ACiQ 3 Ton Evaporator Coil | 17.5" Wide V-Coil w/ TXV | R454B (EVD5X38M17A)
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Key features
- 3-ton capacity V-coil configuration in a 17.5-inch wide cabinet profile
- Factory-installed TXV for accurate refrigerant metering across load conditions
- R-454B refrigerant compatible, meeting post-2025 low-GWP regulatory requirements
- Designed for use in matched split systems; efficiency depends on paired equipment
- Sold direct by ACiQ (AC Direct), bypassing dealer markup on component pricing
- 12-year parts warranty when registered, consistent with ACiQ's standard coverage
About this system
The ACiQ EVD5X38M17A is a 3-ton, 17.5-inch wide V-coil evaporator coil designed for R-454B refrigerant, the lower-GWP replacement that is now required in new residential systems manufactured after January 1, 2025. If you are pairing a new R-454B-rated condenser or air handler with an existing air handler cabinet or replacing only the coil in a matched system, this unit is sized for high-efficiency split systems where space is at a premium. The V-coil configuration maximizes surface area within a compact footprint, and the factory-installed TXV (thermostatic expansion valve) means the coil can meter refrigerant accurately across a range of operating conditions rather than relying on a fixed orifice, which supports both efficiency and compressor longevity.
This coil suits homeowners or contractors building out a new R-454B system from scratch, or those replacing a failed evaporator coil in a 3-ton application where the cabinet width is constrained to 17.5 inches. Because it carries no SEER2 rating of its own (coil efficiency is always rated as part of a matched system), you will need to verify the coil is ARI-certified with your specific air handler and condenser before the combination qualifies for utility rebates or federal tax credits. ACiQ sells direct, so pricing undercuts most dealer-sourced coils at this capacity, making it a reasonable option when budget and refrigerant compatibility are the primary drivers.
The ACiQ EVD5X38M17A is a competitively priced R-454B evaporator coil that makes practical sense for contractors or DIY-capable homeowners who need a correctly sized, regulation-compliant replacement or new-install coil without paying dealer premiums. The factory TXV and V-coil geometry are legitimate positives, but the undisclosed manufacturer, thin long-term reliability data, and the need to confirm matched-system ratings before claiming rebates are real considerations that keep this from being a no-questions-asked buy.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- R-454B compatibility ensures the coil is ready for current and near-future refrigerant regulations
- Factory-installed TXV adds efficiency and compressor protection without an extra field component
- V-coil design delivers greater heat-exchange surface area within the 17.5-inch cabinet width
- Direct-sale pricing reliably undercuts dealer-sourced coils of comparable capacity
- 12-year parts warranty is above average for a value-tier component and ships with purchase
Trade-offs
- No standalone SEER2 or efficiency rating; performance depends entirely on the matched system it is installed in
- The actual manufacturer is not disclosed, complicating parts sourcing and cross-referencing if something fails
- Long-term reliability data is limited because ACiQ is a newer brand and Consumer Reports has not yet ranked it
- Service and warranty claims depend on independent contractors rather than a factory dealer network, which can slow resolution
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Early owner feedback on ACiQ equipment, including coils and matched systems, trends positive on the basics: units arrive well-packaged, reported build quality looks comparable to mid-tier name brands on inspection, and the direct-to-consumer support line has drawn favorable comments for responsiveness. Because ACiQ is a newer brand, Consumer Reports has not yet accumulated enough long-term field data to assign it a reliability score, so the positive early signal has to be weighed against the absence of a multi-year failure record. The specific failure modes that show up in longer-tenured HVAC brands, including coil leaks from formicary corrosion, capacitor failures in the first few years, and questions about compressor lifespan beyond the five-year mark, simply have not had time to surface in volume for ACiQ equipment yet.
For HVAC professionals, the sticking point with ACiQ coils tends to be the undisclosed manufacturer. When a coil or component needs a warranty replacement part, the inability to cross-reference the unit to a known OEM parts tree can slow the process, particularly in markets where the distributor network for ACiQ is thin. Contractors who have installed ACiQ equipment report that the direct-support channel is usable but is a different workflow from calling a local Carrier or Trane rep. For a homeowner or contractor who has priced out the alternatives and is comfortable managing that service path, the coil represents a real cost saving on an R-454B-compliant component, but it is a trade that requires going in with clear expectations about post-install support.
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 | EVD5X38M17A | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance Series CNPVP3617ALA | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | Moderately higher, typically through dealer channels |
| Trane | Vortica II CAUF3636A6 | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | Higher, sold through Trane dealer network |
| Lennox | C33 Series C33-36B-2F | N/A (coil only) | N/A (coil only) | Higher, sold through Lennox dealer network with dealer margin included |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Will this coil work with my existing R-410A condenser or air handler?
No. The EVD5X38M17A is designed specifically for R-454B refrigerant and is not rated or safe to use in an R-410A system. Mixing refrigerants or using R-454B components in an R-410A circuit can damage equipment and create safety hazards. If your existing system uses R-410A, you need a coil rated for that refrigerant.
Does this coil qualify for the federal energy efficiency tax credit or utility rebates?
A standalone coil does not carry its own SEER2 rating, so it does not qualify on its own. To claim credits or rebates, you need a complete matched-system AHRI certificate showing the coil paired with your specific air handler and condenser meets the required efficiency threshold. Confirm the AHRI match before purchase if rebates are a factor in your decision.
How does the factory TXV affect installation compared to a fixed-orifice coil?
A TXV-equipped coil is slightly more involved to install because the valve must be oriented correctly and the system requires proper refrigerant charging by weight rather than by pressure alone. However, it eliminates the need to purchase and install a separate TXV in the field, and it improves efficiency and compressor protection once the system is charged correctly.
Who actually manufactures this coil, and does that affect parts availability?
ACiQ is AC Direct's house brand and the actual manufacturing source is not publicly disclosed, with forum speculation pointing toward the ICP or Carrier family but nothing confirmed. This matters for parts sourcing because a technician cannot easily cross-reference the coil to an OEM parts catalog if a component like a drain pan or fitting needs replacement outside of warranty.
What does the 12-year warranty actually cover, and what do I need to do to activate it?
ACiQ's 12-year warranty covers parts, but you typically need to register the equipment within a specified window after installation to activate the full term. Labor is not covered, which is standard for component-only warranties at this price tier. Keep your purchase documentation and confirm registration requirements on ACiQ's site at the time of purchase, as terms can be updated.
Specifications
| Cooling capacity | 3 Ton |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |
| Model | EVD5X38M17A |