Archives for June 2017

Lennox Furnace Reviews: Pros, Cons, Performance, Top Picks

This Lennox furnace buyers guide is designed to inform our readers about one of the industry’s best-selling brands. We’ve included the good and the bad of Lennox furnaces plus the best models in each class. This Lennox furnaces review can be used to compare this brand with other brands we’ve reviewed including Amana, Trane, and Goodman.

In 1895, Dave Lennox designed and manufactured the industry’s first riveted-steel furnace. In 1935, Lennox introduced forced-air heating systems. This history of innovation continued, and so did expansion as Lennox International developed a global reach. A public company since 1999, Lennox owns several other HVAC brands such as Armstrong Air and Ducane. They all have different product lineups.

Lennox Furnaces Brand Overview and Lennox Furnace Reviews

The current catalog of 10 Lennox furnaces are divided into three series in basic/better/best quality by our Lennox furnace reviews:

Best – Dave Lennox Signature Collection: 2 models;
Better – Lennox Elite Series: 5 models;
Basic – Lennox Merit Series: 3 models.

Another way to look at the lineup is by dividing Lennox furnace models by efficiency and performance:

Efficiency: 80% AFUE furnaces and 90%-plus AFUE furnaces;
Performance: 5 single-stage furnaces from the Merit and Elite Series; 3 two-stage furnaces in the Elite Series; 2 variable-capacity furnaces in the Signature Series.

Lennox Furnaces Technical Specifications

Here’s a closer look at what the various Lennox furnace models offer:

The four Lennox 80% AFUE furnaces have single heat exchangers. So they transfer an inefficient 80% of the heat they create into your home’s ductwork;
Lennox single-stage 80% furnaces are affordable. But they run on full capacity and might heat past the thermostat setpoint;
Lennox mid-price and high-price two-stage models run on low capacity most of the time for more balanced heating;
The top pick among the 80% furnaces is the Signature Collection Lennox SL280V with a two-stage gas valve;
Lennox 90% and higher efficiency furnaces are found in all series. They have an efficiency as high as 98.7% in the top-pick Signature Collection SLP98V;
The 90%-plus furnaces include single-stage, two-stage and the variable-capacity (with variable-speed blower) SLP98V. This one modulates in 1% increments up and down to meet the exact heating needs in the home;
The SLP98V, EL296V, EL296E and EL195E have secondary heat exchangers. They allow these Lennox furnaces to utilize a higher percentage of the heat created for heating your home;
Most Lennox furnace models have units in a range from about 50,000 BTU to about 140,000 BTU capacity.

Pros and Cons of Lennox Furnaces

Knowing Lennox furnace advantages and disadvantages will assist you in comparing Lennox with other leading brands as you consider options.

Lennox Furnace PROs:

Because Lennox makes such a wide range of furnaces, you’re able to put together the right combination of efficiency and performance;
Lennox is typically among the top 10 brands in terms of customer satisfaction and mechanical reliability;
Lennox is a national brand. So finding a certified Lennox dealer and repair technician isn’t a problem;
The SLP98V and Lennox SunSource solar is a great combination for homeowners who want the greenest heating possible;
Choosing a 90%-plus Lennox furnace might cut energy use by 20% to 30% when replacing an old gas furnace;
Furnaces are available in upflow, downflow and horizontal configurations;
Since Lennox makes furnaces, ACs, heat pumps, whole-house dehumidifiers, ventilation products and thermostat/controls, it’s possible to install an entire HVAC system designed to work together;
Like all brands’ Energy Star furnaces, those made by Lennox might be eligible for rebates and credits from your utility company;
While Lennox makes thermostats, most Lennox furnaces can be controlled by other brands including White-Rodgers thermostats;
Lennox makes dual fuel heat pumps that can be installed with a gas furnace for the most efficient split-system heating option;
Also, Lennox makes most of its own replacement parts, so their quality is assured.

Lennox Furnace CONs

Lennox HVAC systems including furnaces are among the most expensive on the market;
While using proprietary replacement parts ensures quality, the parts cost significantly more than standard replacement parts. So repairs are pricier;
A second disadvantage of the proprietary parts issue is that Lennox sometimes has supply chain problems that make parts hard to get, slowing repairs by days or weeks;
Lennox warranties are not as good across the entire product line, especially just 5 years on parts in the Elite and Merit Series, as warranties from competitors like Amana, Heil, Maytag and Goodman.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Lennox Furnace

Are you buying based on climate or your commitment to the environment? If the former, then the colder your climate is, the more cost-effective a 90%-plus furnace is. The extra cost over an 80% furnace will recoup through lower energy bills in 3-10 years depending on your climate and the specific furnace you choose. It’s also true that the longer you plan to stay in your home, the more sense it makes to buy a highly efficient furnace. An efficient furnace is a good selling point if you do put your home on the market.

If the environment is at the top of your criteria for choosing a gas furnace, then the solution is to buy one of the Lennox furnaces with 95% or higher efficiency. The Elite Series EL195E and Merit Series ML195 are affordable single-stage, 95% AFUE models; the two-stage EL296V at 96% AFUE and the variable-capacity SLV98P at 98.7% AFUE offer better performance at a higher cost.

The three performance levels – single-stage, two-stage and variable-capacity – give you cost vs. performance options at all efficiency levels. Do you want to pay more for enhanced indoor comfort? Would you prefer to pay less and put up with minor temperature fluctuations and a bit more humidity in summer? Either way, there are Lennox furnaces to suit your style.

Is a Lennox Furnace Right for You?

If you’re willing to pay a premium for better quality and reliability, with the chance of having your furnace down for a week or more should it fail during a winter cold snap, then consider Lennox. If you want a comparable brand with quicker repairs, Amana, Trane, Carrier and Bryant are a few to look at too.

Thanks for reading our Lennox Furnaces review guide. If it’s been helpful, perhaps your friends and followers would appreciate a link to it, so they can check out this furnace brand too. And if you have comments or questions, please share them here!

Amana Furnace Reviews: Pros, Cons, Performance

This Amana furnace buyers guide is a comprehensive review you can use to compare this brand with the other furnace lines we’ve reviewed including Goodman, Trane, and Rheem.

Started in 1934 in Amana, Iowa by George Foerstner to manufacture beverage coolers, Amana quickly became one of America’s most innovative companies. After decades as an independent producer of HVAC equipment, appliances and other household goods, Amana was purchased by the Goodman Company in 1997. This was to change Goodman’s reputation as a manufacturer of cheap, unreliable goods. Then, in 2014, HVAC giant Daikin purchased Goodman and its Amana brand. Today, Amana and Goodman product lineups are very similar, as these product pages for Amana and Goodman show. The chief difference is that top Amana furnaces come with premium parts.

Amana Furnace Brand Overview

HVAC professionals generally agree that Amana is among the top ten furnace brands for quality and dependability. Like the catalogs of all the best gas furnace brands, Amana furnaces can be categorized with two approaches:

Efficiency: 80% AFUE furnaces and 90%-plus AFUE furnaces;
Performance: Single-stage, two-stage and modulating/variable-capacity furnaces.

Note: AFUE is the annualized fuel utilization efficiency rating. This means the percentage of heat that the burner creates and passes through into the home’s ductwork. The broad spectrum of furnace options allows you to choose the right model for cost-effective heating in your climate and/or the level of comfort control you expect.

