FurnacePrices.ca

Heating & Cooling System Prices, Reviews, and more

You are here: Home / Archives for Furnace Reviews

Amana AMES96 Review

· · Leave a Comment

Limited inventory: Please note, this model has been marked as having limited inventory by the manufacturer, although it may still be available for purchase through distributors and contractors for some time.

The AMES96 from Amana is a single-stage furnace that’s paired with a few more sophisticated design features, including a secondary heat exchanger and multi-speed ECM blower motor. 

Although it has a more basic burner, the additional features allow it to achieve a high-efficiency AFUE rating of 96 percent, meaning $0.96 of every dollar you spend on heating bills actually goes to heating your home. 

This Amana AMES96 model review will cover all the important details about the furnace, including its specifications, design and technological features, warranty terms, and price range. To help you decide if it’s a good choice for an upgrade, we’ll also compare it to three other Amana furnace models.

About the Amana AMES96

Average Price (with installation): $4,800 to $5,400

Top Features

  • Backed by an excellent warranty
  • Has a secondary heat exchanger and ECM blower for improved efficiency
  • Wastes less fuel and loses less heat than a non-condensing furnace
  • ECM blower needs less maintenance and operates more quietly than standard blower motors
  • Equipped with self-diagnostics to make maintenance and repairs faster and easier
  • LED fault code display facilitates troubleshooting and diagnostics
  • ENERGY STAR® qualifying high-efficiency performance
  • Provides continuous circulation and filtration of air 

The Bottom Line

The AMES96 is a mid-range furnace with a high-efficiency rating, but it’s not the most powerful furnace out there. In fact, the single-stage burner makes this model better suited to smaller homes or slightly milder climates. 

Nonetheless, the AMES96 will likely save you plenty on annual heating bills compared to a less efficient older furnace, and the ENERGY STAR certification means you can trust that this furnace delivers reliable and efficient performance. 

Plus, Amana provides their own assurances about the reliability and durability through their industry-leading warranty that protects your investment for the entire lifetime of the furnace. 

In Depth Review

Amana AMES96 Product Specifications

  • AFUE: 96%
  • Burner type: Single-stage
  • Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
  • ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
  • Heating capacity: 38,440 to 115,320 BTUs

Features Overview

The AMES96 doesn’t have some of the extra technological features that other mid-range and premium Amana furnaces have. Those features include the communicating ComfortBridge technology and the CoolCloud HVAC app. 

However, the AMES96 does have all the design features that make Amana furnaces reliable, durable, efficient, and quiet.

Other Key Features

  • Quieter operation thanks to the insulated cabinet and sound-isolated blower assembly
  • Insulated cabinet also reduces air leaks and heat loss
  • Heavy-gauge steel cabinet dampens noise and protects important internal components
  • Cabinet and components are further protected by the durable finish 
  • Reliable silicon nitride igniter eliminates maintenance problems and fuel waste associated with pilot lights 
  • Has a special tubular heat exchanger that increases durability 
  • Has an induced-draft blower that’s quieter and more efficient than natural draft furnaces

Warranty Information

Amana has one of the best warranties in the HVAC business, and the AMES96 is protected by three separate warranties:

  • A 10-year parts warranty
  • A lifetime heat exchanger warranty
  • A lifetime unit replacement warranty

The unit replacement warranty means Amana will offer to replace the entire furnace with a new one if the heat exchanger ever fails. 

Amana requires registration before they’ll provide this full warranty coverage. Once the AMES96 is installed, you have 60 days to register it online with Amana, otherwise you’ll lose some of the warranty coverage. 

Comparable Models by Amana

Model Comparison by Price: AMES96 versus ACVC96

The ACVC96 is a more advanced mid-range model than the AMES96, so it’s also more expensive, running between $5,000 and $5,600. But for the extra money, you do get some additional design and technological features that could be well worth the price. 

