Amana ACVM97 Review

The ACVM97 is a modulating, variable-speed gas furnace with a stainless steel heat exchanger. This model is well-built and one of the more efficient units on the market. Because of the design and efficiency of this unit, you will save money on monthly energy bills. You might also qualify for a rebate when you buy the furnace.

This Amana ACVM97 model review is designed to help you decide if this is a good furnace for your home heating needs. We’ll discuss all the important details about this furnace, including its specifications, special features, price ranges, warranty terms, and more, and compare it with three other models from Amana.

About the ACVM97

Average Price (installed): $5,500 - $6,100

Top Features

• Secondary heat exchanger for improved efficiency
• CoolCloud app to allow licensed technicians to diagnose problems
• ComfortBridge technology for enhanced performance and more comfort
• Quiet operation
• Excellent warranty
• Self-diagnostics and LED fault code display make for easier troubleshooting and maintenance
• Variable-speed blower for quieter and more efficient performance

The Bottom Line

Amana’s ACVM97 is a high-performing unit that has some convenient technology and a good warranty. With features designed for quiet and efficient use, this furnace can keep a comfortable temperature in your residence while using the least amount of energy it can.

This is one of the most efficient furnaces on the market without being the most expensive. The ACVM97 should save you plenty on annual heating bills over the years. Further, the modulating burner, high AFUE, and ENERGY STAR® certification mean the furnace could be eligible for rebates. Finally, Amana’s excellent warranty could also save you money in the long run on repair costs.

In Depth Review

Amana ACVM97 Product Specifications:

• AFUE: 97 percent
• Burner type: Modulating
• Blower type: Variable-speed
• ENERGY STAR® certified: Yes
• BTU input: 60,000 to 100,000
• BTU output: 58,800 to 97,000
• Sub-models available: 0603BNA, 0803BNA, 0804CNA, 1005CNA

Top Features

CoolCloud Technology

The CoolCloud app gives licensed technicians the ability to connect to your furnace to analyze an issue quickly, saving the contractor time and you money. A bonus is that the app can show notes from previous technicians, so if a problem is particularly tricky, they’re not in the dark about where to start.

ComfortBridge Technology

ComfortBridge automates efficiency, allowing the furnace to adapt as necessary to ensure a comfortable temperature without you needing to intervene manually. This technology also works to use the least amount of energy it can to heat your space to an ideal temperature.

Other Key Features

• Thermal insulation around the thick steel cabinet reduces noise and improves efficiency by minimizing air leaks and increasing heat transfer
• Has continuous air circulation for constant filtration and improved indoor air quality
• Heavy-duty cabinet protects internal components for many years
• Silicon nitride ignitor is superior to a pilot light and more reliable
• Special heat exchanger design for increased longevity
• Flexible and versatile thanks to the multi-directional installation options

Warranty Information

The ACVM97 is protected by three separate warranties:

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

With the unit replacement warranty, Amana will offer you a replacement furnace in the event that the heat exchanger fails during the lifetime of the furnace.

Make sure you register the furnace with Amana within 60 days of installation if you want to be eligible for these full warranty terms. Unregistered furnaces don’t get the same protection as registered ones.

Comparable Models by Amana

Amana has a whole host of furnace models at prices that vary with the efficiency and power of the furnace. Our review covers the more affordable unit, a similar unit, and a higher-end unit to help you find what you’re looking for.

Model Comparison by Price – ACVM97 versus AMVC96

For a lower cost, roughly between $5,000 and $5,600, you can get the AMVC96, which is still an efficient furnace and quality-made.

The AMVC96 uses a two-stage burner rather than a modulating one like the ACVM97, so it has a lower 96 percent AFUE, making this model a little less efficient than the ACVM97. However, if you’re looking for something reliable and quiet, the AMVC96 is a good contender.

Model Comparison by Features – ACVM97 versus ACVC96

This model is similar in that it also uses a variable-speed motor to efficiently heat your residence, but its difference is due to the two-stage blower that is not as optimal as the modulating burner of the ACVM97.

However, the ACVC96 works hard to use only the first stage, which uses less energy, and only goes to the second stage for particularly severe temperature changes.

Model Comparison by Tier – ACVM97 versus AMVM97

The AMVM97 is Amana’s other premium model, and it’s even more efficient, with a 98% AFUE rating. Similar to the ACVM97, both models have modulating burners and variable-speed motors to optimize fuel use and keep your residence comfortable with less energy loss.

Both are reliable, ENERGY STAR units that are well-made, designed to last, quiet when they run, and excellent at eliminating cold spots and humidity issues.