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Amana Furnace Review & Buying Guide
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15,000+
Amana
4.6
Average Rating By Homeowner
$5,500
Average Price Including Installation
Amana Furnaces At a Glance
Strengths
Room for Improvement
Amana Furnace Review
Amana has built a solid reputation over the past 80 years for producing durable, reliable furnaces that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for affordable entry-level models or more premium options
packed with advanced features and technology, Amana offers a wide range of choices to meet your needs.
With excellent warranty coverage on most models, impressive AFUE ratings, and many units boasting ENERGY STAR® certification, Amana ensures energy efficiency and long-term value.
If you're considering an Amana furnace and want a deeper dive into their offerings, this review will give you all the insights you need!
Also Read: The Best Furnaces for Canadians
The Bottom Line
Amana is a great choice if you’re looking for a high-efficiency furnace with solid design features like advanced burners, ultra-low NOx ratings, secondary heat exchangers, easy installation, and quiet operation. They offer a broad selection of furnaces that deliver strong performance at reasonable prices.
While Amana’s models are not the cheapest on the market, they offer good value for homeowners with moderate budgets. Their furnaces are durable, reliable, and feature excellent warranty coverage, making them a dependable long-term investment.
That said, Amana's models are quite similar to those of their parent company Daikin, as well as their sister brand Goodman, with Goodman offering top-tier warranty terms at a more budget-friendly price point. Although Amana doesn’t bring a lot of innovative features to the table, they are a solid, well-rounded option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
Amana Furnace Model Series Overview
This overview is based on a proprietary grading algorithm that evaluates various criteria, making it easier to compare models across different brands. Keep in mind that lower-grade models aren’t necessarily bad; they simply reflect a lower cost with more basic features, efficiency ratings, or warranty coverage, which naturally places them at a lower grade relative to higher-end models.
| Model | Efficiency (AFUE) | ENERGY STAR | Grade (Overall) | Grade (Warranty) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMVM97 | 98 | Yes | A+ | A- |
| ACVM97 | 97 | Yes | A+ | A- |
| AMVC96 | 96 | Yes | A- | D |
| ACVC96 | 96 | Yes | A- | D |
| AM9S96 | 96 | Yes | B+ | D |
| AM9S96 - U | 96 | Yes | B+ | D |
| AMVS96 - U | 96 | Yes | A- | A- |
| AC9S96 | 96 | No | B- | D |
| AM9C96 | 96 | Yes | A- | D |
| AC9C96 | 96 | Yes | A- | D |
| AM9S92 | 92 | No | B | B+ |
| AMVC8 / ADVC8 | 80 | No | B- | D |
| AMVC80 | 80 | No | B- | D |
| ACVC80 | 80 | No | B- | D |
| AM9C80 | 80 | No | B- | D |
| AC9C80 | 80 | No | B- | D |
| AMES80 | 80 | No | C | B+ |
| AM9S80 | 80 | No | C | B+ |
| AM9S80-U | 80 | No | C | B+ |
| AMVS80-U | 80 | No | B- | A- |
Amana’s Entry-Level Furnaces
Average Price: $4,400 to $5,400
Models:
- AM9S92: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with 92% AFUE. One of the most affordable Amana furnaces, though not available in all regions—Canada, for example, requires 95% AFUE minimum for high-efficiency models.
- AM9S96: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. Features a secondary heat exchanger that captures exhaust gases to extract extra heat, making it more efficient as a condensing furnace.
- AM9S96-U: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. This ultra-low NOx model premixes fuel and oxygen before combustion to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
- AMVS96-U: Single-stage, variable-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. Another ultra-low NOx option ideal for reducing environmental impact or meeting air quality regulations. It comes with the same top-tier warranty as Amana’s premium units.
- AC9S96: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. Features a heavy-duty aluminized steel primary heat exchanger with tubular design for durability and longevity.
- AR9S80: Single-stage, multi-speed furnace with 80% AFUE. A budget-friendly, basic model suitable for small homes or mild climates—reliable and energy-efficient for appropriate regions.
- AR9S80-U: Ultra-low NOx, single-stage, multi-speed furnace with 80% AFUE. Designed to meet stricter emissions standards, suitable for eco-conscious homeowners in areas like California.
- AD9S80: Ultra-low NOx, single-stage, multi-speed furnace with 80% AFUE. Also built to meet tight emissions requirements, ideal for environmentally aware consumers.
Ideal For:
Entry-level Amana furnaces are all single-stage, making them best suited for smaller homes or milder climates. They may not provide enough power for colder regions like the Midwest or much of Canada but are well-matched for areas with cooler or moderate weather, such as California—especially where low-NOx models are required.