The ACVC96 is a two-stage furnace, so it can run at a lower speed most of the time to maintain the temperature in your home, and kick into the higher gear when those cold snaps hit. In other words, this furnace will be much more capable of keeping a larger home warmer through colder winters. 

This furnace also has Amana’s ComfortBridge technology and CoolCloud HVAC app. The ComfortBridge technology improves efficiency and operation by allowing components to communicate with the thermostat, and the app is for contractors, and it makes maintenance and installation easier. 

Finally, the ACVC96 also has a more powerful variable-speed blower motor. Like the two-stage burner, this means the motor can operate at incremental speeds to provide consistent heat and circulation without wasting energy. 

Thanks to the two-stage burner and variable-speed blower, the ACVC96 will be quieter and more efficient than the AMES96. It could also save you more money over time on energy bills, and it will be better at managing humidity in your house. 

Model Comparison by Features: AMES96 versus AMVM97

Amana’s AMVM97 is their most advanced, efficient, and sophisticated furnace. It has a modulating burner, variable-speed blower motor, 98 percent AFUE, and ENERGY STAR certification.

Plus, it comes with all the same great design features as the AMES96 (secondary heat exchanger, self-diagnostics, sound reducing features, etc.) as well as Amana’s premium features: ComfortBridge, CoolCloud, and compatibility with the ComfortNet smart thermostat.

  

Model Comparison by Tier: AMES96 versus AM9S96-U

The AM9S96-U is in the same tier and price range as the AMES96, but it has one important feature that the AMES96 lacks: it has a special premix burner and is certified as an ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions furnace. This means it’s a more environmentally friendly choice that could help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Beyond that, the two furnaces are virtually identical. They have the same burner and blower type, AFUE rating, ENERGY STAR certification, warranties, and other specifications and features.

Something else to keep in mind is that the AM9S96-U hasn’t been discontinued like the AMES96, so it’s a great alternative if you can’t find stock for the limited inventory furnace.

Amana AMES96-U Review

· · Leave a Comment

The AMES96-U is one of Amana’s mid-range furnaces. Although it only has a single-stage burner, it does have a special burner design that makes this an ultra-low NOx furnace.

It also has a secondary heat exchanger and multi-speed ECM blower motor that give it an ENERGY STAR® qualified 96 percent AFUE. 

In this Amana AMES96-U model review, we’ll discuss all the features, specifications, technologies, and warranties that this furnace has to offer. We’ll also compare it to three other Amana furnaces. That will give you a good idea of how the AMES96-U stands up to others in terms of price and features. 

About the Amana AMES96-U 

Average Price (with installation): $4,800 to $5,400

Top Features

  • Quiet operation
  • Excellent warranty 
  • Ultra-low NOx emissions
  • Secondary heat exchanger 
  • ECM blower motor
  • Durable and reliable components
  • High-efficiency operation
  • Provides continuous air circulation

The Bottom Line

This is a great furnace for any Canadian homeowner who wants to do more to help the environment. It meets strict air quality regulations because of the ultra-low NOx emissions. It will also save you money on energy bills because of the high-efficiency 96 percent AFUE. 

The AMES96-U isn’t the most sophisticated furnace because it has a less powerful single-stage burner, and this means it might not be equipped to heat a large home in parts of Canada that experience long, cold winters. 

However, it does have some great features. Those include the condensing operation and the multi-speed ECM blower motor, that make it a little more advanced than just a basic furnace.  

In Depth Review

Amana AMES96-U Product Specifications

  • AFUE: 96%
  • Burner type: Single-stage
  • Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
  • ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
  • Heating capacity: 38,400 to 76,800 BTUs

Features Overview

There are lots of things to love about the AMES96-U, including the quiet operation. This is thanks to things like the insulated, heavy-gauge cabinet, the quieter ECM blower motor, the sound-isolated blower assembly, and the quiet induced-draft blower.

It has also been designed to provide lasting and reliable performance thanks to quality components that have been tested for years. 

