ACiQ 60000 BTU 97% AFUE Gas Furnace | Variable Speed Modulating Multi-Positional | R454B Compliant (G97CMN0601714B)
Check current price on AC Direct →
Key features
- 97% AFUE modulating gas burner for near-maximum fuel efficiency
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor reduces electricity use and noise
- 60,000 BTU heating capacity suited to mid-sized homes
- Multi-positional cabinet supports upflow, downflow, and horizontal installs
- R-454B compatible design aligns with current low-GWP refrigerant standards
- Ships with a 12-year parts warranty at no dealer markup
About this system
The ACiQ G97CMN0601714B is a 60,000 BTU, 97% AFUE modulating gas furnace built for homeowners who want near-top-tier efficiency without paying name-brand prices. A 97% AFUE rating means roughly 97 cents of every dollar spent on natural gas goes to actual heat, placing this unit in the same efficiency tier as premium furnaces from Carrier and Lennox. The variable-speed, modulating design lets the burner fire at partial capacity during mild weather rather than cycling fully on and off, which reduces temperature swings, cuts energy bills, and noticeably lowers operating noise compared to single-stage or two-stage units.
The 60,000 BTU output is sized for mid-range heating loads, typically suitable for homes in the 1,200 to 2,000 square foot range depending on climate zone, insulation quality, and Manual J load calculations. The multi-positional cabinet allows upflow, downflow, or horizontal installation, giving installers flexibility in tight or unconventional equipment spaces. R-454B refrigerant compliance on the label refers to forward compatibility with modern low-GWP refrigerants used in paired cooling equipment, keeping this furnace relevant as the industry moves away from older refrigerants. This unit suits budget-conscious buyers in cold climates who want genuine high-efficiency performance and are comfortable sourcing equipment direct rather than through a traditional dealer.
The ACiQ G97CMN0601714B delivers genuine 97% AFUE, modulating performance at a price point that undercuts established brands by a meaningful margin. Early owner feedback is encouraging, but the brand is new enough that long-term reliability remains unverified by independent sources, and the direct-sale model means you will need to source your own qualified installer. Buyers who do their homework on installation and are comfortable with some uncertainty around parts sourcing will find real value here.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- 97% AFUE rating ranks among the highest efficiency tier available for residential gas furnaces
- Modulating burner and variable-speed blower deliver quieter, more even heating than staged units
- Multi-positional cabinet simplifies installation in attics, basements, closets, and crawl spaces
- 12-year parts warranty ships standard with no dealer markup inflating the price
- Lower purchase price than comparable-spec furnaces from Carrier, Trane, or Lennox
Trade-offs
- No independent long-term reliability data exists yet; Consumer Reports has not ranked the brand
- Undisclosed manufacturer makes cross-referencing parts and service bulletins harder for technicians
- No proprietary dealer network means finding a qualified installer and future service is on the buyer
- Brand recognition is low, which can complicate resale conversations and contractor familiarity
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Early owners of ACiQ furnaces report quiet operation as the most consistent positive, with the variable-speed ECM blower drawing particular praise for how gradually it ramps up and down compared to older single-stage units. Customer support responsiveness shows up repeatedly in early feedback as a genuine strength for a direct-sale brand. That said, Consumer Reports has not yet assigned ACiQ a reliability score due to insufficient long-term field data, and that gap is worth taking seriously rather than dismissing. The brand is newer, the sample sizes are smaller, and the honest position is that nobody yet knows how these units perform at the eight or ten year mark.
From a contractor perspective, the undisclosed manufacturer is the most cited friction point. Technicians who cannot immediately identify the OEM have to work harder to pull service bulletins, confirm compatible replacement parts, and troubleshoot unfamiliar control boards. Unlike established brands where failure patterns such as cracked heat exchangers, inducer motor wear, or control board faults are well-documented across technician forums, ACiQ’s failure history is too short to draw patterns from yet. Buyers pairing this furnace with a new split system should confirm R-454B compatibility with their chosen cooling equipment before ordering, and should budget for a thorough commissioning visit from a contractor who will take the time to read the manual rather than rely on brand familiarity alone.
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 | G97CMN0601714B | N/A (furnace only) | Modulating variable-speed | Value pick |
| Carrier | Infinity 98 (59MN7) | N/A (furnace only) | Modulating variable-speed | Significantly higher than ACiQ |
| Trane | XV80 / S9V2 | N/A (furnace only) | Modulating variable-speed | Moderately to significantly higher than ACiQ |
| Lennox | SLP99V | N/A (furnace only) | Modulating variable-speed | Significantly higher than ACiQ |
Competitor rows are comparable single-stage units at similar efficiency; price is relative position, not a quote.
Questions about this system
Will any licensed HVAC contractor be able to install and service this furnace, or does it require a certified ACiQ dealer?
ACiQ sells direct and has no proprietary dealer network, so any licensed HVAC contractor can install and service the unit. The catch is that the undisclosed manufacturer means your technician may need to spend extra time looking up wiring diagrams and part numbers rather than relying on brand-specific training they already have.
How does a 97% AFUE modulating furnace actually save money compared to a 96% two-stage unit?
The efficiency difference between 96% and 97% AFUE is relatively small on its own, but the modulating burner compounds savings by running at lower firing rates for longer cycles instead of blasting at full capacity. This reduces short-cycling, keeps heat distribution more even, and lowers wear on the heat exchanger over time.
If the manufacturer is not disclosed, how do I find replacement parts if something breaks after the warranty period?
This is a legitimate concern. Forum speculation points toward the ICP and Carrier family of manufacturers, which would mean many components follow common industry dimensions, but this is unconfirmed. ACiQ's customer support line is the most direct route to sourcing correct replacement parts, and keeping your model and serial number handy will be important.
The spec sheet mentions R-454B. Does that mean this furnace uses refrigerant, or is that just for a matched cooling system?
Gas furnaces do not use refrigerant themselves. The R-454B notation indicates that this furnace's coil cabinet and air handler components are designed to work with R-454B-based cooling equipment, which matters if you are pairing this furnace with a new or future air conditioner that uses the newer low-GWP refrigerant.
Is 60,000 BTU the right size for my home, or should I go up to the next capacity?
Furnace sizing depends on your home's specific heat loss calculation, not square footage alone. A rough rule of thumb puts 60,000 BTU in range for roughly 1,200 to 2,000 square feet in moderate to cold climates, but factors like insulation, ceiling height, windows, and local design temperature all matter. A Manual J load calculation from your installer is the only reliable way to confirm the right size before purchasing.
Specifications
| Furnace output | 60000 BTU |
| Furnace efficiency | 97% AFUE |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |