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Amana Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings - Amana offers several heat pumps in the Amana heat pump line-up. Furthermore, the top-of-the-line model Amana 21 SEER 10 HSPF AVZC20 Heat Pump is the most efficient. Additionally, the economical Distinctions heat pump model gives you 13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF. Many heat pumps in the Amana product line use the new R-410-A refrigerant.
Additionally, High Performance HVAC does not recommend to consumers to purchase the R-22 heat pumps at this time. Lastly, many manufacturers of heat pumps do not produce units that utilize R-22. R-22 complete phase-out date is in 2020. (Currently, Amana does not offer any R-22 units).
While Goodman and systems manufacture Amana are similar, Amana maintains its distinct style. Furthermore, some engineering is the same, but Amana remains much of its brand separate from the Goodman brand. Amana is a no-frills type of system that remains somewhat simplistic (technically speaking) but keeps up with the competition in efficiency and quality. Finally, many of the customers I have dealt with, the ones who own Amana systems, are typically happy with their systems.
Technical Opinion as Compared to Other Brands
- Amana Warranties 96%
- Amana Quality 95%
- Consumer Opinion based on Field Experience 85%
- Amana Efficiency Compared to Other Brands 99%
- Overall Amana Opinion from a Technical Perspective 95%
Top Model HSPF Rating
Top Model SEER Rating
Amana Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings | Select Features
Select features for various Amana Heat Pumps are:
- Certified performance by AHRI and Energy Star
- Amana heat pump units use R-410A refrigerant
- Run testing of all heat pumps before leaving the Amana factory
- Sound blankets on selected Amana heat pump compressors for quiet operation
- Two-stage scroll compressors for Amana premium model heat pumps
- Variable speed compressor with inverter technology on top tier model
- Inverter modulating technology for Amana top of the line model
- Lifetime Unit Replacement Limited Warranty*
- Excellent above average from industry-standard warranties for selected Amana heat pump units*
- Finally, don’t forget to register your system as soon as possible after the installation.
Air Source Heat Pump Tips | Dual Fuel Heating
A dual fuel heat pump is a heat pump with a gas furnace for backup heating rather than electric heat strips.
Air source heat pumps have a backup heating source. In most installations, the backup heating source is electric heat strips. Electric heat strips are very cheap to install in most cases. However, while electricity is generally regarded as 100% efficient, producing it is more costly than other heating methods. For a more efficient heat pump, consider a dual fuel heat pump, or a heat pump with a gas furnace for the backup heat source. It will be more costly to install, but your monthly bills will be reduced.
Amana Heat Pump Model Comparison Guide
| Amana Heat Pumps Model Comparison Guide | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amana Heat Pump Model | Efficiency | Heat Pump Staging | Energy Star Rated | Pricing Model Group |
| AVZC20 | Up to 21 SEER and up to 10 HSPF | Variable Capacity Modulating | √ | Premium $$$$$ |
| AVZC18 | Up to 19 SEER and up to 10 HSPF | Variable Capacity Modulating | √ | Premium $$$$$ |
| ASZC18 | Up to 18.5 SEER and up to 10 HSPF | Two-Stage Heating and Cooling | √ | Premium $$$$ |
| ASZC16 | Up to 16 SEER and up to 9.7 HSPF | Two-Stage Heating and Cooling | √ | Mid Range $$$ |
| ASZ16 | Up to 16 SEER and up to 9.5 HSPF | Single-Stage | √ | Mid Range $$$ |
| ASZ14 | Up to 15 SEER and 9.0 HSPF | Single-Stage | √* Select Models | Economy $$ |
| ANZ14 | Up to 15 SEER and 8.5 HSPF | Single-Stage | X | Economy $$ |
Amana ComfortBridge™ Technology | What is it?
Comfortbridge technology is available in the higher-tier Amana units. What is Comfortbridge? It’s smart software that collects data and uses that data to control your Amana HVAC system smartly. It does not require a special thermostat. Everything is internal to the Amana heat pump. Benefits of Amana Comfortbridge include:
- Automatic adjustments to the heat pump for energy savings without affecting performance
- Works seamlessly with a single-stage thermostat
- Works with any smart thermostat
- Works with Amana indoor air quality systems
Comfortbridge is available with the Amana heat models AVZC20 and AVZC18. It is an energy-saving product and recommended when you purchase the premium model Amana heat pumps.
Amana CoolCloud™ Technology | What is it?
CoolCloud is a troubleshooting tool built in the select Amana systems. It allows the contractor technician to connect to the heat pump using Bluetooth technology wirelessly. That makes trouble calls less troublesome and more efficient. It is available only in premium brand Amana and Goodman products.
The technician connects his smartphone via Bluetooth. The app on his smartphone collects data. That allows the technician to monitor readings of the heat pump for problems. Historical notes are taken and maintained in CoolCloud so that a diagnostic history remains in the software.