For example, this furnace is equipped with a secondary heat exchanger made of a special metal, super-ferritic stainless-steel, that’s better at withstanding high temperatures and resisting corrosion. Similarly, the primary heat exchanger is made with a durable design and heavy-duty stainless steel.

Other Key Features

  • The cabinet has a durable finish to protect major components for years
  • The silicon nitride igniter doesn’t waste fuel the way a pilot light does, and it’s more reliable
  • Has a self-diagnostic control board that monitors for problems
  • LED fault code display makes troubleshooting and repairs easier
  • The thermally insulated cabinet reduces air leaks and heat loss
  • Versatile installation applications 
  • Equipped with a premix burner that reduces emissions

Warranty Information

The AMES96-U is backed by the longest warranty Amana offers, and that includes a:

  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
  • Lifetime unit replacement warranty
  • 10-year parts warranty

The parts warranty will cover functional components that aren’t the heat exchanger, and the unit replacement warranty means that Amana will offer you a brand new AMES96-U if the heat exchanger fails during the life of the furnace. 

If the warranty is important to you, then make sure you register the furnace within 60 days of installation to get these full terms. Otherwise, the warranty coverage will be shorter. 

Similarly, be sure to have the AMES96-U installed by a professional, and take care of annual maintenance to avoid invalidating your warranty. 

Comparable Models by Amana

Model Comparison by Price: AMES96-U versus AMVM97

The AMVM97 is the most expensive model in Amana’s line, so compared to the AMES96-U, you do have to have a larger budget. On average, it costs about $5,500 to $6,100 to buy and install the AMVM97.

There are several reasons why you might want to invest in the more expensive model, including the modulating burner and variable-speed blower motor. This means the furnace can operate at very low speeds and make incremental adjustments to the heating output as necessary to keep your home at the perfect temperature while using as little energy as possible. 

Modulating furnaces are the most efficient, provide the most consistent temperatures, and are the quietest. Plus, this model comes with all of Amana’s special technologies.

The AMVM97 has an AFUE of 98 percent, it’s ENERGY STAR certified, and the high-efficiency rating and modulating operation mean it will likely be eligible for any rebate out there. Not only can you save on the purchase price through rebates, but you can also save more on annual heating bills thanks to the more efficient operation compared to the AMVM97.

Model Comparison by Features: AMES96-U versus ACVM97

The ACVM97 isn’t Amana’s top-of-the-line furnace, but it is a top-tier model and on par with the premium furnace in most ways. 

The ACVM97 is a modulating, variable-speed furnace with an AFUE of 97 percent and ENERGY STAR certification. It will be eligible for all the same rebates as the top-of-the-line model, and has many of the same things to offer, like humidity control, temperature consistency, lower heating bills, and quieter operation. 

The ACVM97 also has the ComfortBridge technology and CoolCloud HVAC app. The former improves efficiency and operation by allowing the thermostat to communicate with major components, and the app helps contractors with maintenance and installation.

Model Comparison by Tier: AMES96-U versus AMEC96

The AMEC96 is in the same mid-range tier as the AMES96-U, but it has some things to offer that the AMES96-U doesn’t, and vice versa.

Namely, the AMEC96 has a more efficient two-stage gas valve, which can cost less to operate. Moreover, these types of furnaces are better equipped at warming larger homes, even in colder climates. They also operate quieter than single-stage furnaces, they provide more consistent temperatures, and they deal with humidity better. 

However, the AMEC96 doesn’t have some things that the AMES96-U has, including the ultra-low NOx emissions rating and the heat exchanger warranty. 

Amana AMVM97 Review

· · Leave a Comment

The AMVM97 is Amana’s top-of-the-line furnace. It’s their most efficient model, their most sophisticated heating system, and it has all of the extra features and technologies that Amana offers. 

This modulating, variable-speed furnace will save you plenty on energy bills, and won’t have any trouble keeping your entire home warm through many long winters, no matter how cold the weather gets. 

