Amana Furnace Review

A complete Amana furnace review and buying guide, including prices, top model comparison, AFUE ratings, features, warranty info, and more. 

Article Contents

• Review of Amana’s Strengths and Limitations
  • Strong Points
  • Room for Improvement
  • Bottom Line
• Price Range
• Model Tiers
  • Basic
  • Better
  • Best
• Amana Furnace Models Overview
• Exclusive Features from Amana
  • The CoolCloud™ HVAC app
  • ComfortBridge Technology
• Warranty Analysis
• Amana Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats
• About the Company
• Amana FAQS

Amana furnaces are generally durable and reliable, and have been keeping Canadian homes warm for over 80 years. They have plenty of makes and models to choose from, including budget-friendly entry models and pricier models with some great features and cool technologies.

All Amana furnaces are backed by an excellent warranty, many of them have high AFUE ratings, and several are even ENERGY STAR® certified.

If you’re interested in purchasing an Amana furnace and want to know more about what to expect, then this is the review for you!

Also Read: The Best Furnaces for Canadians

Review of Amana’s Strengths and Limitations

Strong Points

Amana is a mid-range brand that offers fairly competitive prices (e.g. more than Goodman but less than Lennox or Carrier) but good value when it comes to efficiency and warranty coverage.

They’re a company with a strong history of reliable products, and they have a very healthy range of heating systems. They have high-efficiency furnaces ranging from 92 to 98 percent AFUE, and they have single-stage, two-stage, and modulating models to choose from.

Many Amana furnaces are ENERGY STAR certified, they're all designed for quiet operation, and the higher-end models also have a couple additional technologies beyond what a standard furnace might offer.

Plus, all of the models have at least one energy-saving feature, such as a two-stage or modulating burner, a secondary heat exchanger, and a multi- or variable-speed blower.

Finally, Amana has one of the best warranties, even for their cheaper entry-level models.

Room For Improvement

If there’s one area that Amana doesn’t necessarily outperform their competitors, it would undoubtedly be in the category of innovative technologies. They offer ComfortBridge technology and the CoolCloud HVAC app, which both provide consumers with a greater range of control over the temperature of their home. Although these are cool selling features, Amana isn't the only brand to offer tech like this.

The Bottom Line

Amana is a solid brand if you're looking for a high-efficiency furnace that has some great design features and specifications, such as advanced burners, ultra-low NOx ratings, secondary heat exchangers, easy installation, and quiet operation.

They also have a huge selection of furnaces at decent prices, and although they aren't the most affordable brand around, they do have a lot to offer for Canadians with moderate budgets. Plus, they back all of their models with a great warranty.

Amana doesn’t have a ton of novel features or technologies to offer, but they do have reasonable prices and quality-made furnaces that are durable and reliable.

However, these units are very similar to those of their parent company, Daikin, which also manufactures the more budget-friendly brand Goodman. Amana is essentially the premium brand, with a few additional features and somewhat better warranties than the lower cost Goodman brand.

➤ Get the BEST Prices on Amana furnaces: Fill out a free quote request here

Amana Average Price Range

$3,500 to $6,500 (with installation)

That’s obviously a pretty large price range, and that’s because there are so many things that can impact the final cost of a new furnace. Some of the factors that could affect the cost include your location (rural versus urban), how much competition there is where you live, the size and capacity of the unit, and the specific make and model you choose.

Most furnace manufacturers have entry-level models, mid-range models, and top-tier models. Entry models usually have the most basic features, lower AFUE ratings, and shorter warranty terms, whereas top-tier models will have the best features, highest efficiency ratings, and longest warranties.

Amana’s furnace prices can be broken down roughly like this (including installation):

• Entry-level models: $3,500 to $4,500
• Mid-range models: $4,500 to $5,500
• Top-tier models: $5,500 to $6,500

Finally, it’s always advisable to check for promotions and rebates from local contractors, the manufacturer, government, and utility companies, because you could shave hundreds of dollars or more off the price of your furnace. 

Amana Furnace Series

Basic

Amana’s entry-level economy models are single-stage natural gas furnaces with a guaranteed efficiency rating of 92% AFUE.

The units in this entry-level selection come standard with a multi-speed motor that matches comfort needs by automatically adjusting airflow, simultaneously reducing energy consumption as well as system noise.

Better

Available in either single-stage or two-stage variations, Amana’s selection of mid-range natural gas furnaces promise better comfort at a reasonable price. A majority of the offerings in this range are ENERGY STAR certified, promising AFUE ratings of up to 96%.

Best

These are Amana’s top-tier models, and these modulating and variable speed furnaces are some of the most efficient on the market. With AFUE ratings as high as 98%, you’ll undoubtedly be satisfied with these ENERGY STAR-certified products.

Additionally, the product’s ComfortHome™ technology guarantees an incredible amount of control for the consumer.

Amana Top Models Comparison

Amana AMVM97

Offering Amana’s highest AFUE efficiency-rating at 98%, the AMVM97 is an ENERGY STAR-certified product. Its self-calibrating modulating gas valve and variable-speed blower promise incredibly precise control, quiet operation, and enhanced energy-efficient performance, and it’s equipped with the ComfortBridge technology and CoolCloud app. It also has a secondary heat exchanger that reduces heat loss and improves efficiency. Here are the important stats about the AMVM97:

AFUE: 98%
Burner type: Modulating
Blower type: Variable-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Best
Price range: $5,500 to $6,100
Ideal for: Homeowners with a fairly high budget who are looking for a sophisticated furnace that promises excellent efficiency, humidity control, and dependable heat for long, cold winters.

Amana ACVM97

With an AFUE rating of 97%, this premium-tier furnace by Amana is a truly impressive option. Featuring many of the same features as the AMVM97, the ACVM97 has the ComfortBridge™ technology, CoolCloud app, secondary heat exchanger, and self-diagnostics. The only real difference between the two models is the ACVM97’s slightly lower AFUE rating. Let’s look at the relevant stats for the ACVM97:

AFUE: 97%
Burner type: Modulating
Blower type: Variable-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Best
Price range: $5,500 to $6,100
Ideal for: Canadians in colder climates with harsher winters who want excellent efficiency, rliable and even heat, great humidity control, and quiet operation. This is a good alternative if you have a high budget but don’t want to spend quite as much on the top-of-the-line model.

Amana AMVC96

Loaded with Amana’s innovative ComfortBridge™ and CoolCloud™ technologies, the AMVC96 is an excellent mid-range gas furnace option. This unit has a two-stage gas valve and secondary heat exchanger to achieve an efficiency rating of 96% AFUE. This furnace provides continuous air circulation, has a quiet blower, and is equipped with self-diagnostics for faster maintenance and repairs. Here are the important specs you'll want to know about:

AFUE: 96%
Burner Type: Two-Stage
Blower type: Variable-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $5,000 to $5,600
Ideal for: People with a mid to high budget who don’t want a premium unit but still care about energy efficiency, cost savings, quiet comfort, and features that make maintenance easier. Because this model has two-stage operation, it’s suitable for most Canadian climates.

Amana ACVC96

The ACVC96 is a two-stage furnace that promises high-efficiency performance. Its AFUE rating of 96% means that up to 96 cents of every dollar spent are guaranteed to warm your home. It’s a solid, ENERGY STAR-certified product. It has the same technological features as the other top-tier models, including the secondary heat exchanger, quiet blower, self-diagnostics, ComfortBridge technology, and CoolCloud app. However, it has a slightly less advanced two-stage burner, which is still quieter and more efficient than a single-stage furnace. These are the stats for the ACVC96:

AFUE: 96%
Burner type: Two-Stage
Blower type: Variable-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range:  $5,000 to $5,600
Ideal for: Anybody who wants a good balance between budget and efficiency. This two-stage model is great for just about any Canadian climate, and the design features ensure this furnace will keep your home warm and cozy all winter long, without you having to spend extra for a premium unit.

Amana AMVS96-U

This high-efficiency single-stage furnace is equipped with Amana’s ComfortBridge technology and the CoolCloud app for contractors. Its durable design offers lasting performance, and the ECM motor makes for better air quality, energy use, and temperature control. This model also has a secondary heat exchanger, and has special technology that warrants the ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions rating. Here’s a breakdown of the important information for this furnace:

AFUE: 96%
Burner type: Single-Stage
Blower type: Variable-speed ECM
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range:  $5,000 to $5,600
Ideally for: Environmentally conscious consumers who want to reduce the carbon footprint of their homes and reduce emissions. This is also a great furnace for people who want a budget-friendly and energy-efficient heating system, though it will perform better in slightly milder climates or smaller homes because of the single-stage burner.