Amana’s Mid-Range Furnaces
Average Price: $4,900 to $5,900
Models:
- AM9C96: Two-stage, multi-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. Comes with a heavy-gauge steel cabinet, sound-isolated blower, and quiet induced-draft blower for reduced noise during operation.
- AC9C96: Two-stage, multi-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. Features a self-diagnostic control board that stores fault codes to speed up repairs and assist homeowners with troubleshooting minor issues.
- ACVC96: Two-stage, variable-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. Uses a durable silicon nitride igniter instead of a pilot light, enhancing efficiency and reliability by eliminating constant fuel burning.
- AMVC96: Two-stage, variable-speed furnace with 96% AFUE. Includes Amana’s communicating technology, offering advanced control features without the top-tier price.
- AR9T80: Two-stage, multi-speed furnace with 80% AFUE. Quieter and more efficient than single-stage units, providing better temperature consistency in mild climates.
- AD9T80: Two-stage, multi-speed furnace with 80% AFUE. Similar to the AR9T80 with a robust build and efficient heating, ideal for medium-sized homes in warmer areas.
Ideal For:
Mid-range Amana furnaces with two-stage operation are well-suited for medium to large homes in colder climates. Some models offer communicating technology for enhanced control, making them great choices for those needing reliable, efficient heating with advanced features.
Amana’s Top-Tier Furnaces
Average Price: $5,400 to $6,400
Models:
- ACVM97: Modulating, variable-speed furnace with 97% AFUE. Features a modulating gas valve that adjusts heating output in small increments, resulting in quieter, more efficient, and consistent warmth.
- AMVM97: Modulating, variable-speed furnace with 98% AFUE. Amana’s flagship furnace offering the highest efficiency and advanced features, including communicating technology and compatibility with their proprietary app.
Ideal For:
These top-tier models are powerful and efficient enough to heat large homes in the coldest climates. They provide quiet, even heat and precise temperature and humidity control, though they require a higher upfront investment.
Recently Discontinued Amana Furnaces
- AMSS96
- AMES96
- AMES96-U
- ACSS96
- ACES96
- AMEC96
- ACEC96
- AMSS92
- AMES92
- ACSS92
- AM9S80
- AMVS80-U
- AC9S80
Exclusive Features from Amana
Feature 1 – The CoolCloud™ HVAC App
- What Amana says it is: A specialized app for HVAC technicians, allowing them to wirelessly connect to the furnace. This app streamlines installation and diagnosis by enabling technicians to configure settings and troubleshoot issues without having to dismantle the entire system.
- What it really is: The CoolCloud HVAC app is designed for contractors, allowing them to connect to the furnace’s control board via their phone or tablet. This speeds up the installation process and simplifies maintenance and repairs.
- Is it more than just hype?: The CoolCloud HVAC app helps reduce installation and repair times, which can translate to lower labor costs for homeowners. While many Amana furnaces already feature built-in self-diagnostics for troubleshooting, the app adds the convenience of remote access, allowing contractors to leave notes for future reference. It’s a handy tool, though it’s not unique to Amana, as sister-brand Goodman also offers the same app.
Feature 2 – ComfortBridge Technology
- What Amana says it is: Built-in communicating technology in select Amana furnaces, designed to optimize performance by gathering and analyzing data to make automatic adjustments. This technology maximizes energy efficiency and improves comfort through a smart home algorithm.
- What it really is: ComfortBridge is a communicating HVAC system where components share data with your thermostat. The thermostat then adjusts the furnace settings (heat and blower) to maintain a consistent temperature while ensuring energy efficiency.
- Is it more than just hype?: This technology can be highly effective in reducing energy costs and maintaining a comfortable home temperature without constant manual adjustments. While ComfortBridge is a practical feature, it’s not unique to Amana—other brands like Goodman, American Standard, and Trane also offer similar communicating technologies.
Feature 3 – ComfortNet Smart Thermostat
- What Amana says it is: A high-definition, communicating thermostat designed for advanced system configuration. It offers easy comfort and control, allowing you to monitor and adjust settings from anywhere with an internet connection.
- What it really is: The ComfortNet thermostat is a smart device featuring a touchscreen display and ClimateTalk technology, which enables seamless communication between HVAC components. It provides diagnostics, service reminders, and detailed control over your home’s heating and cooling system.
- Is it more than just hype?: The ComfortNet Smart Thermostat offers some excellent features, such as energy-saving settings, customized alerts, dehumidification options, and more. While it adds value, it isn’t unique—many other smart thermostats (like Nest and ecobee) and brands (such as Carrier, Lennox, and Trane) offer similar functions, often integrating their own proprietary systems. So while it’s a useful tool, it's not groundbreaking in the industry.