This Amana AMVM97 model review will help you figure out if this is the right furnace for you. Along with comparing it to three other Amana models, we’ll also cover all the important details about the system, including its features, specifications, warranty, pricing, and more.  

About the Amana AMVM97

Average Price (with installation): $5,500 to $6,100

Top Features

  • Low nitrogen oxide emissions
  • Has an advanced dehumidification mode
  • Self-calibrating modulating gas valve for optimal performance and efficiency
  • Variable-speed blower motor is quiet and efficient
  • Backed by an industry-leading warranty 
  • Designed for quiet operation 
  • Has the CoolCloud HVAC app
  • Equipped with ComfortBridge technology
  • ENERGY STAR® certification and high AFUE make for rebate eligibility
  • Compatible with the communicating ComfortNet smart thermostat  

The Bottom Line

The AMVM97 is a great furnace for Canadians with a decent budget who want a premium heating system. This is a modulating furnace with a variable-speed blower motor, so it offers the best of what any furnace can in terms of efficiency, quiet operation, humidity control, and temperature consistency. 

This model also has a secondary heat exchanger that reduces heat loss and fuel waste, and it comes equipped with self-diagnostics that make repairs easier to troubleshoot and diagnose. 

Finally, the AMVM97 has Amana’s two major exclusive technologies: the ComfortBridge technology and the CoolCloud HVAC app. ComfortBridge is a communicating tech that monitors the furnace for performance and communicates with the thermostat to improve indoor comfort and efficiency. 

The CoolCloud HVAC app is an app that contractors can use to connect to the system for faster and easier maintenance and installation. 

In Depth Review

Amana AMVM97 Product Specifications

  • AFUE: 98%
  • Burner type: Modulating
  • Blower type: Variable-speed
  • ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
  • Heating capacity: 58,800 to 97,000 BTUs

Features Overview

Amana furnaces come with a slightly higher price tag than some, but they also put time and effort into making sure their furnaces perform reliably for many years. Moreover, their confidence in their products is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry. 

Amana doesn’t have a ton of special tech or features, but they do focus on manufacturing dependable components. That includes a primary stainless steel heat exchanger made with a special tubular design for increased durability. 

Their furnaces also use a silicon nitride igniter instead of a pilot light, and this increases reliability and reduces fuel waste. 

Other Key Features

  • Has versatile installation applications that make it suitable for most homes
  • Provides continuous circulation of air through your house
  • Has a self-diagnostic control board that monitors for problems
  • LED fault code display facilitates troubleshooting and diagnostics for faster and more accurate repairs
  • Heat exchanger and blower are fully insulated for quieter performance and less heat loss
  • Has a heavy-gauge steel cabinet that’s thermally insulated for noise reduction and less air leakage
  • Durable and corrosion-resistant finish protects the cabinet and internal components 

Get Quotes

How soon are you looking to buy?*

Alarm
Alarm
Alarm

Warranty Information

We’ve mentioned that Amana has a great warranty, so let’s look at what that entails. The AMVM97 is protected by a:

  • Lifetime unit replacement warranty
  • Lifetime heat exchanger warranty
  • 10-year parts warranty

The unit replacement warranty is also protection for the heat exchanger, one of the most important components in the furnace. If the heat exchanger fails during the lifetime of the unit, then Amana will offer to replace the entire furnace rather than just replacing the failed component. 

It should be noted that Amana requires unit registration before they’ll provide these full warranty terms. Within 60 days of installation, go onto the Amana website and register the AMVM97. If you don’t, you’ll still get warranty coverage, but it won’t be as comprehensive or as long. 

Comparable Models by Amana

Model Comparison by Price: AMVM97 versus AM9S92

The AMVM97 is one of Amana’s most expensive furnaces, whereas the AM9S92 is one of their most affordable. On average, the AM9S92 costs between $4,200 and $4,800 to buy and install. However, there are a few ways the cheaper furnace could end up costing more in the long run.

