Amana ACES96 Review

Amana’s ACES96 is only a single-stage furnace, but its multi-speed ECM blower motor and secondary heat exchanger improve the performance to the point where this model has a high-efficiency AFUE of 96 percent.

This is a mid-tier furnace from a mid-range brand, so you do need a moderate budget to afford the ACES96.

In this Amana ACES96 model review, we’ll go over the furnace’s top features, design specifications, and warranty terms. We’ll also compare it to some other Amana models. That will help you decide if upgrading to the ACES96 makes sense for your home.

About the Amana ACES96

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

Top Features

• Secondary heat exchanger for improved efficiency and reduced heat loss and fuel waste
• Multi-speed ECM blower motor is quieter, more efficient, and reduces maintenance requirements
• Heavy-duty cabinet and special blower assembly make for quiet operation
• Insulated cabinet reduces air leaks and maximizes heat transfer
• Comes equipped with self-diagnostics that monitor the system for performance and maintenance needs
• Has an LED fault code display to make diagnostics and troubleshooting faster and easier

The Bottom Line

The ACES96 is perfect for Canadians who live in smaller homes or slightly warmer climates. But its single-stage burner probably isn't sufficient to keep a large house warm through Canadian cold snaps.

However, it does have a more advanced multi-speed ECM blower compared to a standard furnace, and a secondary heat exchanger for better energy efficiency.

This model isn't ENERGY STAR certified, but it does have an AFUE rating of 96 percent. That means it qualifies it as a high-efficiency furnace. It’s also backed by an excellent warranty, but it doesn’t have any of the special features that some mid-tier and premium Amana furnaces have.

In Depth Review

Amana ACES96 Product Specifications

• AFUE: 96 percent
• Burner type: Single-stage
• Blower type: Multi-speed ECM
• ENERGY STAR rated? No
• Heating capacity: 38,440 to 115,320 BTUs
• Price range: $5,000 to $5,600

Features Overview

Along with quiet operation, the ACES96 has also been designed for versatile installation and easy maintenance. The flexible installation options make it a good fit for most homes. Further, the self-diagnostics mean you could potentially save on labour and repair costs over the years.

Another great thing about this furnace is that it has been built to last. It has many features that protect the important components so they’ll withstand many years of use. Amana also stands behind their durability claims with a lengthy warranty.

Other Key Features

• The unit is protected by a heavy-duty steel cabinet
• Has a corrosion-resistant finish to increase durability and longevity
• Dependable heat exchanger has a unique design that improves durability
• Provides continuous air circulation to keep air flowing through your house
• Equipped with a silicon nitride igniter that reduces fuel waste and eliminates maintenance problems associated with pilot lights

Warranty Information

Amana has industry-leading coverage for all their furnaces, and the ACES96 comes with the following warranties:

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

The unit replacement warranty means that if the heat exchanger fails during the lifetime of the unit, then Amana will offer to provide a brand new furnace rather than just replacing the old heat exchanger.  

To be eligible for the full warranty terms, you have to register the ACES96 online with Amana within 60 days of it being installed. If you don’t register, the furnace will still be covered under warranty, but the terms will be shorter.

Comparable Models by Amana

Model Comparison by Price: ACES96 versus AMVS96-U

The AMVS96-U is in a similar price range to the ACES96, but it has a few features and benefits that the ACES96 doesn’t have.

The AMVS96-U is also a single-stage furnace, but it has a more advanced variable-speed ECM blower and a special burner design that qualifies it as an ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions furnace. It’s also ENERGY STAR certified, which could mean it’s eligible for rebates that the ACES96 isn't.

Furthermore, the AMVS96-U is equipped with Amana’s proprietary technologies, ComfortBridge and the CoolCloud HVAC app.

ComfortBridge is a special communicating technology that enables important components within the furnace to communicate with your thermostat, and this can improve performance, comfort, and efficiency.

The CoolCloud HVAC app is an app that allows contractors to connect wirelessly to the furnace, and this makes installation, maintenance, and repairs faster and easier.

Model Comparison by Features: ACES96 versus ACVM97

The ACVM97 is one of Amana’s premium furnaces, so it’s more expensive and has more features than the ACES96. The average cost to buy and install the ACVM97 is $5,500 to $6,100.

The ACVM97 is one of the more advanced furnaces on the market because it has a modulating burner and variable-speed blower. This means it’s superior at eliminating hot and cold spots, managing humidity, performing efficiently, and operating quietly.

It’s also better equipped to heat larger houses in colder climates, and will save you a bit more money over the long-term on heating bills.

The ACVM97 has an AFUE rating of 97 percent, and it’s equipped with a secondary heat exchanger, self-diagnostics, ENERGY STAR certification, and Amana’s ComfortBridge technology and CoolCloud HVAC app.

Model Comparison by Tier: ACES96 versus AMVC96

The AMVC96 is in the same mid-range tier as the ACES96, and it also falls into a similar price range, but the AMVC96 has quite a bit more to offer.

For one thing, it has a more efficient two-stage burner and variable-speed blower, so it can operate at a lower speed most of the time to conserve energy and keep your house at the ideal temperature. It will also run quieter and manage humidity better, will be better equipped to keep a larger house warm, and could save you more over time on energy bills.

The AMVC96 is also ENERGY STAR certified, so there are potentially more rebates available for this model that could make the purchase price even closer to the less advanced ACES96.

Beyond that, the AMVC96 matches the ACES96 in terms of features like self-diagnostics, quiet operation, easy installation and maintenance, and continuous air circulation, but it also has the ComfortBridge technology and CoolCloud HVAC app that the ACES96 doesn’t have.