Amana AMEC96

As a more economical option in the roster of Amana products, the AMEC96 has an AFUE rating of 96% that promises ENERGY STAR-certified reliability. It features a multi-speed ECM motor to ensure affordability, while the two-stage gas valve reduces energy demands and delivers outstanding comfort and humidity control. The AMEC96 also has a secondary heat exchanger, durable and reliable silicon nitride igniter, and quiet operation. This is some of the most important information about the model you'll want to know:

AFUE: 96%
Burner type: Two-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,800 to $5,400
Ideal for: Moderate budgets and people who want a more efficient and cost-saving furnace that will lower heating bills and improve humidity control and temperature consistency throughout the house.

Amana ACEC96

The ACEC96 is similar to Amana’s other mid-range models in that it’s a two-stage furnace that promises quiet operation, reliable performance, and energy-efficient operation. It has an advanced ECM motor for better temperature maintenance, lower energy use, less maintenance, and improved air quality. It’s also designed to be durable and resilient, so you should get many years of warm comfort from this furnace. It doesn’t have the ComfortBridge technology or CoolCloud app, but it does have a secondary heat exchanger and built-in self-diagnostics. Let’s look at the relevant specs:

AFUE: 96%
Burner Type: Two-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,800 to $5,400
Ideal for: Homeowners with a slightly lower budget who aren't looking for a premium furnace and don’t want additional bells and whistles. This is a great model for people who want energy-efficiency, quiet operation, easy maintenance, and even heat throughout colder winters.

AMSS96 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96%
Burner type: Two-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $5,000 to $5,600
Ideal for: Canadians living in smaller homes, or in slightly milder climates who don’t experience long, harsh winters and deep freezes. This model does have a secondary heat exchanger and high-efficiency rating, but the single-stage burner and lack of ENERGY STAR certification mean it probably won’t be eligible for rebates.

ACSS96 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96%
Burner type: Single-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Better
Price range: $5,000 to $5,600
Ideal for: Homeowners who want a basic furnace that’s good for milder winters or small homes. This single-stage model likely won’t be eligible for rebates because of the single-stage burner and lack of ENERGY STAR certification, but it will save money over an older low- to mid-efficiency furnace that doesn’t have a secondary heat exchanger.

ACES96 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96%
Burner Type: Single-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Better
Price range: $5,000 to $5,600
Ideal for: Canadians in warmer climates or small homes, who don’t need two-stage or modulating burners, and who aren't looking to get rebates when they upgrade their furnace. Although this model doesn’t have ENERGY STAR certification, it does have a multi-speed ECM blower and secondary heat exchanger for high-efficiency operation.

AMES96 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96%
Burner type: Single-stage
Blower type: Multi-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,500 to $5,500
Ideal for: People with a moderate budget who don’t need an overly powerful furnace. The single-stage burner paired with the secondary heat exchanger, higher AFUE rating, and multi-speed blower make this model good for smaller spaces in cold climates or medium homes in milder parts of the country.

AMES96–U Furnace Stats

AFUE: 96%
Burner type: Single-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
ENERGY STAR rated? Yes
Tier – Better
Price range: $4,800 to $5,400
Ideal for: Environmentally and budget-conscious consumers who want an ultra-low NOx furnace, or who live in places with stricter emissions standards. This furnace will perform best in slightly milder climates or smaller homes because of the single-stage burner and multi-speed blower.

AMSS92 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 92%
Burner type: Single-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Basic
Price range:  $4,200 to $4,800
Ideal for: Canadians who live in areas with mild winters—for example, places like Vancouver where it tends to rain more than it snows. The single-stage burner and 92 percent AFUE rating likely won’t be robust enough to keep most homes in Canada warm throughout the winter, unless you live in a small home.

