ACiQ 44000 BTU Gas Furnace – 80% Two Stage Variable Speed Multi-Positional Communicating (G80CTL0451712A)
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Key features
- 44,000 BTU output, 80% AFUE non-condensing gas furnace
- Two-stage gas valve for quieter, more consistent heat output
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor reduces electricity use and noise
- Multi-positional design installs upflow, downflow, or horizontal
- Communicating controls compatible with ACiQ matched-system components
- 12-year parts warranty included at purchase price, no dealer markup
About this system
The ACiQ G80CTL0451712A is a 44,000 BTU, 80% AFUE two-stage gas furnace with a variable-speed ECM blower motor and multi-positional installation flexibility. At 80% AFUE, roughly one-fifth of the fuel you pay for exits as exhaust, which places this unit in the entry-level efficiency tier mandated by federal minimums in most northern climate zones. That trade-off means lower upfront cost compared to 90%-plus condensing units, but higher annual gas bills over the life of the equipment. If your home already has a conventional single-pipe venting system and you want to avoid the cost of adding a condensate drain and PVC flue, an 80% non-condensing furnace like this one is often the practical choice.
The two-stage gas valve and variable-speed blower are the genuinely useful upgrades here. Two-stage firing means the furnace runs on a lower flame most of the time, cycling less frequently, maintaining steadier temperatures, and reducing the temperature swings associated with a single-stage unit. The variable-speed ECM motor ramps airflow gradually, cuts electricity consumption during fan-only operation, and operates noticeably quieter than a conventional PSC blower. The communicating capability allows this furnace to share diagnostic data with a compatible ACiQ communicating thermostat or air handler, enabling tighter system coordination if you are building out a matched ACiQ system.
At 44,000 BTU this furnace is sized for smaller homes, typically in the 1,000 to 1,600 square foot range depending on climate zone, insulation, and duct layout. It is well suited to a replacement job where a contractor or experienced installer is swapping out an older 80% furnace in an existing single-pipe venting setup. Buyers who are comfortable sourcing HVAC equipment directly and hiring an independent contractor for installation will get the most from ACiQ’s direct-to-consumer pricing model.
The ACiQ G80CTL0451712A delivers two-stage and variable-speed technology at a price point well below comparably equipped name-brand furnaces, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers replacing an 80% furnace in an existing venting setup. The 80% AFUE tier limits long-term fuel savings relative to a condensing unit, and the brand's short track record means you are accepting some uncertainty about long-term reliability. For buyers who can vet a competent independent installer and are comfortable with a newer direct-to-consumer brand, the value case is real.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- Two-stage firing and variable-speed ECM blower deliver noticeably quieter, more even heating than single-stage alternatives
- Significantly lower purchase price than Carrier, Trane, or Lennox units with equivalent staging and motor technology
- 12-year parts warranty ships with the unit and requires no dealer registration markup
- Multi-positional cabinet simplifies replacement installs in tight or unconventional mechanical spaces
- Communicating architecture enables tighter system diagnostics when paired with compatible ACiQ equipment
Trade-offs
- 80% AFUE means higher annual gas costs than a 90%-plus condensing furnace over the equipment's lifespan
- Brand is relatively new, so independent long-term reliability data is thin and Consumer Reports has not yet ranked it
- Undisclosed manufacturer makes cross-referencing parts, service bulletins, and failure history harder for technicians
- No factory dealer network means service quality depends entirely on the independent contractor you hire
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Early owner feedback on ACiQ furnaces clusters around a few consistent themes: the variable-speed blower runs quietly enough that many owners say they barely notice when the furnace is on, startup and shutdown are gradual rather than abrupt, and the company’s direct support line has drawn positive remarks for responsiveness. Consumer Reports has not yet assigned ACiQ a reliability score due to insufficient long-term data, which is the honest limitation every prospective buyer should weigh. The brand is simply too new for the kind of multi-year ownership data that informs a meaningful reliability ranking.
On the installer side, the undisclosed manufacturer is the most commonly cited friction point among HVAC technicians encountering ACiQ equipment. Without a confirmed OEM lineage, cross-referencing parts catalogs, service bulletins, or documented failure patterns that technicians would normally use for a Carrier or Trane unit is more difficult. The direct-sales model also means there is no factory dealer network to call for support, so the quality of your service experience depends entirely on the independent contractor you select. Buyers who do their homework on installer vetting and who understand they are accepting some long-term uncertainty in exchange for a lower purchase price and a solid warranty tend to report satisfaction; buyers expecting the established service infrastructure of a name-brand dealer network will find the experience different.
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 | G80CTL0451712A | N/A | two-stage | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance 80 (58TP) | N/A | two-stage | Noticeably higher than ACiQ through dealer channel |
| Trane | S8X2 (XR80) | N/A | two-stage | Moderately higher than ACiQ through dealer channel |
| Lennox | Merit ML180 | N/A | single-stage | Comparable to slightly higher than ACiQ at dealer retail |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Can I use this furnace with my existing single-pipe metal flue, or do I need to re-vent?
Yes. At 80% AFUE this is a non-condensing furnace, so it uses conventional B-vent or single-wall metal flue rather than PVC condensate venting. If your existing flue is correctly sized for the BTU load, it should be compatible, but always have your installer verify flue sizing and condition before reusing it.
What thermostat do I need to use the communicating features?
Full communicating functionality requires a compatible ACiQ communicating thermostat. The furnace will also operate with a standard non-communicating thermostat wired in conventional mode, but you will lose the expanded diagnostics and coordinated system control that the communicating setup provides.
Who actually manufactures this furnace, and can a technician get parts for it?
ACiQ does not disclose its manufacturing partner publicly. Forum discussion points toward the ICP or Carrier family of manufacturers, but this is unconfirmed. The undisclosed origin can make cross-referencing OEM parts and service history harder for technicians, so it is worth confirming that your chosen HVAC contractor is comfortable working with the brand before you buy.
How does the 12-year warranty work when I buy direct without a dealer?
ACiQ includes the 12-year parts warranty in the purchase price without requiring a dealer network registration or markup. You should review the specific warranty terms on ACiQ's site to confirm registration requirements and what labor coverage, if any, is included, because parts and labor warranties are typically separate.
Is 44,000 BTU enough for my house, and what size home does this unit typically cover?
A rough rule of thumb puts 44,000 BTU in the range of 1,000 to 1,600 square feet in a moderately cold climate, but actual sizing depends on insulation levels, window area, air sealing, and your local design temperature. A proper Manual J heat load calculation by your installer is the only reliable way to confirm this unit is correctly sized for your specific home.
Specifications
| Furnace output | 44000 BTU |
| Furnace efficiency | 80% AFUE |