Amana Furnace Technical Specifications

Let’s dig deeper into the Amana furnace product lineup:

The seven Amana 80% AFUE gas furnaces waste 20% of the heat created. But this is because they have a single heat exchanger;
These 80% furnaces are available in single-stage and two-stage models. The top pick is the two-stage Amana AMVC8/ADVC8 with a multispeed blower fan;
Single-stage furnaces run at full capacity whenever heating. So they are loud and have the tendency to heat past the thermostat set point;
Two-stage models like top pick AMVC96 run on low capacity most of the time to heat more quietly with evener temperatures. But they can run at 100% capacity when you want a quick rise in temperatures;
The eight Amana furnace models with 90% AFUE efficiency and higher, including top pick AMVM97, have a secondary heat exchanger. This one transfers more heat out of the combustion gases as they are vented;
In addition to single-stage and two-stage models, Amana makes high-efficiency furnaces with modulating gas valves. These vary the heat created in increments of about 1%. This is to deliver precise and efficient heating;
Blower options include multi-speed fans and variable-speed fans. The fans sync with the gas valve to improve heating comfort;
Amana furnaces are made in a wide range of capacity models. They range from about 40,000 Btu/hour to about 140,000 Btu/hour;
Amana furnace models are available in upflow/horizontal and downflow/horizontal configuration to meet your installation requirements.

Pros and Cons of Amana Furnaces

These Amana furnace advantages and disadvantages can be compared with those from the other brands we’ve reviewed. Meanwhile, you can consider the best choice for your home or light-commercial setting.

Amana Furnace PROs:

Amana consistently ranks among the top furnace lines for reliability in a group that includes American Standard, Trane, Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, Rheem and Ruud;
The tubular stainless steel primary heat exchanger on the AMVM97, ACVM97, AMVC96, AMEH8 and other top models is known for its durability;
Continuous fan mode on most models offers better air circulation and filtration and increased de-humidification when the system is in air conditioning mode;
The ComfortNet Communications system and thermostat available with top Amana HVAC systems is designed to coordinate components to deliver the most comfortable and efficient heating and cooling;
The 16 Amana furnace models give you good options for your climate, budget and heating needs;
Amana makes complete HVAC systems including furnaces, heat pumps, ACs and thermostats;
Any brand of thermostat can be used to control an Amana furnace;
The Amana warranty on top models is one of the best in the industry. It has a heat exchanger coverage that provides for an entire new furnace if the heat exchanger fails and 10-year general parts coverage;
Amana’s five Energy Star certified gas furnaces qualify homeowners for utility credits and/or rebates from many energy providers;
Amana is a national brand. So, installation, maintenance and repair are available across the US. Moreover, you can easily obtain repair parts;
While using a certified Amana repair technician ensures proper maintenance and repair, any HVAC technician can repair Amana furnace models;
Registering an Amana furnace online to ensure full warranty coverage takes just a few minutes.

Amana Furnace CONs:

You must register your furnace with Amana within 60 days to get full warranty coverage;
The ComfortNet Communications system costs an extra $400+;
Most Amana furnaces are sold through the brand’s network of dealers with costs that include installation. So comparing prices without getting in-home written estimates is difficult;
The most affordable Amana furnace models have a lifetime heat exchanger replacement warranty. But it doesn’t cover labor costs, which can be as much as a new furnace.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Amana Furnace

Amana is a top-tier brand in terms of quality and durability, and its prices are higher than bargain brands. If long-term durability is important, an Amana furnace is a good choice. For lower costs for a short-term furnace, consider brands like Goodman, Payne, and Aire-Flo.

Your climate is a consideration for cost-effective equipment and heating. In short, the colder your climate is, the more it makes sense to spend the extra money on an efficient furnace. So the additional cost will recoup through lower energy bills in three to ten years, depending on your climate and the furnace. If your goal is green heating, then choosing the most efficient furnace you can afford makes sense in a cold climate. But in a warm climate, a heat pump is a more efficient way to heat than a furnace.

Make sure your furnace contractor properly sizes your furnace. If your home’s insulation now requires more or if you installed more efficient windows since you’ve purchased the last furnace, your new furnace should be a smaller unit because your home doesn’t require as much heat.

