, increasing surface area without requiring a taller or wider cabinet footprint. The 17.5-inch width fits a standard 2-ton air-handler cabinet in upflow, downflow, or horizontal orientation, which gives installers meaningful flexibility on job sites where attic or closet space is tight. A TXV is standard equipment here rather than an add-on, which is worth noting because some entry-level coils in this price range still ship with a piston. Buyers pairing this coil with an outdoor unit should confirm that the outdoor unit is also rated for R-454B, since R-454B and R-410A are not interchangeable and require different handling equipment and oils.
The EVM5X24M17A is a straightforward, competitively priced R-454B evaporator coil with a factory TXV and genuine installation flexibility. It makes the most sense when you are building or replacing a split system around R-454B equipment and want to avoid paying a name-brand premium for a component the homeowner will never see. The main caution is ACiQ's limited long-term track record and the added service complexity that comes with buying outside a traditional dealer network.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- R-454B compatibility makes this a future-ready choice as R-410A is phased out
- Factory-installed TXV improves efficiency and refrigerant control versus piston-style coils
- Multi-positional design reduces installation constraints in tight mechanical spaces
- 12-year parts warranty ships with the unit at no additional cost
- Direct-sale pricing typically undercuts equivalent coils from Carrier, Trane, and Lennox
Trade-offs
- ACiQ lacks long-term reliability data and is not yet ranked by Consumer Reports
- The actual manufacturer is undisclosed, making parts cross-referencing and service history harder to verify
- No dealer network means you must source an independent contractor comfortable with the brand
- R-454B requires specific recovery equipment and POE oil that not all local techs carry yet
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Early owner feedback on ACiQ equipment, including coils and matched systems, clusters around a few consistent themes: units tend to run quietly, first-year performance generally meets expectations, and the company’s support team has been responsive when buyers reach out directly. That picture is encouraging but still incomplete. Consumer Reports has not yet assigned ACiQ a reliability score because the brand is too new to the market to have the longitudinal failure data that underpins those rankings. What independent HVAC forums have flagged as areas to watch across newer value brands in this segment includes coil leak rates after three to five years, capacitor longevity in high-cycle climates, and compressor lifespan beyond the five-year mark. None of those failure modes are uniquely or confirmed-specifically ACiQ problems, but they are the benchmarks to watch as the brand builds its track record.
For the EVM5X24M17A specifically, the conversation most relevant to buyers and technicians centers on refrigerant readiness rather than brand reputation alone. R-454B adoption is still uneven across the contractor base, and some techs on HVAC talk forums have noted that sourcing the right recovery equipment and verifying correct oil type adds time to a first install. The undisclosed manufacturer also comes up among pros who like to cross-reference OEM part numbers when a component fails mid-season. If the coil turns out to share lineage with ICP or Carrier family equipment as forum speculation suggests, parts availability could be better than the brand’s direct-sale model implies, but that remains unconfirmed and should not be treated as a guarantee when evaluating serviceability.
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 | EVM5X24M17A | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance Series CNPVP2417ALA | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | Moderately higher than ACiQ |
| Trane | Spine Fin 4TXCC002DS3HCA | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | Moderately to significantly higher than ACiQ |
| Lennox | C33 Series C33-24B-2F | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | 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 this coil compatible with my existing R-410A outdoor unit?
No. This coil is designed for R-454B, which is not interchangeable with R-410A. Using it with an R-410A outdoor unit would require a complete refrigerant system match, and mixing the two refrigerants or oils is not permissible. You need to pair this coil with an outdoor unit also rated for R-454B.
Does the TXV come pre-installed, or do I need to add one separately?
The TXV is factory-installed on the EVM5X24M17A. You do not need to purchase or install a separate metering device, which simplifies startup and reduces the chance of a mismatch.
Will this coil work in a horizontal application, such as an attic air handler?
Yes. The multi-positional rating covers upflow, downflow, and horizontal configurations, so it is suitable for attic or crawlspace installations where the air handler lies on its side. Confirm that the drain pan orientation is correct for horizontal use before buttoning up the install.
How does the 12-year warranty work if ACiQ does not have a dealer network?
ACiQ handles warranty claims directly. You register the product after installation and file claims through ACiQ rather than through a local dealer. Because service relies on independent contractors rather than a factory-authorized dealer network, you are responsible for finding a qualified technician, and ACiQ's parts fulfillment logistics are newer and less tested than those of established brands.
My HVAC technician has not worked with R-454B before. Is that a problem?
It can be. R-454B is mildly flammable (A2L classification), which requires techs to use certified recovery equipment and observe specific handling procedures. Not all contractors have updated their equipment yet. Confirm your installer is certified and equipped for A2L refrigerants before scheduling the job.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 2 Ton |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Model | EVM5X24M17A |