ACSS92 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 92%
Furnace type: Single-Stage
Blower type: Multi-speed
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Basic
Price range:  $4,200 to $4,800
Ideal for: More temperate climates like the coastal areas of British Columbia, or compact homes. Even with the secondary heat exchanger and multi-speed blower, the single-stage burner and lower AFUE rating probably won’t keep a medium or large home warm enough in Canada.

AMES92 Furnace Stats

AFUE: 92%
Burner type: Single-stage
Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
ENERGY STAR rated? No
Tier – Basic
Price range: $4,200 to $4,800
Ideal for: People who live in more temperate areas of Canada or smaller homes because of the single-stage operation and lower AFUE rating.

Exclusive Features from Amana

Feature 1 –The CoolCloud™ HVAC app

What Amana says it is: An app that qualified HVAC technicians can download, allowing them to wirelessly connect to the furnace. This makes it easier to configure settings during installation or diagnose problems during maintenance. 

What it really is: Amana’s description of the CoolCloud HVAC app is pretty clear and accurate.  It’s an app for contractors that will connect them to the furnace.

During installation, the HVAC pro can use a phone or tablet to wirelessly connect to the furnace’s control board to install the unit faster. Similarly, during repairs and maintenance, the technician can again connect wirelessly to figure out what's wrong without having to take the entire furnace apart.

Is it more than just hype? The major benefit of the CoolCloud HVAC app for homeowners is that the app makes installation and repairs faster and easier, and this can mean lower labour costs. Labour is one of the main components of a repair bill, so if the app can reduce the amount of time it takes to diagnose a problem, then it could save you money.

Amana is one of the only brands that has an app that’s specifically for contractors, but their sister-brand Goodman also has the app.

The app isn't just hype, but lots of furnaces—including Amana ones—already have built-in self-diagnostics that can also be used to troubleshoot problems and reduce labour times. However, the app does allow contractors to add notes to the repair log, which can be useful for ongoing maintenance.

Feature 2 – ComfortBridge Technology

What Amana says it is: Special off-the-wall communicating technology that’s built-in to some Amana furnaces to optimize the performance of the furnace. The system uses a smart home algorithm to gather data, monitor the system, and use the data to make automatic adjustments that improve energy efficiency and comfort.

What it really is: A communicating HVAC system is one that has internal components that can share data with your thermostat in much the same way that you can use Bluetooth to connect different devices. Once the components are connected to the thermostat, the thermostat will use the data to adjust the heat and blower settings to make sure your home is the right temperature throughout, all while maximizing energy savings.

Is it more than just hype? Communicating technology can be an effective way to reduce energy costs and make sure your home is more comfortable throughout the winter without you having to constantly adjust the settings.

It should be noted, however, that these systems are more sophisticated than standard furnaces, so it can cost a lot more to repair them. At the same time, these systems have fewer wires, which tends to make installation easier.

Communicating technology isn't just hype, but Amana is not exclusive in offering it. Select Goodman furnaces have the exact same technology, and other brands have their own proprietary systems as well, including the AccuLink™ Communicating System from American Standard and ComfortLink™ II from Trane.

Warranty Analysis

The warranty terms

Amana offers excellent warranty coverage, and even their entry-level models are backed by a great warranty. Although the details vary, every Amana furnace comes with some sort of coverage for parts and the heat exchanger. Here are the specific warranty details for all the models:

Registration is required

Note that the unit must be registered online within 60 days of installation to qualify for the full coverage.

Should you fail to register the unit during the registration period, then you will lose some of the warranty coverage, including the lifetime heat exchanger warranty. Although Amana still ensures unregistered heat exchangers, the warranty won’t be for as long.

Conditions and restrictions

Aside from registration, you will have other obligations under the warranty conditions. For one thing, you have to have the unit installed by a licensed HVAC professional in order for the warranty to apply.

After installation, there are also regular maintenance requirements laid out in the owner’s manual that you'll have to take care of to keep the warranty valid.

How the Amana warranty measures up to the competition

Amana has an excellent warranty, despite not being a premium brand. Either through their lifetime heat exchanger warranty or the unit replacement warranty, every Amana furnace comes with lifetime protection for the heat exchanger, even their entry-level models.

There are a few brands that offer lifetime heat exchanger coverage for most or all of their models, including Napoleon, Luxaire, Goodman, Daikin, Coleman, and Armstrong, but Amana is one of the only ones to offer lifetime coverage for every unit.