Final Thoughts on Amana Furnaces

To ensure the best pricing for your new furnace, get estimates in writing from several HVAC companies that understand they are competing for the sale. The quality of the installation is so important. Therefore, also check the level of training and experience the installers have before hiring a company.

Have you owned an Amana furnace? If so, do you recommend this brand? Feel free to share your comments for the benefit of other readers. And if this Amana furnace review guide has been helpful, perhaps your friends and followers on social media would appreciate it too.

Image: depositphotos.com.

Amana PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) Reviews

This Amana PTAC Guide is a detailed review of Amana packaged terminal air conditioners and heat pumps. You’ll find Amana PTAC reviews and top models, technical specifications for the units and pros and cons of Amana packaged terminal ACs compared to other HVAC options.

You can also read our Amana AC review. While you can primarily use Amana PTAC units in commercial settings, they are an option for some homes too.

Amana PTAC Brand Overview

The Amana Corporation was founded in Amana, Iowa in 1934 during the Great Depression. It soon became one of America’s iconic brands. Amana was purchased by the Goodman Company in 1997. In turn, Goodman and the Amana brand were acquired by global HVAC leader Daikin in 2012. Amana PTAC units are manufactured in:

9 AC models designated PTC in the model numbers;
8 Heat pump models designated PTH.

Amana PTAC units are assembled in plants in Tennessee and Texas using domestic and foreign parts.

Amana PTAC Technical Specifications

The Amana PTAC AC-only and heat pump models are available in capacities of 7,000, 9,000, 12,000, 15,000 and 17,000 Btu/hour;
AC-only PTACs have a 3.5kW electric heat coil option. It provides inefficient electric resistance heating for emergencies and occasional cold weather;
Amana PTAC heat pump models circulate refrigerant to move heat from inside out in AC mode and outside in when heating;
You can use the PTAC heat pumps in hydronic heating systems to heat water that circulates through in-floor or baseboard heat systems;
Both 208-volt models for residential/light commercial and 265-volt models for heavy commercial use are available in AC-only and heat pump units;
The Amana DigiSmart PTAC energy management system (EMS) can reduce energy use with wireless control of commercial units from a central location. It also includes occupancy sensors that automatically turn down the system when the room is empty;
Amana makes complete PTAC installation accessories. These include wall sleeves, outdoor grilles, condensate drain kits and sub-base kits;
Amana brand wired and wireless thermostat models are available to control PTAC units;
You can place wireless thermostats using antennae communications at a distance from the unit and use them with the DigiSmart EMS system.

Pros and Cons of Amana PTAC Units

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Amana PTAC heating and cooling systems.

Amana PTAC Pros

The range of capacities from 7,000 to 15,000 Btu give you size options for small rooms to large spaces and suites;
AC with electric resistance heat and heat pump models allow you to choose the right units for your climate;
Amana PTAC have in their design commercial-grade parts for outstanding durability;
Wireless thermostats and the ecofriendly DigiSmart system have the potential to reduce energy consumption and cost by 35%;
DigiSmart’s web-based monitoring allows for control of all a building’s PTAC units from an offsite, front desk or home office location. Then, the system sends PTAC maintenance reminders;
Occupancy sensors progress through temperature setbacks of up to 8 degrees over three hours when the room is unoccupied;
The most efficient Amana PTAC heat pump is the PTH093G with a 12.0 EER rating. This is an efficiency level competitive with top brands like LG and Friedrich;
The most efficient AC-only units are the PTH073G and PTC074G 11.7 EER units;
Amana’s packaged terminal air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant. It is less damaging to the environment than older refrigerants like R-22;
Room Freeze Protection in Amana PTAC units activate the resistance heat coil or hydronic heat. This happens when room temperature drops to 40 degrees F;
Compressor limiting switches prevent short-cycling that can lead to mechanical failure;
On heat pump models, if the compressor fails, the unit will automatically switch to electric backup heat;
Constant fan-on mode allows for continuous fan operation for air circulation or to improve dehumidification when the unit is in AC mode;
Amana PTACs start at less than $700. So, they’re more affordable than central AC systems and ductless systems.

