Some questions for the Amana guys

[Pitter98]

Hi all,

I had posted here earlier about thoughts on replacing my system and have a couple questions on an Amana quote that I received.

On the furnace:

I am looking for a two stage 95% efficient furnace and was quoted on the AMH95 model - would it be worth it to move up to a ACVC95 or AMVC95 model? Is there any quality or performance differences between these models or is it mostly stages/modulating?

On the A/C:

I was quoted on the ASX13, but I am going to step up to the ASX14 for sure due to the lifetime unit replacement. Would it be worth it to step up to the ASX16 to get the two-stage compressor to go with the two stage furnace? I am just outside of Detroit, MI, so not terribly hot, but we do get some hot spells. We plan on staying in the house a long time, so I am willing to pay a little more up front for the long term savings.

On the warranty:

I was quoted for the 10 year parts and labor warranty through Amana - is there any way to verify during/after the fact that this has actually been purchased? It's not that I don't trust the guy, I just don't want to potentially find out 5 years down the road that I have a big labor bill to pay because something fell through the cracks.

Any thoughts or advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the all the help you guys provide.

[wahoo]

The variable speed blowers operate with much less electricity than the AMH motor. I'd request a copy of the registration of both the equipment and the optional labor warranty coverage within 30 days of purchase.:.02:

[BaldLoonie]

I wouldn't have anything to do with the AMH. A 2 stage furnace that only times to high vs the rest of the industry that can use a 2 stage stat that "knows" how much heat you need. I'd definitely want an AMVC. Probably wouldn't spend for the 2 stage A/C personally.

[hvacvegas]

On the furnace:
I am looking for a two stage 95% efficient furnace and was quoted on the AMH95 model - would it be worth it to move up to a ACVC95 or AMVC95 model? Is there any quality or performance differences between these models or is it mostly stages/modulating?

On the A/C:
I was quoted on the ASX13, but I am going to step up to the ASX14 for sure due to the lifetime unit replacement. Would it be worth it to step up to the ASX16 to get the two-stage compressor to go with the two stage furnace? I am just outside of Detroit, MI, so not terribly hot, but we do get some hot spells. We plan on staying in the house a long time, so I am willing to pay a little more up front for the long term savings.

On the warranty:

I was quoted for the 10 year parts and labor warranty through Amana - is there any way to verify during/after the fact that this has actually been purchased? It's not that I don't trust the guy, I just don't want to potentially find out 5 years down the road that I have a big labor bill to pay because something fell through the cracks.

Any thoughts or advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the all the help you guys provide.


The ACVC is a counterflow only furnace. Unless your supply is on bottom, you would not be using that particular furnace.

I went with a AMVC95 in my parents home. They love it.

You have not mentioned a "modulating" furnace model number yet.
The current amana modulating unit is the AMVM.
Personally, for what amana is offering, it's not worth the extra cash, for that particular model. Don't wanna get into it.

I would suggest the AMVC.
I would at a minimum go with the ASX14. You can get more control on the humidify levels in your house (during the summer) with the ASX16. I would personally go with the AS*16.

What I haven't heard yet, is how your going to use a heat pump, instead of the ASX14 you've mentioned.

Why not get the ASZ16, 2 stage, heat pump. Use the heat pump during mild weather, use the gas during the harsh winter, soak every last buck you can.


Whatever you choose, I would want a Honeywell IAQ thermostat.
Seriously, best product from honeywell since the T-87. (round dial thermostat).


As you can see, the bald one doesn't approve the AMH, and has been using the same line for ATLEAST 2 years. Probably more.
He's right. Unless your looking for a decent, inexpensive furnace without anything special. Plain jain, but inexpensive.

As far as the warranty goes, make sure your company registers it. Over here, we register it, and include confirmation in a packet of information we send to you. If we don't hear from you in 2.5 weeks, we call you, to make sure you got it.
Some companies feel thats a little over the top though. Depends on your contractor.

[wahoo]

Just make sure the contractor sends you a copy of the registration of both the units and the extended labor warranty for your own records. We use a lot of the AMH units and set them on "auto" so the board will switch from 1st to 2nd stage based on previous cycles. While this is not a "true" two stage unit, they seem to work fine at a reasonable cost along with good warranty. I've got the GMH in my own home!
Just make sure your units get registered and you get the copies! Some contractors are really poor about registration paperwork.:.02: