Amana Air Conditioner Review: AC Buying Guide 2022

Quick Look at Amana Air Conditioners

Cost Expectations & Price Comparisons

Amana is well known for its relatively lower unit purchase costs, but at the same time, it is notorious for its high installation costs. Getting an average air conditioning unit installed will cost you roughly $2,000-$2,500, while Amana’s AC units add a whopping $2,900-$4,000 to the total, just for installation!

When compared to competitors, it is steeper than most, and perhaps the main reason why Amana isn’t as big a name. However, once people get the unit installed, they are mostly pleased with the investment. Amana’s elite unit, the AVXC20 has a 24.5 SEER, again second to only one AC – the Lennox XC25, but Amana’s AVXC20 is lower in price and thus, a more attractive buy.

The lowest SEER among Amana’s air conditioners is 14, found in the Amana ANX13 and ASX13. This is higher than what most brands offer, resulting in a higher average.

Amana claims that the high cost of its units is mostly due to the high-quality build and extended warranties, which is true in most cases. The only major complaint people have regarding Amana’s units is regarding the durability and life of its compressors.

Below is a table comparing Amana’s air conditioners’ purchase, installation, and average running costs for a 2.5-ton AC.

Model	Price* (w/out Installation)	Price* (w/ Installation)	Estimated Running Cost**	Tax Breaks
Amana AVXC20	$2,850	$6,250	~$359	$300
Amana ASXC18	$2,480	$5,420	~$1103	$300
Amana ASXC16	$2,005	$4,905	~$519	$300
Amana AXS16	$1,850	$4,750	~$551	$300
Amana ASX14	$1,590	$4,100	~$588	–
Amana ASX14	$1,490	$3,950	~$588	–
Amana ASX13	$1,390	$3,830	~$630	–
Amana ANX13	$1,290	$3,510	~$630	–

*Prices are estimates for the following: 2.5-ton condenser, 1300-1400 cfm air handler plus a programmable thermostat.
**Running costs based on 21 cents/kWh and 2000 hours of cooling per year. Based on 2.5 ton AC unit.
Note – Other exterior factors can also influence the price; Based on national average

Thanks to the powder finish on Amana AC units’ chassis, they have robust and durable bodies that can last longer than that of their competitors. However, the lack of insulation and protective grills around the compressor mean that the air conditioner produces a loud hum and is prone to damage and build-up from debris and dust. This results in breakdowns and is the prime reason for most complaints.

That said, Amana’s customer service is extremely reliable, and they are well reputed for readily fixing customers’ problems.

The Importance of a Quality HVAC Contractor

As mentioned above, despite the well-built chassis, the compressor remains exposed to external elements. Quality HVAC contractors can identify this flaw and immediately take steps to cover the compressor with some sort of protective sheet; at least enough to stop debris, insects, or small animals from entering.

People who hired expert HVAC contractors to install their Amana AC unit have had no complaints regarding their unit, and have spent more than 15 years without being forced to spend a lot of money on it again.

To have your Amana air conditioner installed by an experienced HVAC contractor, visit Networx.com via the form below. The site lists contractors according to the customer’s level of trust and satisfaction, and their geographical presence.

Networx also verifies each HVAC contractor before listing them so you don’t have to worry about whether they are reputable and trustworthy, or not. Each customer leaves detailed feedback about their experience with the relevant contractor, which is visible to all, so that you, and others, can decide whether to hire the contractor or not.

We recommend Networx and make it easier for you. Answer the questions below to get started today!

Other Amana Air Conditioner Options

Some regions experience intense summers, especially when landlocked. The climate may tend towards extreme dryness or humidity, both of which can become exhausting during the summer heat. The best way to combat this is by installing central air conditioning.

Amana’s central air conditioners can cool your whole house down at a relatively low running cost. But for those of you who aren’t willing to spend thousands of dollars on central air conditioning systems, Amana has other options as well.

Window Air Conditioners

If you wish to cool only one room, whether it is a dining hall, kitchen, or simply your bedroom, Amana’s window-mounted air conditioner is a good alternative that comes at a relatively lower cost. The air conditioner boasts 6,000 BTUs to ensure quick cooling. All you have to do is fit the unit in a window and plug it in any power outlet available, as it only requires a 115-volt outlet.

The unit costs under $200 (new), giving you a good, cost-effective solution for your room.

Portable Air Conditioners

If your cooling needs are much more diverse than simply cooling one room, you should consider buying Amana’s portable air conditioner. The air conditioner has a trolley-design so that you can easily roll the unit to wherever you want.

With a cooling power of 7,000 BTUs it is perfect for rooms, with a size of up to 250 sq. feet. The unit costs roughly $300 and is, therefore, a good solution if you are strapped for cash.

Features of Amana Air Conditioners

Energy Efficiency

Amana AC excels at being energy efficient, be it the top tier unit or the model in the lowest tier. The only competitor that can boast beating its high SEER is Lennox, and that too by a small margin. Furthermore, Amana has several units above SEER 16, making them all eligible for a tax rebate of up to $300.

SEER or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measure of an HVAC unit’s efficiency level, i.e., the measure of BTUs consumed against Watts per hour.

The S in SEER signifies that the measure is seasonal. If you take into account the consumption of energy during winters as well, it becomes the Energy Efficiency Ratio, or simply EER. Amana’s AVXC20 is a 15.44 EER, while that of Amana ANX13 is 11.76.

The higher the SEER or EER of a unit, the more efficient it is.

Compressors

As mentioned above, one of the most common complaints regarding Amana Air Conditioners is that of the compressor’s malfunctioning, due to debris.

Amana AC units have two different types of compressors; single-stage and two-stage.

Single Stage Compressors

Amana Air Conditioners’ single stage compressors run fast or not at all; thus cooling the room very quickly. However, the constant high speed means more energy is consumed when the unit is running. The same is true for when the compressor turns back on again, as more energy is used up in order to break the stationary compressor’s inertia when it starts back up.

Variable Speed/Two Stage Compressors

The more premium Amana AC units have a two-stage or variable speed compressors to allow minute adjustments in the speed during the compressor’s function. The adjustments are made according to the temperature of your room or house; slowing down as the temperature falls. This saves up on energy costs and makes the unit more efficient. Since the fan never turns off, there is no need for the energy spike to break the compressor’s inertia.

Some customers, however, complain that the variable speed compressors are too slow to cool the house compared to its competitors, but some experts counter that argument with the statement that their unit might be too small for their room size.

Condenser Fan Options

Air conditioners usually feature condenser fans relative to their compressor types. Amana air conditioners have not been subjected to any complaints regarding the condenser fan, except after having been in use for a good 10 to 12 years. The fan is easily replaceable under warranty at that point.

If, however, the fan breaks down after the warranty expires, it is replaceable at a price of $200, excluding shipping.

Heating Options

Amana air conditioners have the capability of working as heaters during the winter season because of their compressor’s ability to apply negative pressure on the refrigerant gas as well. When negative pressure is applied on the Freon gas and it traverses throughout the unit’s coil, it actively heats the air that passes through it, turning the unit into a heater.

Noise Levels (dba)

Amana air conditioners are somewhat left behind when it comes to the noise it makes during its operation. This is because the chassis of Amana’s AC units aren’t as insulated as its competitors’ are, with rubber and thermosetting plastics.

Amana’s quietest unit is the Amana ASXC16, at 59 decibels during normal operation and as low as 42 decibels under optimum conditions. This is high, compared to other units in the same range – something that many customers take into account when looking for a central air conditioner.

Warranty & Why It Is Important

Amana AC units have some of the best warranties in the HVAC market. However, that is not to say that there aren’t better warranties in the market. Amana offers its customers a lifetime warranty on compressors, which is by far the greatest selling point for the manufacturer, and 10 years for its parts.

This gives Amana the ability to compete with other major HVAC manufacturers, such as Goodman, Lennox, Trane, and others who also offer lifetime warranties on compressors. However, the only point where Amana falls short is the warranty of its parts, with its 10 years against others who offer lifetime warranties.