First of all, the AM9S92 only has an AFUE of 92 percent, which doesn’t meet the Canadian government’s 2019 efficiency minimum of 95 percent. You’ll only be able to buy this model here if you find one that’s at least three years old.

Another thing is the AM9S92 has a less powerful single-stage burner, so it will be best for smaller spaces like cottages, apartments, or small houses.

As for the money, the AM9S92 won’t save you as much on energy bills compared to a high-efficiency unit, and over the years that could add up to a decent chunk of change. Finally, the AM9S92 isn’t likely to qualify for the high-efficiency rebates that the AMVM97 would be eligible for.

Model Comparison by Features: AMVM97 versus AMVC96

The AMVC96 is a mid-range offering from Amana, and although it’s not as sophisticated as the AMVM97, it’s still better than a basic furnace. 

The AMVC96 is a two-stage furnace, meaning it has a lower and higher speed at which it can operate. These furnaces aren’t as efficient as modulating ones, but they are superior to single-stage models. 

Amana’s AMVC96 has a 96 percent AFUE, ENERGY STAR certification, and the CoolCloud HVAC app and ComfortBridge technology, but it does lack the lifetime heat exchanger warranty. 

The trade-off is that the AMVC96 is several hundred dollars cheaper, but should still be powerful enough to keep larger homes warm through cold winters. 

Model Comparison by Tier: AMVM97 versus ACVM97 

The AMVM97 is one of two models in Amana’s premium tier, and the other is the ACVM97. These two furnaces are nearly identical in terms of features and specifications. 

They’re both modulating, variable-speed furnaces with secondary heat exchangers and self-diagnostics, and they both have the ComfortBridge technology and CoolCloud HVAC app. 

The only real difference between them is that the ACVM97 has a slightly lower AFUE of 97 percent, meaning it’s not quite as efficient as the AMVM97. Because of this, it will also be a little more affordable. 

The ACVM97 still has ENERGY STAR certification and excellent specifications, and will keep your home warm and dry through many winters, just like the top-of-the-line model. It should also be eligible for all the same rebates as the AMVM97, which could help offset the higher purchase price that comes with premium units.

Amana AMVS96-U Review

· · Leave a Comment

The AMVS96-U is one of Amana’s ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions furnaces. It’s a high-efficiency, single-stage furnace with an AFUE of 96 percent. It has a variable-speed blower motor and a special burner design that reduces the amount of NOx produced by the furnace. 

This Amana AMVS96-U model review will tell you all about the most important features for this furnace. It will talk about specifications, burner and blower type, warranty terms, price range, and more. 

The purpose of this review is to help you decide if the AMVS96-U is the right Amana furnace for your home, so we’ll also compare it to three other models that the company makes. 

About the Amana AMVS96-U

Average Price (with installation): $5,000 to $5,600

Top Features

  • Special stainless-steel premix burner makes for ultra-low NOx emissions
  • Secondary heat exchanger for improved efficiency and less fuel waste
  • Silicon nitride ignitor further reduces fuel waste by eliminating the pilot light
  • Comes with excellent warranty coverage
  • Boasts quiet operation 
  • High-efficiency AFUE rating
  • ENERGY STAR® certified  
  • Equipped with ComfortBridge technology and the CoolCloud HVAC app

The Bottom Line

The AMVS96-U may only be a single-stage furnace, but it has some more advanced components that make it a cost-saving high-efficiency furnace with ENERGY STAR certification. Those features include the secondary heat exchanger and variable-speed blower motor.

This model also has the special burner technology that reduces emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. 

However, because it only has a single-stage burner, the AMVS96-U is likely best for smaller homes or parts of Canada with milder winters. 