Furthermore, while lots of brands have started offering unit replacement warranties, Amana is one of the only ones that offers lifetime coverage for so many units.

Be a happy homeowner when you purchase an Amana gas furnace. Fill out our online form and ask for a free quote.

Amana Add-ons, Extras, and Thermostats

Along with making furnaces, Amana also has a number of add-on products that can improve air quality, reduce humidity, add moisture to the air, and improve both circulation and ventilation. Let’s look at what HVAC extras Amana offers:

 Media, HEPA, and Electronic Air Cleaners

Media air cleaners are superior filters that get installed in your HVAC system to remove more contaminants from the air compared to a standard filter. Amana has several styles to suit different HVAC systems, and most of them have MERV 11 or 13 ratings. These are best for people who have minor to moderate air quality concerns.

For homes that need more powerful indoor air quality control, such as families with people suffering from asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues, Amana also has HEPA filters that can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Another option for heavy-duty air purification is Amana’s electronic air cleaners, which are available in three different styles and can eliminate particles as small as 0.3 microns.

 Humidifiers

For homes in drier Canadian climates, Amana has several models of humidification systems to choose from. Here are some examples of the humidifiers they have:

• Economy models of evaporative humidifiers that can provide between 12 and 17 gallons of moisture per day
• Premium models of evaporative humidifiers that can provide between 12 and 18 gallons of moisture per day
• Steam humidifiers that add sterilized moisture to the whole home

Dehumidifiers

On the other hand, for homes that struggle with too much moisture—either because of the construction of the home or because you live in a wetter climate—Amana also has three models of whole-home dehumidifiers that can eliminate anywhere from 65 to 120 pints of water per day.

UV Purifiers

Amana has two styles of UV purifiers: one for HVAC coils and one for the air.

The UV coil purifier gets installed on the evaporator coil of your heating/cooling system, where it uses the power of UV light to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. These are best for people who have experienced moisture problems inside their HVAC systems.  

UV air purifiers get installed in the ductwork and use UV to destroy microbes in the air being circulated around your house by your furnace or air conditioner.

HRVs and ERVs

Heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators are devices that continuously remove stale air from inside your house and replace it with fresh air from outside.

HRVs also recover some of the heat from the outgoing air to maintain the temperature of your home without overworking your HVAC system. ERVs recover heat and some moisture from the outgoing air.

HRVs and ERVs are a great solution for homes with little ventilation and airflow, especially if you're concerned with the spread of viruses and bacteria in your house.

HRVs are best suited for areas with mild and humid winters, and ERVs are better for places that get cold, dry winters and hot summers.

AMANA – About the Company

Amana has proudly been providing North Americans with premium, long-lasting products since 1934, when Amana, Iowa, resident George Foerstner built a dependable beverage cooler.

Two years later, the company introduced yet another innovative product: the walk-in beverage cooler, also known as a cold storage locker. This same spirit of pioneering and craftsmanship has stuck with the Amana brand for over 80 years with their products recognized as some of the most energy-efficient on the market.

Eager to learn more about Amana’s high-efficiency natural gas furnaces? Fill out an online quote request, and one of our representatives will be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quote. Consider an Amana high-efficiency furnace today.

AMANA FAQs

Is Amana worth the cost?

Amana has an established reputation, and they're known for making quality and reliable furnaces. They also have a great selection, and while they don’t have the cheapest prices, they also aren't the most expensive brand. You also get some excellent design features with Amana furnaces, including secondary heat exchangers and self-diagnostics. Plus, they have an excellent warranty to protect your investment.

Is Amana a better brand than Goodman?

There are two main things that separate Goodman and Amana: Goodman furnaces are cheaper, but Amana has a better warranty. Choosing between these two brands comes down to what's more important to you: purchase price or longer-term protection.

How long will an Amana furnace last?

We mentioned already that the average lifespan of a modern furnace is 15 to 20 years. But think about this: Amana warranties their heat exchangers for the lifetime of the unit, and this tells you that they expect their heat exchangers to last for about 30 years. As long as you take care of annual maintenance and get repairs done promptly, you could potentially get that long from an Amana furnace.