Amana ASXH5 Review

The ASXH5 is a value-tier air conditioner that’s very similar to Amana’s other entry-level models, but with one important exception: it’s compliant with the United States Department of Energy’s 2023 SEER2 efficiency regulations. 

It’s a single-stage A/C with a slightly higher SEER than some of their other value models, but otherwise it’s still a very standard cooling system. 

This ASXH5 model review will provide the most important details about this air conditioner, including its pricing, features, warranty details, efficiency rating, and more. 

And so you can see how it stands up to Amana’s other products, the review will also compare it to three more air conditioners to show you what other features are available, what's available in a different price point, and what else you can get from Amana’s value tier. 

The Amana ASXH5 in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3,000 to $5,500

Top Features

• Backed by an excellent warranty
• Has an efficient scroll compressor
• Comes with an advanced self-diagnostics system
• Equipped with features to reduce operational noise
• Relatively affordable for an Amana model 
• Standard noise performance 
• Comes with many features to protect the cabinet and internal components
• Designed to make maintenance easier
• SEER2 compliant

The Bottom Line

The ASXH5 is equipped with a single-stage compressor. These types of compressors are the most basic because they can only operate at 100 percent capacity. However, it is a Copeland scroll compressor, one of the most popular types for air conditioners. Scroll compressors are quieter and more efficient, and they tend to need less maintenance than standard alternatives. 

This model has a SEER of 15.2, and the recommended SEER range for Canada is generally 16 to 18. As such, the ASXH5 might be best for homes with slightly lower cooling requirements, such as a smaller space, a cottage, or a home in a mild part of the country.

At the same time, the SEER2 regulations are designed to more accurately reflect real-world conditions, so under the old testing requirements, this model likely would have a higher SEER. 

The ASXH5 may not qualify for rebates because it doesn’t have ENERGY STAR® certification, but it will be one of Amana’s more affordable models. Plus, it will reduce summer cooling bills compared to an older air conditioner with a standard SEER rating. 

In Depth Review

Amana ASXH5 Product Specifications

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 15.2 SEER2
• ENERGY STAR certified: No 
• Decibel rating: As low as 72
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons
• Cooling capacity: 18,000 to 60,000 Btus

Features Overview

Value-tier Amana air conditioners don’t have any of the brand’s premium features, but the ASXH5 does have a few design elements that make it more attractive. 

One of those is the Copeland CoreSense technology, a self-diagnostics system that helps contractors with troubleshooting problems. 

The system consists of an electronic module that provides important information about system performance and error codes. When your air conditioner needs service, the technician can read the module to quickly and accurately diagnose issues and complete repairs. 

That can translate to cheaper labour costs, and it can also reduce the chances of them having to return for call-backs related to the same problem.

Other Key Features

• Cabinet is made from heavy-gauge galvanized-steel
• Screws are rust resistant for lasting performance
• Has a steel coil guard
• The baked-on powder-paint finish provides years of protection
• Equipped with a compressor sound blanket made of high-density foam
• Has a sound-control top to further reduce noise
• The filter drier removes moisture and contaminants to protect the refrigerant system
• Technicians can access the system from the top and side during service
• Has pressure switches to protect the system 
• Coil is made of copper tube and enhanced aluminum fin
• Controls can be accessed from a single panel

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Warranty Information

Despite being a value model, the ASXH5 comes with Amana’s premium warranty coverage, which includes a 10-year parts warranty and a lifetime compressor warranty. That means that Amana will furnish you with a replacement air conditioner if the compressor fails during the life of the system.

To get the full coverage, you'll have to register the ASXH5 within 60 days of installation. Registration can be done online, and Amana will ask you for your name, the name of the HVAC dealer, the air conditioner’s serial and model numbers, and the installation date. 

Unregistered units will only be covered by a five-year parts warranty, so registration is recommended. 

Comparable Models by Amana

Model Comparison by Price: ASXH5 versus ASXC18

The ASXC18 is a premium model and also one of Amana’s most expensive. It costs an average of $5,000 to $6,000+ to buy and install in Canada. 

There are several reasons for the additional cost, including that the ASXC18 has a more advanced two-stage compressor. That means it can operate at two different speeds when running, so it’s more efficient and quieter, and it will keep your home at a more consistent temperature, even during heat waves. 

It will also be better equipped to cool larger homes thanks to the two-stage operation and the SEER of 19, which earns it ENERGY STAR certification and higher rebate eligibility. 

Because it’s a premium model, the ASXC18 also has all of Amana’s premium features. That includes the communicating ComfortBridge technology and compatibility with the CoolCloud HVAC app for contractors. It’s also compatible with Amana’s ComfortNet smart thermostat. 

Model Comparison by Features: ASXH5 versus AVXC20

The AVXC20 is Amana’s only variable-speed air conditioner. It’s their top-of-the-line model, and it has a SEER of 24.5. 

That’s thanks to the advanced compressor, communicating ComfortBridge technology, and inverter technology, all of which can automatically make incremental adjustments to the compressor and fan speeds to fine-tune cooling output and increase energy savings. 

Aside from that, the AVXC20 also has all of Amana’s other premium features, including compatibility with the ComfortNet Communications System.

While impressive, the AVXC20 is going to cost a lot more than any other Amana air conditioner, and yet it won’t produce significantly higher energy savings. That’s because the SEER of 24.5 is designed for much hotter and longer summers than what we experience in Canada, so this air conditioner will probably be too powerful for most Canadian homes.

Model Comparison by Tier: ASXH5 versus ASX16

The ASX16 is also a value-tier Amana model. Like the ASXH5, it has a single-stage scroll compressor, but there are a few things that make it a slightly more appealing model. 

For starters, the ASX16 has a high-efficiency SEER of 16 and ENERGY STAR certification. While it will produce only marginally higher long-term energy savings, it might also qualify for additional rebates. Plus, a 16 SEER is in the recommended range for Canada.

Beyond that, the two models are quite similar. The ASX16 also has the Copeland CoreSense diagnostics, features to reduce noise, protective elements to ensure longevity, and things that are meant to make service and maintenance faster and easier.