In Depth Review

Amana AMVS96-U Product Specifications

  • AFUE: 96%
  • Burner type: Single-stage
  • Blower type: Variable-speed
  • ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
  • Heating capacity: 57,600 to 76,800 BTUs

Features Overview

Amana cares about quiet operation, and the AMVS96-U has a number of features that reduce noise and vibrations to make your home quieter and more comfortable. 

Those features include the insulated cabinet, the induced draft blower, the heavy-gauge steel used for the cabinet, and the sound-isolated blower assembly. Furthermore, the cabinet insulation also reduces air leaks, making the unit more efficient. 

Beyond that, the AMVS96-U has also been designed for dependable and lasting operation, thanks in part to the heavy-duty primary heat exchanger with a tubular design, the heat- and corrosion resistant secondary heat exchanger, and the CoolCloud HVAC app, which can potentially extend the life of the unit by making maintenance and installation easier. 

Other Key Features

  • Equipped with self-diagnostic technology to monitor problems
  • Has an LED fault code display to make troubleshooting a breeze
  • Versatile installation applications 
  • Multiple venting options make installation easier 
  • Thermally insulated cabinet increases heat transfer 

Get Quotes

How soon are you looking to buy?*

Alarm
Alarm
Alarm

Warranty Information

The AMVS96-U is backed by Amana’s full warranty, which includes a lifetime heat exchanger warranty, a lifetime unit replacement warranty, and a 10-year parts warranty. 

The heat exchanger warranty means Amana will repair or replace the heat exchanger if it fails, the parts warranty is for all the other functional parts, and the unit replacement warranty means Amana will offer to provide you with a brand new furnace if the heat exchanger fails. 

To be eligible for these full warranty terms, however, you are obligated to register the AMVS96-U with Amana within 60 days of installation. Should you fail to register the unit, then you will lose some of the warranty coverage. 

Furthermore, you also have to have the AMVS96-U installed by a professional HVAC technician to keep the warranty intact. 

Comparable Models by Amana

Model Comparison by Price: AMVS96-U versus ACES96

If you’re looking for something in the same price range as the AMVS96-U, then you could consider the ACES96. However, the AMVS96-U has a few additional technologies and features that make it a more appealing model. 

For one thing, the ACES96 only has a multi-speed blower motor. These aren’t as efficient, they’re louder, and they’re not as good at maintaining a consistent temperature as the variable-speed blowers. 

Moreover, the ACES96 isn’t ENERGY STAR certified and it doesn’t have the ComfortBridge technology or CoolCloud HVAC app. 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the ACES96 doesn’t have the special burner technology, so it doesn’t qualify as ultra-low NOx emissions. 

Model Comparison by Features: AMVS96-U versus ACVM97

The AMVS96-U does have a few more features than some other Amana furnaces, but it doesn’t have as many as the premium-tier ACVM97. 

The most important difference between these two furnaces is the gas valve. The AMVS96-U is a more basic single-stage furnace, while the ACVM97 is a much more advanced modulating furnace. 

A modulating furnace can make incremental adjustments to the heating output so that your home is always at the perfect temperature without the furnace using a lot of energy. These are the most efficient furnaces on the market, and the ACVM97 has an AFUE of 97 percent. 

Thanks to the modulating gas valve, the ACVM97 will also be better at keeping a large home warm, better at maintaining the right temperature, and better at managing humidity. 

Aside from the difference in the gas valve, however, the AMVS96-U actually has many of the same advantages as the ACVM97, including ENERGY STAR certification, ComfortBridge, CoolCloud, a variable-speed blower motor, a secondary heat exchanger, and a high-efficiency AFUE.

Model Comparison by Tier: AMVS96-U versus ACVC96

The AMVS96-U and ACVC96 are both mid-range Amana furnaces, but the ACVC96 has one benefit that the AMVS96-U doesn’t: a two-stage gas valve. 

Two-stage gas valves aren’t as sophisticated as modulating ones, but they do have a high and low speed, making them more advanced than single-stage gas valves. 