While Amana’s customer support is extremely helpful and finds a solution for problems quickly, the warranty doesn’t include labor, like that of many other HVAC manufacturers. This means you’re going to have to dish out cash for labor if your AC needs a replacement or repair. To hire trustworthy and cost-effective help with your new, or old air conditioning unit, look for a contractor at networx.com.

Tax Breaks Explained

Air conditioners with 16 SEER or above are eligible for hefty tax rebates upon purchase. This is thanks to the legislation signed in 2018, regarding all high-efficiency HVAC equipment to receive a tax rebate of 10% of the cost, including installation up to a maximum of $300.

Amana’s AVXC20, ASXC18, AXSC16, and AXS16 are all above 16 SEER, and are therefore eligible for the said tax rebate, giving users some relief against Amana’s high prices.

Comparing With Other AC Brands

Category	Bryant	Goodman	Lennox	Amana	American Standard
Efficiency (most efficient model)	21 SEER	18 SEER	26 SEER	22 SEER	21 SEER
Features	Top models contain features such as remote controllability	Top models contain no features such as WiFi.	Top models contain more features such as WiFi, Alexa, etc.	Top models contain more features such as WiFi, Nexia, etc.	Top models contain more technological features such as AccuComfort, Acculink, etc.
Coils	Aluminum Coils	Aluminum (high-end models)	Aluminum (high-end models)	Only post-2014 models have aluminum	Aluminum coils (high-end)
Compressor	2 single-stage compressors	1 two-stage compressor	2 single-stage compressors	1 two-stage compressor	2 single-stage compressors
Running Cost per anum (most efficient)	~$464	~$700	~$441	~$500	~$464
Warranty – Compressor	5-10 years	Lifetime	10 years	10 – 20 years	10 – 12
Warranty – Parts	5-10 years	Lifetime	10 years	12 years – Lifetime	10 – 12
Customer Service	Only occasional complaints	Customers often complain about poor service	Customers often complain about Lennox repairs. Generic parts don’t work.	Costs more in some remote areas but customers are happy with repair work.	Generic parts usually work, offering more versatility to users and better customer support.
Price (Without Installation)	$1,195-$2,080	$1,190-$1,850	$1,400-$3,800	$1,595-$2,880	$2,800-$4,500
Online Reviews	Overall good reviews with complaints only for the installation process and high prices.	Complaints are mostly themed about maintenance cost.	Lennox users sometimes have complaints about repair work, but only when the unit breaks down, which is not that often.	Trane users have very less complains but sometimes complain about the high maintenance and repair cost.	Users are usually dissatisfied with American Standard air conditioners due to poor durability and frequent breakdowns.

Pros & Cons of Amana AC Units

Despite Amana’s high prices and customer complaints online, there are customers who tend towards these units because of a number of favorable reasons. Owned by Whirlpool Corporation, Amana follows a business model much similar to Goodman, especially in terms of model numbers, distribution, and several other factors. However, where Goodman focuses on lower initial costs, Amana’s main focus is high efficiency and lower running costs.

Following are some of the reasons for and against buying Amana air conditioners.

Conclusion

Amana is a good choice for people who aren’t against spending too much money at once. However, the investment is worth it if the unit is installed properly. Amana’s air conditioners more than makeup for their high price with their high SEER, especially with models in its top tier unit, such as the Amana AVXC20 which has a 24.5 SEER. However, while the unit is relatively quiet, it is certainly not enough to compete against the higher-end units offered by other HVAC manufacturers.

Amana offers great customer support and longer warranty periods for its customers, however, it lacks in its installation procedures, compressor durability and, agreeably, its price range. In order to avoid the problems faced by other users, you need a good installer to handle your new, expensive unit.

Experienced contractors can help you extend your unit’s life by shielding your compressor properly, and making sure the installation is undertaken correctly. To find such expert installers, you should visit Networx by using the form below.

Not only are the listed contractors reliable and experienced, but they are also cost-effective so that you have no complaints when installing or upgrading to your new Amana air conditioner.