Amana AMES96 Review

Square Footage	Furnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home	40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home	60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home	60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home	80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home	100,000 to 120,000 BTU

Amana AMES96: High-Efficiency Single-Stage Furnace

The Amana AMES96 is a single-stage furnace designed for homeowners who want a balance of efficiency, reliability, and quiet operation. While its burner is basic, the addition of a secondary heat exchanger and multi-speed ECM blower motor allows this model to achieve an impressive 96% AFUE rating, meaning almost every dollar spent on heating goes directly toward warming your home.

Priced between $4,800 and $5,400 (including installation), the AMES96 is a high-efficiency option for smaller homes or moderate climates where consistent, reliable heating is a priority.

Top Features

Secondary Heat Exchanger: Improves efficiency by capturing more heat and reducing wasted energy.
Multi-Speed ECM Blower Motor: Provides optimized airflow, quieter operation, and lower energy consumption than standard blowers.
Self-Diagnostics & LED Fault Codes: Simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance.
Continuous Air Circulation & Filtration: Helps maintain a healthier indoor environment.
ENERGY STAR® Certification: Guarantees high-efficiency performance.
Durable Construction: Heavy-gauge steel cabinet, sound-isolated blower, and silicon nitride igniter enhance longevity and reduce maintenance issues.

Specifications

AFUE: 96%
Burner Type: Single-stage
Blower Type: Multi-speed ECM
Heating Capacity: 38,440 to 115,320 BTUs
ENERGY STAR Rated: Yes

Warranty Coverage

Amana provides industry-leading warranty protection for the AMES96:

10-Year Parts Warranty
Lifetime Heat Exchanger Warranty
Lifetime Unit Replacement Warranty – Amana will replace the furnace if the heat exchanger fails.

Note: Warranty coverage requires registration within 60 days of installation.

Performance Overview

The AMES96 is best suited for smaller homes or moderate climates. Its single-stage burner delivers reliable heating but lacks the flexibility of two-stage or modulating models. However, the secondary heat exchanger and ECM blower motor provide high efficiency, quieter operation, and lower maintenance requirements.

Comparison to Other Amana Models

AMES96 vs. ACVC96

ACVC96: Two-stage burner, variable-speed blower, ComfortBridge technology, CoolCloud app, 96% AFUE.
ACVC96 offers better temperature control, quieter operation, and improved humidity management—ideal for larger homes or colder climates.

AMES96 vs. AMVM97

AMVM97: Most advanced model, modulating burner, variable-speed blower, 98% AFUE, ComfortBridge, CoolCloud, and ComfortNet smart thermostat compatibility.
AMVM97 is premium-tier, with maximum efficiency, control, and smart home integration.

AMES96 vs. AM9S96-U

AM9S96-U: Similar tier and features, but includes a premix burner and ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions.
Both have AFUE 96%, ENERGY STAR certification, and similar warranties, but AM9S96-U is more environmentally friendly and not discontinued.

Bottom Line

The Amana AMES96 is a mid-range, high-efficiency furnace that combines reliability, quiet operation, and ENERGY STAR-certified performance. While its single-stage burner is better suited for smaller homes or milder climates, features like the secondary heat exchanger, ECM blower, and self-diagnostics make it a strong choice for homeowners seeking consistent heating and lower energy bills.

If the AMES96 is unavailable due to limited stock, alternatives like the AM9S96-U or ACVC96 offer similar or enhanced features for comparable price points.