Amana ACSS96 Review

DISCONTINUED: Please note, this model appears to have been discontinued by the manufacturer, although it may still be available for purchase through distributors and contractors for some time.

The ACSS96 is a single-stage, multi-speed gas furnace with a heavy-duty tubular stainless-steel heat exchanger. With a 10-year parts limited warranty and 10-year unit replacement limited warranty, it stands out among other top Canadian selling brands.

The purpose of this Amana ACSS96 model review is to tell you important information about the furnace’s features, specifications, price, and warranty so that you can decide if it’s worth the investment.

We’ll also provide a model comparison with three other Amana models so you can see where the ACSS96 stands in terms of price and features.

About the ACSS96

Average Price (installed): $5,000 to $5,600

Top Features

• Self-diagnostic control board that makes maintenance easier and possibly cheaper
• Quiet multi-speed blower is superior to single-stage blowers that only have one speed
• Continuous air circulation mode keeps air moving through the filter and through your house
• Durable secondary heat exchanger reduces fuel waste and heat loss for better efficiency
• Low nitrogen oxide emissions

The Bottom Line

The ACSS96 is a good choice if you’re looking for a mid-range furnace that has some well thought out features, great warranties, and is energy efficient.

Although the ACSS96 does have a high-efficiency AFUE thanks to the secondary heat exchanger and multi-speed blower, the single-stage burner means this is a more basic furnace. It also doesn’t have ENERGY STAR® certification, and might not be eligible for rebates.

Finally, the single-stage burner is less powerful and efficient than two-stage and modulating alternatives, so in Canada, this furnace will be better suited for smaller homes or warmer areas of the country.

In Depth Review

Amana ACSS96 Product Specifications:

• AFUE: 96 percent
• Burner type: Single-stage
• Blower type: Multi-speed
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• BTU input: 40,000 - 120,000
• BTU output: 38,400 - 115,200
• Sub-models available: 0402BNAA, 0603BNAA, 0804CNAA, 1005CNAA, 1205DNAA

Features Overview

All Amana furnaces are outfitted with a primary heat exchanger that has a special tubular design and what they call wrinkle-bend technology, which basically means the heat exchanger is very durable and has excellent heat transfer.

Another great thing about the ACSS96 is that it has been designed to operate quietly. It has a heavy-gauge steel cabinet that’s thermally insulated, and this reduces noise while also increasing heat transfer and decreasing air leaks. It also has a blower assembly configuration that makes it quieter.

Finally, Amana units are engineered for durability and dependability, and part of that is thanks to the heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant cabinet that protects the integral internal components.

Other Key Features

• Has a superior silicon nitride ignitor compared to pilot lights that waste fuel
• Multiple installation options make installation easier and more flexible
• Can be integrated with a humidifier or electronic air cleaner
• Extended service plans available

Warranty Information

Amana offers a 10-year limited parts warranty on all functional parts. There is also a 10-year unit replacement warranty, meaning if the heat exchanger ever breaks, a new furnace will be provided at no cost.

To keep your warranty intact and to get these full terms, have the ACSS96 installed by a licensed HVAC professional and register the unit with Amana within 60 days of installation. An unregistered ACSS96 won’t have the same warranty protection as a registered one.

Comparable Models by Amana

Amana has a collection of quality furnace models at a range of prices. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective unit, a comparable unit, or a premium unit please visit our reviews on the following models:

Model Comparison Price: ACSS96 vs AMSS92

The AMSS92 costs about $4,200 to $4,800 to buy and install. It gives you the bare minimum in terms of specifications and features, but it’s still a decent and affordable furnace with a high-efficiency AFUE of 92 percent.

It has a smart and quiet design and Amana’s generous warranty, but the ACSS96 doesn’t come with ComfortBridge, the CoolCloud HVAC app, or other smart features available with the upgraded units.

It also isn’t ENERGY STAR certified, and the lower AFUE makes this furnace even less equipped to keep larger houses warm during colder Canadian winters.

Model Comparison by Features: ACSS96 vs AMVC96

The AMVC96 is more expensive than the ACSS96, but it’s still in a similar price range, and you get a lot for the extra money. One thing you get is a two-stage, variable-speed furnace that’s quieter and better at keeping larger homes consistently warm.

It also has the ComfortBridge technology and CoolCloud HVAC app. One optimizes operation and the other makes maintenance easier by allowing contractors to wirelessly connect to the control board.

Lastly, the AMVC96 is ENERGY STAR certified, and combined with the 96 percent AFUE and two-stage operation, it could be eligible for rebates that even out the purchase price of the two models.

Model Comparison by Tier: ACSS96 vs AMES96-U

The AMES96-U is also a mid-range model and in a similar price range as the ACSS96, but it has a few additional perks.

One is that it qualifies as an ultra-low nitrogen oxide emissions furnace thanks to the special burner technology.

It’s also ENERGY STAR certified, has a superior ECM blower motor, and it comes with an additional lifetime warranty for the heat exchanger.