Amana ACVC96 Review

Another great mid-tier Amana product, the ACVC96 stands up to the challenge in terms of efficiency, quality, and value. As an ENERGY STAR® rated unit with two-stage operation and a variable-speed blower, the ACVC96 will help you maximize the power of your energy dollars, month after month.

This Amana ACVC96 model review will examine the important features of the furnace, including its specifications, burner and blower type, additional technologies, and warranty details. The review, which will also include a model comparison with three other Amana furnaces, will help make your furnace upgrade easier.

About the ACVC96

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

Top Features

• Works with the CoolCloud HVAC App, allowing technicians to connect to the unit wirelessly for fast and accurate diagnostics
• ComfortBridge technology monitors system performance and allows the thermostat to communicate with important components for optimum indoor comfort
• ENERGY STAR ® certification, making this unit a top energy saver
• Fully insulated for a quieter experience, especially in smaller homes
• Stainless steel heat exchanger and secondary heat exchanger for better efficiency and less heat loss
• Compatible with Amana’s ComfortNet communicating smart thermostat

The Bottom Line

The ACVC96 gives you incredible climate control thanks to the two-stage burner, variable-speed blower, secondary heat exchanger, and additional technologies. This model will be well-equipped to handle Canadian winters all over the country.

Furthermore, the unit is backed by an excellent warranty. Plus, the AFUE rating and specifications mean it could be eligible for certain rebates, which could offset the purchase price.

Finally, the ACVC96 will also save you money month after month on heating bills, especially if you're replacing an older and less efficient furnace.

In Depth Review

Amana ACVC96 Product Specifications: 

• AFUE: 96 percent
• Burner type: Two-stage
• Blower type: Variable-speed
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• BTU input: 40,000 to 120,000
• BTU output: 38,400 to 115,200
• Sub-models available: 0403BNA, 0603BNA, 0804CNA, 1005CNA, 1205DNA

Features Overview

Cool Cloud Technology

Exclusive to Goodman and Amana, CoolCloud connects technicians directly to your furnace, saving you time and money on assessments and service calls. With a Bluetooth connection to your control board, you can reduce manual time when diagnosing units.

Similarly, the app could also help reduce installation costs because contractors can use it when installing the unit to make sure it’s calibrated and running properly.

ComfortBridge Technology

ComfortBridge monitors performance, gathers data, and uses the data to make automatic adjustments to your heating and cooling. These data-driven climate control decisions are designed to use the least amount of energy and create the most comfortable environment in your home.

Other Key Features

• Has multiple installation applications for versatile installation in just about any home
• The heavy-duty cabinet is thermally insulated and protected by a durable finish to reduce noise and increase the longevity of the furnace
• Relies on a silicon nitride ignitor instead of a pilot light for more reliable operation and less fuel waste
• Has self-diagnostics and a LED fault code display for faster troubleshooting and easier maintenance
• Insulated cabinet increases heat transfer and reduces air leaks
• Primary heat exchanger has a special tubular design for a longer life

Warranty Information

This Amana model comes with a 10-year limited parts warranty. This includes all functional parts on the ACVC96.

Further, it’s also backed by a lifetime heat exchanger warranty for added protection. 

It also comes with a separate lifetime unit replacement warranty wherein if the heat exchanger on the furnace ever gives out, the registered homeowner can get an entirely new furnace rather than Amana replacing the part.

Something you need to know about furnace warranties is that most manufacturers, Amana included, require registration before they’ll provide the full warranty terms.

With Amana, after the ACVC96 is installed, you have 60 days to go online and register the unit with the company. Unregistered units are still protected, but not for as long.

 

Comparable Models by Amana

Amana has a fleet 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 by Price -  Amana AMVC96 versus Amana AM9S92

The AM9S92 is one of the most affordable Amana natural gas furnaces, costing an average of $3,000 to $5,000 to buy and install in Canada.

You will have to give up some great features with the cheaper unit, however. It’s only a single-stage furnace, and that means it won’t be as efficient, as quiet, or as good at producing an even temperature around the house.

Furthermore, the AM9S92 only has an AFUE of 92 percent, so it doesn’t meet the government’s newest efficiency regulation of 95 percent. Even if you can buy and install this furnace in your house (you’d have to find a model that was manufactured before July 2019), it will be best suited for smaller homes or houses in milder parts of Canada.

Model Comparison by Features - Amana AMVC96 vs. Amana AMVM97

The AMVC96 is a relatively advanced furnace, but the AMVM97 is even more sophisticated. It has a modulating burner and variable-speed blower motor that can make tiny adjustments to the heat output and airflow.

Furnaces like this produce precise temperatures, they're great at getting rid of hot and cold spots, and they're efficient and quiet.

Indeed, the AMVM97 has an AFUE of 98 percent, so it will save you even more on annual heating bills, though you will have to budget a lot more to buy it.

Beyond that, the AMVM97 has all the same standard and premium features as the AMVC96, including ComfortBridge, CoolCloud, a secondary heat exchanger, self-diagnostics, and more.

Model comparison by Premium Tier - Amana AMVC96 versus Amana AMEC96

The AMEC96 has a lot in common with this model, with the only major differences being that the AMEC96 has a less efficient multi-stage blower motor, and it doesn’t come with the ComfortBridge technology or CoolCloud app.

Other than that, the units are very similar. The AMEC96 has a 96 percent AFUE, a secondary heat exchanger, ENERGY STAR certification, all the same features that improve durability and longevity, and the same design specifications that promise quiet and reliable operation.