Warranty | Amana Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings
Amana will replace the entire unit if the compressor ever fails on the premium models. Additionally, that is one of the best warranties available in the HVAC industry. However, make sure you read and understand the warranty before basing your decision to purchase any HVAC equipment. Additionally, if a labor warranty is available, we recommend you buy it. Additionally, this is especially important for premium models. Finally, the premium model is more complex and requires a skilled technician to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
The most critical factor in purchasing any brand of heat pump is contractor selection. You can see our HVAC consumer’s buyers guide for some beneficial information on dealing with contractors. Always vet any bidding contractors for trust and reliability. Additionally, always get at least three bids, and remember it is not always the lowest bid that is the best. Finally, the lousy installation will make this a frustrating experience for you and will negate any warranty any manufacturer can give you.
| Pricing Versus Efficiency Return On Investment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Pricing Range for Initial Purchase and Subsequent Repairs outside of Warranty | ROI (Return On Investment) |
| 19 SEER/9.5 HSPF Plus | $$$$$ | 5 to 7 years depending on efficiency* |
| 15 to 18 SEER/9 to 9.5 HSPF | $$$ | 7 to 10 years depending on efficiency* |
| 13 to 14 SEER/< 9 HSPF | $ | Over 10 years* |
| *Many factors depend on ROI such as house insulation, personal usage preferences, duct work integrity, dual-fuel or electric backup heat, and other basic efficiency factors. HSPF rating is a high factor in the return. Additionally, for heat pumps, a dual-fuel heat pump can make a big difference provided you get a high AFUE furnace for backup heat. | ||
About Amana
George Foerstner founded Amana in 1934, making beverage coolers. Amana started making walk-in coolers for grocery stores and restaurants and continued making these units. After WW II, when they came out with the innovative Radarange, which was the first portable counter-top microwave oven. Finally, Goodman Manufacturing, out of Houston, Texas, owns the license to produce Amana HVAC equipment.
Furthermore, for more information on Amana and its latest models and efficiency ratings please see the Amana website.
Amana Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings
After installing a AVZC20 heat pump 3 years ago, I had quite the ride. The unit basically fails in heating at the start of every winter (Cold Canadien winter). We replace the external unit once then the compressor, the VEE, all temperature sensor and after all that we keep getting a low refrigerant error.
Amana proposed to installed us a ASZC18 2 stages instead with no credit for the difference in value between both model.
Up untill now Amana gave us a really bad support. Our installed did great, providing most of his time for free after charging us for the first failed repairs. They did everything Amana proposed as testing and replacement goes but the error kept coming back.
I would not recommend Amana at this point and REALLY not the inverter products.
On October 20, 2020, the installation of the AHRI 205358210 system consisting of the AVZC20036 heat pump and the MBVC 1601 unit with a 15Kwatt heating element kit.
This combination is newly available since autumn 2020. The installation went well, but the commissioning never worked that day. The team was not able to configure this system, which works very differently from previous generation systems. The team returned the following week with the technical representative of AMANA. Several things had to be modified at the level of the wiring. Mainly the main problem was the configuration of the thermostat which cannot be in heat pump mode. The MBVC1601 unit controls the heating stages not the thermostat. Nobody knew about it. They must have spoken to someone in Huston to get the information.
I thought it was all settled, but in fact the team had to come back again when the cold set in. I found the system to be really noisy in the ducts etc …
In the end, nothing was working as it should. The MBVC1601 master board was defective and the system was only operating on the furnace and not the heat pump.
Once the card was replaced, the sound level became adequate. But there is still another problem that remains unresolved. When the heat pump approaches the limit temperature of -20 ° C and it is not able to provide the required temperature, normally the heating elements must lend a helping hand. This is not happening. The heating elements do not take over.
It seems that there is a generalized problem on this new model. I am still waiting for a solution.
If your in the same situation, don’t hesitate to post please.
I’m in Montreal region, Quebec, Canada
Amana has come with a new board in the MBVC unit. The board is loaded with a new firmware that should resolve the problem. Unfortunately, the temperature is now far from the -20°C required to test the new firmware.
Hopefully everything will be correct at next winter.
At least, presently someone is taking care of that issue.
Just a followup, the firmware solved all the problem of this Amana system. Works like a charm now.
Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
We wanted a unit that would last us after retiring, so we took the air cond. company’s owner and bought the AMANA they sold. We have had these repairmen for 30+ years and thought they knew best. The first year, our heat pump broke and AMANA had to replace it, but we had to pay for the installation (again!). Our air conditioning goes out every summer, and our heat goes out every winter. We always have the maintenance agreement, so we save money from that, but there is always a part that needs repair or replaced and it has costs us hundreds of dollars. Today they are replacing a fan that is making horrible noises and is breaking ($860). And the compressor is starting to make noises now. I am fed up with the costs and highly recommend you do not buy AMANA. We regret this decision many times.
Hello, I bought an Amana Heat Pump for my condo at the beach. In the 8 months since it was put in I’ve had no problems with it. So far so good. I recommend Amana to everyone. Have a good day!!
After 8 years of putting up with the old junkie heat pump we had we finally broke down got a new Amana heat pump. We bought a 16 SEER unit and it has saved us on our electric bill tremendously. Worked flawlessly in the six months since had it installed unlike the old junker where got to know the repair guy more than we’d like to say. Our new Amana is a good heat pump and doesn’t make as much noise as the old system.