Final Decision -- Carrier v. Amana?

[MIMatt53]

I initiated a thread over last weekend that was very informative, http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=131095 By the end of that thread, and after much thought I had settled on the Amana. I have not called to schedule the installation yet, and today I got a call from the Carrier dealer...

It seems beginning next week, Carrier will be offering customer-direct rebates that, if I go Infinity across-the-board could lower the price by $1000. That would go a long way towards closing the gap to the Amana's price. The Carrier would still be more, but it would be a do-able amount. Should I reconsider?

My original quote was for an Infinity 96 (MVB-080-14; dual stage, variable blower) with a 16 SEER Infinity 17 AC (dual level), I'd need to add the fancy thermostat to max out the rebate.

or the Amana AMV9070 two-stage, variable furnace and a 14 SEER AC.

I know you guys are going to tell me the contractor is the key. I know that. The only guy that stood out from the crowd was the Trane contractor, and he's out of my ballpark. These guys seem pretty equal...so I'm choosing between two top-line systems. The Amana is more efficient, the Carrier seems more advanced, but is a bit more expensive. I DO think that Infinity control is pretty cool. I don't think the Amana has anything comparable...

Thoughts? I want to schedule the job soon.

[4l530]

Actually the Carrier is more efficient...well, the condenser is anyway. Not sure about the furnace, I think it's a wash there.
Now, about rated efficiencies: those are determined unde 'lab' conditions. The actual efficiency you get will depend on the two coils being matched, duct system being suitable for the furnace, equipment sized ok, etc.

So buying the complete Infinity package (incl. two speed condenser & Infinity stat) then getting the Cool Cash rebate will get you comparably priced to the Amana...correct? What are you getting for that difference? Another speed on the condenser and a fancy thermostat? Is it worth the price difference to you to have those? Are both including a ten year parts and labor warranty?
Michigan is pretty far north. I don't know about buying super high seer cooling in that climate...just my opinion though.
I will say that I think Amana has the superior heat exchanger.
Since deciding by contractor is pretty much out...prepare for the sales pitches! :p :D

[MIMatt53]

The Carrier AC is more efficient, the Amana furnace is more efficient. The Amana is true 95+ and qualifies for the tax rebate, whereas only the 45000 Btu Carrier infinity 96 is actually 96%, my Carrier furnace would be 93 i think. That's a negligible difference as far as I am concerned.

Assuming I get relatively equal installation and performance from each furnce, is one likley to be more reliable?

Both will be well-warranteed, but will one be more trouble-free? What might I regret if I choose one over the other?

Can you guys tell I cannot make a decision?

[slimwoodie]

personally, I like the Amana product I've bought

but, I don't do much Resi ..<1%

[soleowner]

Being an Amana Dealer for four years and visiting the factory and now being a Bryant "Carrier" Dealer for four years I give you the following personal analysis.

1. I no longer sell Amana for many reasons including poor customer and dealer support. Technical Support is poor.
2. Amana uses Vendor B or C components. Their motors is just painted black with no name. The printed circuit board is made by Texas Instruments and is not that good.
3. The equipment is louder. Decibel rating is higher.
4. Carrier uses only Vendor A components (GE, Honeywell etc.)
5. Carrier has World class dealer, customer and technical support.
6. Here is Los Angeles Carrier has parts in stock. Amana is 10 days out.

Good Luck!

[Mr Bill]

In this corner from Carrier, Florida Mr. Infinity "Dash" and in this Corner from Goodman USA comes the reining champ "Robo" now you two guys shake hands and lets have a clean fight and no hitting below the belt. http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l286/mrbillpro/1.gif

Personally I would toss both of them and buy a RUUD mod furnace system nothing beats a RUUD system.

[heatpumpguru]

Get the 58UVB if you want tax credit,control on Carrier better.make sure that the 14 SEER is 2 stage.You would get tax credit on a/c 500 MAX total and 1000 rebate mailed to you. Install key,I just got back from Houston TX where we toured the factory where they make Goodman/Amanna and i was impressed,but I still bleed "Carrier Blue"I think on the LOWER end stuff I would pick the Goodman/Amanna

[MIMatt53]

What's the difference between the MVB (I was quoted) and the UVB. The Carrier site doesn't really elaborate. If I recall, the contractor might have mentioned the UVB (is it new?), but he recommended going with the established product...

The tax credit difference is only a one-time $150. If the UVB costs more or is unproven, it might not pay...

[heatpumpguru]

The UVB looks to be the same and rebate would be 200,we stopped selling mvb due to tax credit questions.

[ComfortAdvisor]

Being an Amana Dealer for four years and visiting the factory and now being a Bryant "Carrier" Dealer for four years I give you the following personal analysis.

1. I no longer sell Amana for many reasons including poor customer and dealer support. Technical Support is poor.
2. Amana uses Vendor B or C components. Their motors is just painted black with no name. The printed circuit board is made by Texas Instruments and is not that good.
3. The equipment is louder. Decibel rating is higher.
4. Carrier uses only Vendor A components (GE, Honeywell etc.)
5. Carrier has World class dealer, customer and technical support.
6. Here is Los Angeles Carrier has parts in stock. Amana is 10 days out.

Good Luck!


Well, that was a mouthful! Very convincing.

Don't get yourself too wrapped up in these tax rebates..........don't forget that a $150 tax rebate is not equivelant to $150 cash.....

If all else fails, flip a coin.

[Gunslinger]

Rebates, rebates, rebates. Sort of tells you the stuff is over priced when there are no rebates.

[jpb2]

Being an Amana Dealer for four years and visiting the factory and now being a Bryant "Carrier" Dealer for four years I give you the following personal analysis.

1. I no longer sell Amana for many reasons including poor customer and dealer support. Technical Support is poor.
2. Amana uses Vendor B or C components. Their motors is just painted black with no name. The printed circuit board is made by Texas Instruments and is not that good.
3. The equipment is louder. Decibel rating is higher.
4. Carrier uses only Vendor A components (GE, Honeywell etc.)
5. Carrier has World class dealer, customer and technical support.
6. Here is Los Angeles Carrier has parts in stock. Amana is 10 days out.

Good Luck!


Willis Washed. simply drinking the cool aid. Maybe if he/she is brainwashed they could pitch a different line that promotes that thought.... Trane... at least they would have a decent piece to be numb to:eek:

[4l530]

Originally posted by jpb2
Willis Washed. simply drinking the cool aid. Maybe if he/she is brainwashed they could pitch a different line that promotes that thought.... Trane... at least they would have a decent piece to be numb to:eek:

:confused: What?

[jpb2]

In this corner from Carrier, Florida Mr. Infinity "Dash" and in this Corner from Goodman USA comes the reining champ "Robo" now you two guys shake hands and lets have a clean fight and no hitting below the belt. http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l286/mrbillpro/1.gif

Personally I would toss both of them and buy a RUUD mod furnace system nothing beats a RUUD system.

UGFD WITH UPRL AND COOL STAT Bite me willis and mother trane

[airman72mod]

amana has lots of problems....junk!!!! go with the carrier, and as far as the condensor id go with a 13 seer because where you are at its not gonna pay off to go high eff... not enough run time..it would take 20 years to see the payback