With the two stages of operation, the ACVC96 can run at a lower speed most of the time and then kick into the higher speed when necessary to combat cold snaps and dips in the temperature. 

If you live in a part of Canada that gets colder winters, then the ACVC96 will be better equipped to keep your house comfortable. 

One thing that the ACVC96 doesn’t have, however, is the ultra-low NOx emissions. Nonetheless, it is still a high-efficiency furnace that will save you lots on energy bills compared to an older and less efficient furnace. 

Trane S9X1 Review

· · Leave a Comment

The S9X1 is one of Trane’s most affordable high-efficiency furnaces. It’s a single-stage model with an AFUE up to 96 percent, so if this furnace is powerful enough for your home, then it’s sure to save you plenty on heating bills compared to an older furnace. 

Good Trane furnace reviews will tell you the important facts you need to know about a furnace to make an educated decision. As such, this S9X1 review will talk about the average Trane furnace price in Canada for this model and all its main features. That way, you can decide if it meets your budget and your home’s heating and comfort requirements.

The S9X1 review will cover the S9X1’s design elements, warranty coverage, burner and blower type, efficiency rating, and more. We’ll conclude by comparing this model to three others from Trane so you can see how it stacks up based on price, tier, and features.

The Trane S9X1 in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $4,500 to $5,600

Top Features

  • Equipped with a constant torque ECM blower motor
  • Has Trane’s special Vortica II blower design
  • Has a secondary heat exchanger for better fuel economy
  • Compact and space-saving size
  • Protected by a standard warranty
  • One of Trane’s more budget-friendly models
  • Corrosion- and heat-resistant stainless steel heat exchanger 
  • Dual fuel capability  
  • Compatible with Trane’s air filtration system
  • Control board is self-diagnostic
  • Tubular stainless steel heat exchanger is heat- and pressure-resistant

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a Trane furnace in Canada, then the S9X1 might be a good option.

It has a few attractive design features, including the secondary heat exchanger that extracts more energy from the combustion process than a non-condensing furnace. That means you get more heat from the same amount of fuel and better efficiency.

And the constant torque ECM motor is a step up from a basic blower motor because it has more than one speed, and ECMs use less electricity and are more durable. 

It also has a high-efficiency and ENERGY STAR® qualifying AFUE of 96 percent, depending on the sub-model, and could potentially qualify for some rebates. 

But you should know that the S9X1 is a single-stage furnace, and for Canada’s colder winters, these furnaces are typically only suitable for small or maybe medium houses, like single-stories, condos, or townhomes. 

This is one of Trane’s more affordable high-efficiency units, and as long as it’s powerful enough for your home, then it could reduce your winter heating bills year after year compared to a mid-efficiency heating system.  

In Depth Review

Trane S9X1 Product Specifications

  • AFUE: Up to 96 percent
  • Burner type: Single-stage
  • Blower type: Constant torque ECM
  • ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
  • Heating input: 40,000 to 120,000 BTUs 

Features Overview

Trane’s single-stage furnaces don’t have a lot of special features or technologies, but one good thing the S9X1 has is a self-diagnostic integrated furnace control board. This means the furnace monitors and tracks its performance and can provide diagnostic details when something goes wrong. When you need maintenance or repairs, the diagnostics can make service faster and more accurate. 

Like many Trane furnaces, this one is equipped with their special Vortica II blower, which is a specially shaped blower that reduces noise and increases efficiency.

Beyond that, the only special feature the S9X1 has is compatibility with some other technologies, which require additional equipment purchases. 

For example, the S9X1 is compatible with Trane’s CleanEffects, a powerful whole-home filtration system that can drastically reduce allergens and unwanted particles from the air to improve your indoor air quality. 

Another compatibility the S9X1 has is dual fuel operation. That means you can integrate this furnace with an electronic heat pump. The system will then switch between the two fuels to save you as much money as possible on heating costs. 