Amana PTAC Cons

The most efficient model has an efficiency of 12 EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). But the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is not high enough. So no Amana PTACs qualify as Energy Star products with the potential for energy credits and rebates;
In general, PTAC units are not as energy-efficient as central air conditioners or ductless split systems like those from Mitsubishi;
Amana’s warranty on its PTAC is full coverage the first year. Functional parts and sealed system coverage in years two through five is average but not exceptional within the industry.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Amana PTAC

These are primarily designed as commercial units that offer better efficiency and control than traditional room air conditioners and quieter operation in rooms and small spaces.

If winters are mild in your location, an AC Amana PTAC with an electric resistance heat backup that you will use in the occasional cold snaps is a cost-saving choice over the more expensive heat pump models. Where winters are cold, a heat pump PTAC is the better solution. This is because heat pumps are far more efficient than resistance heat sources.

A PTAC might be a cost-effective choice if you’re a homeowner who wants to spend less on the equipment. This is in comparison with the cost of a traditional split HVAC system or a ductless system, but only if:

You’ve got a small space to heat and cool such as a room addition or garage converted to living space;
You live in a temperate climate such as coastal California, Hawaii or low-mountainous regions of New Mexico, Colorado or North Carolina that requires little heating or cooling.

Saving Money on PTAC Units

Sales and installation of PTAC units is competitive. But this is only if you receive multiple estimates and let the bidders know that’s what you’re doing. Request estimates from commercial HVAC contractors with a track record of quality installation and prompt customer service.

We trust our Amana PTAC review has allowed you to research this leading commercial HVAC brand. If it’s been helpful, others would likely benefit from the information too if you’ll pass it along on social media.

Amana Air Conditioner Reviews: Pros, Cons, Performance

Our Amana AC guide is your one-stop place to research for the right Amana central air conditioner. Then, you can decide if the brand is a good choice for your residential or commercial space. The information below allows you to browse Amana air conditioner performance with technical specification and top units in each class.

Amana AC pros and cons offer insight for comparing this brand with others we’ve reviewed. Our reviews include Goodman, Bryant, and Carrier.

Amana Air Conditioner Brand Overview

George Foerstner designed and started manufacturing a beverage cooler in Amana, IA, in 1934. His company grew into the Amana Corporation and enjoyed decades of innovative productivity. Some examples are the first upright freezer and first side-by-side refrigerator. In 1997, Goodman Manufacturing acquired Amana. The company maintained it as a separate brand but with a nearly identical product lineup to Goodman’s.

The next chapter began in 2014 when global HVAC giant Daikin acquired both brands. Currently, the Amana air conditioner lineup is being upgraded to make Amana/Daikin one of the top five to ten brands in the industry. This places them alongside Trane/American Standard, Carrier/Bryant, Maytag/Westinghouse and Lennox. Goodman remains the leading budget brand of HVAC equipment.

Amana Air Conditioner Technical Specifications

The eight Amana air conditioner models perform well in three classes:

Base Amana ACs: These single-stage air conditioners with SEER ratings for efficiency between 14 SEER and the top pick in this series, the 16 SEER Energy Star-qualified Amana ASX16 central AC;
Better Amana air conditioners: The ASXC16 with 16 SEER efficiency and the ASXC18 with 19 SEER efficiency, contain a two-stage scroll compressor for low-capacity/high-capacity cooling. This tool is quieter, reduces humidity better than single-stage models and improves temperature balance;
The Amana AVXC20 is the best Amana air conditioner currently available. It has an outstanding 24.5 SEER rating made possible with the inverter technology compressor. The compressor runs at variable speed like cruise control with slight modulations. It aims to deliver precise cooling and premium dehumidification;
Both Amana two-stage models and the variable speed AVXC20 are wired for an Amana ComfortNet Communications thermostat. This is a $500 upgrade that synchronizes system components to ensure the best possible performance and efficiency;
As with all brands, superior efficiency and climate control go hand in hand. This is because the longer, slower cycles of two-stage and variable-capacity compressors make the best use of energy too.

