KeepRite Performance 96 N96VSN Review

KeepRite’s Performance 96 N96VSN is an entry-level model, but it has some appealing features that could make it a good fit for your home. It has an efficient and cost-saving AFUE, a variable-speed blower, an affordable price, and quality components that ensure lasting performance.

This Performance 96 model review will examine everything this gas furnace has to offer, including the efficiency rating, design elements, key features, average price with installation, and warranty certificate.

Then, this model review will also compare the Performance 96 to three other KeepRite models based on price, features, and tier. 

The KeepRite Performance 96 N96VSN in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3,500 to $5,500

Top Features

•  Decent warranty
• Efficient and high-performing variable-speed blower motor
• Additional features for quiet operation
• High-efficiency AFUE will reduce winter heating costs
• ENERGY STAR® certification guarantees a certain standard of efficiency and performance
• Specially designed primary heat exchanger for lasting operation
• Secondary heat exchanger makes for better fuel economy and heat extraction
• Relatively budget-friendly
• Variable-speed blower offers excellent humidity control
• Fuel-saving hot surface ignitor
• The electronic control provides system monitoring and diagnostics
• Dual fuel compatible
• Made with quality components to ensure reliable performance

The Bottom Line

The Performance series 96 is a relatively affordable entry-level gas furnace. It’s a high-efficiency furnace with single-stage operation, a variable-speed blower motor, an AFUE of 96 percent, and ENERGY STAR certification. 

If you're upgrading from an older and less efficient furnace, then you could stand to save quite a bit on annual heating bills. What's more, variable-speed blowers are quiet, efficient, and help to keep the temperature consistent throughout your home. 

A furnace with a single-stage gas valve is typically best for smaller homes or milder parts of the country.

At the same time, because of the additional design elements (like the variable-speed blower and secondary heat exchanger) and high AFUE, the Performance 96 could potentially have more residential applications in medium homes as well. 

In Depth Review

KeepRite Performance 96 N96VSN Product Specifications

• AFUE: 96 percent
• Burner type: Single-stage
• Blower type: Variable-speed ECM
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Heating capacity: 60,000 to 120,000 BTUs

Features Overview

KeepRite’s high-efficiency models like the Performance 96 are equipped with a specially designed heat exchanger called rigid press joint. 

This is a type of clamshell heat exchanger that doesn’t use welds for the joints, so it’s more resistant to heat, pressure, and cracking. As a result, these types of heat exchangers can have a longer life. 

Moreover, the Performance 96’s blower motor is an ECM style, and these are generally more energy-efficient and require less maintenance than standard blowers. 

Another way the Performance 96 can save you money on energy costs is with the silicon nitride igniter. It doesn’t waste fuel and is more reliable than a pilot light. 

Finally, the secondary heat exchanger inside the Performance 96 extracts additional heat from the flue gasses that would be wasted with a non-condensing furnace. 

Other Key Features

• Has a number of features to reduce noise, including a fully insulated cabinet, tight-fitting door latch, and soft-mounted components
• Insulated cabinet also increases heat transfer, thereby improving efficiency
• Compatible with HVAC accessories like air purifiers and humidifiers
• Standard safety features like the high temperature limit control prevent overheating
• Dual fuel compatibility means you can maximize energy savings by integrating an electronic heat pump and compatible thermostat
• Can provide enhanced summer dehumidification when paired with a humidity-sensing thermostat
• Equipped with a variable-speed induced draft combustion motor
• Pre-painted steel cabinet has a tight fit door latch system

Warranty Information

The Performance 96 comes with an industry-standard warranty that includes a lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year parts warranty. 

To be eligible for the full parts and heat exchanger warranty coverage, timely registration is required within 90 days of installation. An unregistered model will only have a 20-year heat exchanger warranty and five-year parts warranty. 

We highly recommend that you register your furnace. Just go online to KeepRite’s registration page and provide them with your contact details, the name of the licensed HVAC installer, the furnace’s model number, and some other basic details.

Comparable Models by KeepRite

Model Comparison by Price: Performance 96 versus Ion 98 G97CMN

The Ion series 98 G97CMN is KeepRite’s most sophisticated and most expensive furnace. On average, Canadians pay between $4,500 and $5,500 for the Ion 98 with installation. 

The Ion 98 is a modulating furnace with a variable-speed blower motor. The burner and blower can make incremental adjustments to the heat output and air distribution.

This keeps your entire home at the exact right temperature while using as little energy as possible. No matter how large your home or how cold the winter, the modulating burner will be able to keep your house warm. 

The Ion model also has an AFUE of 98 percent, so it would reduce your energy bills a little more than the Performance model. It also has a more comprehensive warranty, and it will likely qualify for more rebates.

Finally, the Ion has Wi-Fi technology and is compatible with KeepRite’s Ion System Control. That’s a smart thermostat that gives you access to features that increase convenience, comfort, and energy-savings.

Model Comparison by Features: Performance 96 versus QuietComfort 96 G96VTN

The mid-range QuietComfort 96 G96VTN has a lot to offer in terms of value. It’ll be pricier than the Performance series gas furnace, but you'll get more too.

For the additional cost, you get a heating system with two-stage operation. The furnace will be better at temperature control, heating larger homes, and keeping your entire house the right temperature, even though the two models have the same energy efficiency rating.

And because of the more advanced burner style, the Quiet Comfort series model is likely to qualify for more rebates than the Performance model.

Another perk of the QuietComfort model is that it comes with a five-year No Hassle Replacement limited warranty.

Model Comparison by Tier: Performance 96 versus Performance 95 N95ESN

The Performance 96 and Performance 95 N95ESN are nearly identical. They have the same warranty, burner, AFUE, price range, and more. 

However, the Performance 95 will be a little cheaper because it has a less efficient multi-speed blower and isn't ENERGY STAR certified. 

As such, the Performance 95 may not qualify for the same rebates as the Performance series 96. The blower might also use more electricity, and it won’t promise the same temperature control.