Get Quotes

How soon are you looking to buy?*

Alarm
Alarm
Alarm

Other Key Features

  • Materials and parts are rigorously tested for dependability and long life
  • Special burner design that’s quieter and more efficient
  • Galvanized steel cabinet is pre-painted to protect internal components
  • Has a fuel-saving silicon nitride hot surface igniter that’s more reliable than a pilot light
  • Heat exchanger and blower compartments are fully insulated for better heat transfer and quieter operation
  • Made with heavy-duty, high-quality gaskets
  • Offers sealed combustion and a 100 percent outdoor air option

Warranty Information

The S9X1 is protected by a 10-year parts warranty and a lifetime heat exchanger warranty. However, to be eligible for those full terms, you will have to register a new furnace with Trane within 60 days of installation. 

Should you fail to register a new furnace, then the parts warranty will only last five years and the heat exchanger warranty will expire after 20.

Registration is relatively painless. You can do it on Trane’s website by providing things like your name and address, the contact details for the HVAC professional who installed the furnace, the date of installation, and the serial and model number of the furnace. 

And yes, you will have to hire a licensed HVAC professional to install the furnace if you want to keep your warranty valid and get the longest protection. 

Comparable Models by Trane

Model Comparison by Price: S9X1 versus S9X2

The S9X2 isn’t the most expensive model in Trane’s line, but you will need a larger budget compared to the S9X1. Canadians pay an average of $5,000 to $5,600 to buy and install the S9X2.

Nonetheless, these two Trane furnace models are similar in a lot of ways, including the constant torque ECM blower motor, secondary heat exchanger, dual fuel and CleanEffects compatibility, ENERGY STAR certification, and 96 percent AFUE.

There is one major difference, and that is that the S9X2 has a two-stage burner. Whereas the S9X1 can only operate at 100 percent capacity in the ON mode, the S9X2 has a high and low heat output. 

Two-stage furnaces are more powerful, more efficient, quieter, and better at maintaining a constant temperature throughout the house. 

Model Comparison by Features: S9X1 versus XC95m

The XC95m is Trane’s most advanced and most expensive model. You will pay quite a bit more for the top-of-the-line model, but you’ll also get more in return. 

The XC95m is a modulating, variable-speed furnace. That means it can make incremental adjustments to both the heat output and airflow. 

With an AFUE of 97.3 percent and advanced design elements, this furnace is powerful enough to heat any home in Canada, and it will be quieter and more efficient while doing so. It will also provide a more even temperature throughout the house while eliminating hot and cold spots.

Not only will the XC95m save you more on heating bills over the years, but it might also qualify for larger rebates. 

There are also some special features the XC95m has, including Trane’s patented Vortica II variable-speed blower, the Comfort-R enhanced dehumidification mode, and Trane’s communicating technology, ComfortLink™ II. That means it has a communicating interface, and you can unlock more features when you pair the furnace with a ComfortLink™ II smart thermostat.  

Model Comparison by Tier: S9X1 versus S9B1

The S9B1 is very similar to the S9X1 in many ways, including design elements and price point. They’re both single-stage furnaces with constant torque ECM blower motors, secondary heat exchangers, dual fuel compatibility, and the option for the CleanEffects air purification system. 

One important difference between the two models is that the S9B1 only has an AFUE of 92 percent. This means it won’t be as capable of heating some homes, and it won’t save you as much on heating bills over the years. 

And here’s something else you need to know: the Canadian government has recently increased the minimum efficiency standards for furnaces to 95 percent. That means furnaces like the S9B1 are being phased out, and you’ll only be able to buy one if it was manufactured before July 2019.

Cover of "7 Costly Mistakes People Make When Buying a New Heating of Air Conditioning System"

7 Costly Mistakes People Make When Buying a Heating or Air Conditioning System

Key things to know before buying a new heating or air conditioning system. GET INSTANT ACCESS!

"*" indicates required fields

Loading... Please wait

×