Warranty Analysis
Amana Warranty Terms
Amana provides exceptional warranty coverage, even for their entry-level models. The warranty details may vary slightly depending on the model tier (entry-level, mid-range, or premium), but all Amana furnaces come with coverage for parts and the heat exchanger. Here’s a breakdown of the warranty terms for various models:
| Model | Heat Exchanger | Parts | Unit Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMVM97, ACVM97, AMVS96-U, AR9T80, AD9T80, AR9S80, AR9S80-U, AD9S80 | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime |
| AMVC96, ACVC96, AM9C96, AC9C96, AM9S96, AM9S96-U, AC9S96, AM9S92 | N/A | 10 years | Lifetime |
Registration Requirement
To qualify for full warranty coverage, the unit must be registered online within 60 days of installation. If registration is not completed within the required time, the heat exchanger's lifetime warranty will be affected. While unregistered heat exchangers are still covered, the duration of the warranty will be shorter.
Conditions and Restrictions
In addition to registration, the warranty has certain conditions:
- The furnace must be installed by a licensed HVAC professional for the warranty to apply.
- Regular maintenance, as outlined in the owner’s manual, is necessary to keep the warranty valid.
How Amana’s Warranty Stacks Up to the Competition
Amana offers one of the best warranties in the industry, especially considering it’s not considered a premium brand. Their lifetime heat exchanger warranty is available for all models, including the entry-level units, which is a standout feature. While other brands like Napoleon, Luxaire, Goodman, Daikin, and Coleman also offer lifetime heat exchanger coverage, Amana is one of the few brands that provides lifetime coverage for all their units, not just higher-tier models.
Additionally, while other companies have started offering unit replacement warranties, Amana stands out by providing lifetime protection on more of their units.
Amana Add-Ons, Extras, and Thermostats
Alongside furnaces, Amana offers a range of add-on products designed to enhance air quality, reduce humidity, improve circulation, and boost overall ventilation in your home. Below are some key offerings:
1. Air Cleaners
- Media, HEPA, and Electronic Air Cleaners:
Amana offers media air cleaners with MERV 11 or 13 ratings to improve air quality in homes with mild to moderate concerns. For homes needing more robust filtration, Amana has HEPA filters that can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. Their electronic air cleaners can also target even smaller particles, providing effective air purification.
2. Humidifiers
- Amana offers several models of humidification systems, particularly suited for dry Canadian climates:
- Economy models provide between 12 to 17 gallons of moisture per day.
- Premium models provide between 12 to 18 gallons.
- Steam humidifiers add sterilized moisture to the entire home.
3. Dehumidifiers
For homes dealing with excess moisture, Amana offers whole-home dehumidifiers that can remove anywhere from 65 to 120 pints of water per day, depending on the model.
4. UV Purifiers
- UV Coil Purifiers: Installed on the evaporator coil, they use UV light to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and other microbes in your HVAC system.
- UV Air Purifiers: Installed in the ductwork to destroy airborne microbes circulating through your home.
5. HRVs and ERVs (Heat Recovery and Energy Recovery Ventilators)
- HRVs: Designed for homes with mild and humid winters, they recover heat from outgoing air to maintain your home’s temperature efficiently.
- ERVs: Best for cold, dry winters and hot summers, they recover both heat and moisture from outgoing air.
These devices ensure fresh, clean air and can be especially beneficial in homes with poor airflow or those looking to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria.
About Amana
Since its inception in 1934 in Amana, Iowa, Amana has been committed to creating high-quality, long-lasting products. Initially known for a dependable beverage cooler, the brand quickly expanded, introducing innovative solutions like the walk-in beverage cooler. This pioneering spirit has endured for over 80 years, with Amana products now recognized for their energy efficiency and dependability.
Amana continues to be a trusted name in home comfort, offering a wide range of high-efficiency natural gas furnaces designed to provide reliable, cost-effective heating.
If you're interested in learning more about Amana's line of high-efficiency furnaces, fill out our online form to request a free, no-obligation quote!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amana worth the cost?
Amana offers a strong value for the cost. Their furnaces are known for reliability, energy efficiency, and excellent warranty coverage. While they’re not the cheapest brand on the market, the combination of advanced features, durability, and the warranty make Amana a solid investment for homeowners.
Is Amana better than Goodman?
The main differences between Amana and Goodman are price and warranty. Goodman furnaces are more budget-friendly, but Amana offers superior warranty coverage, especially when it comes to heat exchangers. The choice depends on whether you prioritize upfront cost or long-term protection.
How long will an Amana furnace last?
With proper maintenance, Amana furnaces can last up to 30 years, especially considering that their heat exchangers are warranted for the lifetime of the unit. The typical lifespan of modern furnaces is 15 to 20 years, but Amana's durability and excellent warranty can help extend the life of your furnace.
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