Pros and Cons of Amana Air Conditioners

With the acquisition by Daikin, Amana is once again an industry leader. Here are reasons to consider Amana and a few potential disadvantages too.

Amana AC Pros

The range of models in price, performance and efficiency create options for homeowners in all climates;
Try replacing an old AC with a 19 SEER Amana ASXC18 or the 24.5 SEER Amana AVXC20. Then, you’ll get eco-friendly cooling that will cut energy costs up to 60%;
The 24.5 SEER efficiency of the AVXC20 is in the top three of all models with the Lennox XC25 (26 SEER) and Maytag PSA4BI (25.5 SEER);
Amana air conditioner models that qualify for Energy Star might also be eligible for energy rebates. So check with your local unity company or look for local rebates;
Amana warranties are among the very best in the industry. They include a complete unit replacement warranty, covering the compressor on the top models;
Even the base models ANX13 and ASX13 have 10-year warranties. All this time, base models from top brands like Carrier come with 5-year warranties and a higher price. That makes Amana a very good value;
Amana air conditioners consistently receive verified user ratings above 90%, often as high as 98% recommendations.

Amana AC Cons

The upgrade to Amana products has happened in the last few years. So if you choose Amana, make sure the equipment you receive was made in 2016 or later. This way you also ensure you’re getting a superior AC or complete HVAC system;
As of this writing, none of the Amana control/thermostats are Wi-Fi enabled for controlling your system remotely using your phone and an app. But there are Wi-Fi thermostats like the ecobee3 and the 3^rd generation Nest thermostat that support Amana systems;
With the upgrade in the quality of the Amana air conditioner lineup, it is likely that prices might rise and costs will be higher. But Goodman’s lineup that Amana was once identical with should remain a best seller in the low-cost HVAC market niche;
There might be some early confusion about Amana’s old and new units. This is because the newer models need Daikin replacement parts, not the old Amana parts. But the confusion should be cleared up within the first few years. Also, new ACs shouldn’t require much service anyway.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Amana Air Conditioner

Efficiency: The hotter and more humid your climate is on this Climate Zone map and/or the longer you plan to stay in your current home, the more cost-effective it is to buy a very efficient Amana air conditioner. It can be the 19 SEER ASXC18 or the 24.5 SEER AVXC20. In cool climates where running the AC is an occasional need, a moderately efficient model like the ANX13 or ANX14 cost less compared with more efficient models.
Eco-friendliness: If minimizing your environmental impact is important to you, then buy the most efficient AC model you can afford. Keep it maintained to run as efficiently and durably as possible.
AC vs. heat pump: ACs come with gas or oil furnaces, most of the time. But did you know that a heat pump is a more efficient way to heat than even an efficient gas furnace? And heat pumps provide air conditioning too. If you’re buying the equipment for new construction or are replacing an entire HVAC system, talk to your HVAC contractor about heat pump or dual fuel heat pump options.
AC size: If you’ve added insulation or upgraded windows with energy-efficient glass, your replacement AC probably doesn’t need to be as large as the old one. It also shouldn’t be so. Talk to your contractor about doing a Manual J load calculation to accurately size the unit.

Choosing and Cooling

The best way to get a quality Amana air conditioner properly installed is to request estimates from three of the top HVAC companies in your area. Look for an experienced installer that is licensed, insured and has a proven track record of quality installation and excellent customer service.

We make HVAC research easy, and we hope it’s been interesting too. If your friends and followers might be researching an AC or HVAC system for their homes, perhaps they’d benefit from you sharing this Amana AC guide with them!