ACiQ 60000 BTU 96% AFUE Gas Furnace | Variable Speed Two Stage Multi-Positional Communicating | R454B Compliant (G96CTN0601714B)
Check current price on AC Direct →
Key features
- 96% AFUE two-stage gas valve for high efficiency and steadier indoor temperatures
- Variable-speed ECM blower motor reduces noise and energy use versus PSC motors
- Multi-positional cabinet installs upflow, downflow, or horizontal
- Communicating-ready for compatible thermostats and air handlers
- Designed to pair with R-454B refrigerant cooling systems
- Ships with a 12-year parts warranty, no dealer markup required
About this system
The ACiQ G96CTN0601714B is a 60,000 BTU, 96% AFUE two-stage gas furnace with a variable-speed ECM blower motor and multi-positional cabinet that can be installed upflow, downflow, or horizontal. That combination puts it firmly in the upper tier of residential gas heat efficiency, meaning roughly 96 cents of every dollar of gas burned becomes usable heat. At 60,000 BTU it is sized for smaller to mid-size homes, typically in the 1,200 to 2,000 square foot range depending on climate zone and insulation levels, though a proper Manual J load calculation should always be the deciding factor.
The variable-speed blower and two-stage gas valve work together to modulate output rather than cycling fully on and off at full blast. On mild days the furnace runs at its lower stage, which keeps temperatures steadier, reduces blower noise, and puts less mechanical stress on components over time. The communicating capability means it can share data with a compatible communicating thermostat or air handler, enabling tighter system coordination and easier diagnostics. The R-454B refrigerant designation is relevant here because this furnace is designed to pair with next-generation cooling equipment using the lower-GWP refrigerant, keeping the system future-compliant as older refrigerant standards are phased out.
The ACiQ G96CTN0601714B delivers a genuinely competitive spec sheet at a price that undercuts most name-brand two-stage variable-speed furnaces by a meaningful margin. The trade-off is that the brand is relatively new, long-term reliability data is thin, and the direct-sale model means you will need to find and vet your own installer. For a budget-conscious buyer who does that homework, it is a reasonable bet; for someone who wants a decade of Consumer Reports data behind their purchase, it is a harder sell.
Overall score is the average of the five ratings above.
What we like
- 96% AFUE places it in the highest residential efficiency tier, reducing annual gas bills compared to standard 80% units
- Variable-speed ECM blower is noticeably quieter than single-speed alternatives, especially on low-stage operation
- Two-stage firing rate provides more even heat distribution and fewer dramatic temperature swings
- Multi-positional cabinet increases installation flexibility in tight or unconventional mechanical spaces
- 12-year parts warranty is competitive with or better than most name-brand offerings at this price point
Trade-offs
- ACiQ is a newer brand with limited long-term reliability data and no Consumer Reports ranking yet
- The undisclosed manufacturer makes it harder for technicians to cross-reference parts or service bulletins
- Sold direct with no dealer network, so finding a qualified installer who will stand behind the equipment requires extra legwork
- Communicating features only deliver full value when paired with a compatible communicating thermostat, which adds cost
What homeowners and pros say about ACiQ
Early owner feedback on ACiQ furnaces follows a consistent pattern: buyers who found a willing installer report quiet low-stage operation, stable indoor temperatures, and responsive customer support when questions come up. Because the brand is relatively new to the market, Consumer Reports has not yet accumulated enough long-term data to assign a reliability score, which is an honest limitation worth acknowledging. Forum discussions frequently speculate about a connection to the ICP and Carrier manufacturing family, which would imply solid underlying hardware, but that connection is unconfirmed and should not be treated as a reliability guarantee.
HVAC contractors tend to have a split reaction to ACiQ. Those who have installed units report that the equipment goes in without unusual difficulty and that error codes and diagnostics behave sensibly. The friction point is the direct-sale model: contractors who did not supply the equipment sometimes decline to install or service it, citing uncertainty about parts availability and the inability to cross-reference service bulletins against a known manufacturer. The undisclosed manufacturing source genuinely complicates that cross-referencing, and it is the most cited practical concern among technicians on trade forums. For homeowners, the calculus comes down to whether the upfront savings justify taking on the responsibility of vetting your own installer and accepting thinner long-term data than a Carrier or Trane purchase would provide.
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 | G96CTN0601714B | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Value pick |
| Carrier | Performance 96 (59TP6) | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Moderately higher than ACiQ, mid-range for the Carrier lineup |
| Trane | S9V2 (XR96 series) | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Comparable to Carrier, notably higher than ACiQ |
| Lennox | ML196V | N/A (furnace only) | Two-stage | Priced at or above Carrier and Trane equivalents, among the higher tiers in this segment |
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 install this furnace, or do I need a special dealer?
Any licensed HVAC contractor can install it, but because ACiQ sells direct and has no authorized dealer network, some contractors are reluctant to install equipment they did not supply. Call ahead, be upfront about the brand, and confirm the contractor is comfortable working with it before scheduling.
What does the communicating feature actually require to work?
The communicating function requires a compatible communicating thermostat or control board to exchange diagnostic and efficiency data between components. If you pair it with a conventional thermostat it will still operate normally as a standard two-stage furnace, you just lose the enhanced diagnostics and coordination features.
Is 60,000 BTU the right size for my home?
Probably not the right question to answer with square footage alone. A Manual J heat load calculation, which accounts for insulation, windows, climate zone, and ceiling height, is the correct way to size a furnace. For a typical well-insulated home in a moderate climate, 60,000 BTU often fits roughly 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, but that range can shift considerably.
How does the 12-year warranty work when there is no local dealer?
ACiQ's 12-year parts warranty is registered directly with the brand and covers parts costs for covered failures. Labor costs are not covered, which is standard in the industry, and you would pay your own contractor for the repair work. Keep all registration and purchase documentation, and confirm the warranty terms at the time of purchase.
Why does the spec mention R-454B if this is a gas furnace with no refrigerant?
The furnace itself contains no refrigerant, but the R-454B callout signals that the unit is designed and tested to pair with cooling coils and outdoor condensing units that use the newer R-454B refrigerant, keeping your full system compliant as R-410A equipment is phased out under updated EPA and DOE regulations.
Specifications
| Furnace output | 60000 BTU |
| Furnace efficiency | 96% AFUE |
| Refrigerant | R-454B |