Tempstar Deluxe 96 – F9MVE Review

The Tempstar Deluxe Series F9MVE model is a two-stage, variable-speed  furnace with an AFUE of 96%. It has many energy-efficient features along with the coveted ENERGY STAR ® certification. The F9MVE is also a quiet model with technology that gives you control over the operation of your unit.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (installed): $5,170 - $6,000

Top Features

• AFUE: up to 96%
• The BTU input is between  60,000 and 120,000
• This model is ENERGY STAR certified
• It has a quiet operation

The Bottom Line

The Tempstar F9MVE is a reliable furnace that provides comfortable and efficient heating for your home and gives you a lot of control as a homeowner with an electronic panel. Warranties ensure that you won’t be left in the cold, should something malfunction. However, solid construction and a yearly maintenance check-up should ensure that that isn’t the case.

In-Depth Review

Tempstar Deluxe Series F9MVE

• Two-stage, variable speed electronically commutated motor (ECM)
• Soft-mounted motor and blower
• Insulated cabinet

Other Key Features

• Temperature limit control
• In-shot burners as well as hot surface ignition

Energy and Heat Efficiency

The variable-speed blower motor is efficient at circulating heat through your home. Since it operates with gradual speeds, you’re less likely to hear sounds from the fan whirring on and off. It is energy-saving since it only uses what’s necessary to pump heat through the ductwork. The F9MVE can also be paired up with two-stage cooling for air conditioning and a humidity-sensing thermostat to get rid of excess moisture in the air.

The two-stage gas valve saves energy by operating mostly on the lower stage, and going to the higher stage only when necessary, such as when it gets colder outside and your furnace needs to compensate for that. The F9MVE is dual fuel capable, so you can add a heat pump to save energy to create additional heat rather than using gas at 100% capacity. Aluminized steel heat exchangers help get more heat from the furnace, so you’re constantly working toward efficiency and less energy waste.

Electronic controls work to give you system diagnostics and constantly monitor the status of your unit. You can access this information from the ObserverⓇ Communicating Wall Control, to see the operation of the unit as well as additional accessories and air conditioners, should you choose to install them.

Quiet Running

To cut down on the noise factor, the F9MVE has a solid steel insulated cabinet. The blower motor inside is on soft-mount rubber gaskets to further reduce sounds. The sealed door has a tight-fit latch, to ensure less noise leakage. Though these serve to dampen operational noise, they also work toward efficiency to keep heat loss at a minimum.

Warranty Information

This model has a couple of warranties, including a fairly standard 10-year limited parts warranty that covers replacement parts if current ones fail under normal wear. There is also a 25+ year warranty on the heat exchanger and a 10 year replacement warranty that will cover the cost of a new unit if the F9MVE stops working.