When considering Amana vs Carrier air conditioner prices, which AC unit will be the best investment overall? Both manufacturers offer top-of-the-line systems.
Finding an air conditioner that will not only fit your family’s budget, but also will deliver consistent performance and maintain a high degree of energy efficiency (lowering your bills in the long run) can be a tedious feat. If your search has narrowed your options to considering systems from either Carrier or Amana, then an Amana vs Carrier comparison guide can help you determine which home-cooling system will best suit your needs.
One of the first things you’ll need to take into consideration when searching for a new air conditioner is each unit's benefits and performance specifications as compared to air conditioner prices. If you are looking for a home-cooling system that will help save on energy costs and can stand up to the elements, expect to pay at least $2,000 for your new unit. Cost alone is not the only factor, as you’ll see with this guide:
Amana air conditioners
George Foerstner originally founded the Amana Corporation in 1934 in Middle Amana, Iowa (it was first known as the Electrical Equipment Company) and its first product line was walk-in coolers. The company began making air conditioners in 1954. Today, the Amana brand lives on as a subsidiary of another American appliance juggernaut, Whirlpool. Amana sells a variety of durable AC units tailored to your home-cooling needs, and they come in two general series of options: the Distinctions Series and the Premium Series.
The Premium Series
Ranging from $2,400 to $7,250 in price units in Amana's Premium series feature a two-stage scroll compressor and condenser to control the temperature in your home. The ComfortNet communication feature on these units provides you with precision control and in-depth information for easy use. There are six unique units in the Premium Series:
- The Premium ANX13
- The Premium ASX13
- The Premium ASX14
- The Premium ASX16
- The Premium ASXC 16
- The Premium ASXC18
What essentially distinguishes these models is the efficiency at which they operate, as measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings of each unit. The federal government requires that residential air conditioners sold today meet a minimum SEER rating of 13 (the higher the rating, the more efficient a unit.) One other distinction with some of these models is that four of them (ASX13, ASX14, ASXC116 and ASXC18) have also earned the ENERGY STAR designation as determined by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Distinctions Series
If you cannot afford the upper-tier models in the Premium Series, units in Amana's Distinctions Series are a bit more affordable, falling in the $2,000 to $6,500 range. These units feature a single scroll compressor to keep your home consistently cool. There are four distinct units to be found in this series:
- Distinctions GSX13
- Distinctions GSX16
- Distinctions DSXC16
- Distinctions DSXC18
As with the units in the Premium Series, these air conditioners distinguish themselves by the SEER ratings they deliver.
Warranties
Units in both the Distinctions and premium series from Amana come with some impressive warranties. The Distinction GSX13 units carry a limited 10-year warranty on all parts. The GSX16 adds limited 10-year unit replacement coverage to that parts warranty. The DSX16 and DSX18 offer a lifetime replacement warranty on the compressor to the 10-year warranties on parts and replacement.
In the Premium Series, the ASX13 and the AMX 13 come with limited 10-year warranties on all parts and components as well as a limited 10-year total replacement warranty. All other units in the Premium Series add a lifetime unit replacement option on the compressor to the 10-year limited warranties.
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Carrier air conditioners
Some consider Carrier to be the standard bearer for all residential air conditioning comparisons. The company founder (Willis Carrier) invented the first residential central air conditioning system in 1902 and from there, he and several fellow engineers from the Buffalo Forge Company of New York launched the business that would carry his name. Homeowners can select from three lines of residential air conditioning systems from Carrier: the Infinity Series, the Performance Series and the Comfort Series.
Infinity Series
Competitively priced to ensure affordability, Carrier's Infinity series air conditioners cost between $3,750 and $8,000, (including installation). This is Carrier’s top-end line of residential air conditioners, and there are four separate models in this series:
- Infinity 16
- Infinity 17
- Infinity 17 Coastal
- Infinity 21
As you might expect, the main difference is geared to the number of the unit, which corresponds to the maximum SEER rating each unit can deliver. In the case of the Infinity 17 Coastal, it comes with a number of components that reduce the impact of more moist or even salt-air climates on the units. All of the units in this series feature a two-stage cooling process to improve your home's humidity. Units in this series also offer a remote-access option to control your home's temperature.
Performance Series
The mid-range option of home air conditioners from Carrier, units from this series will cost you between $3,200 and $7,000 (including installation.) There are four models in this line of options:
- Performance 13 Subcompact
- Performance 13
- Performance 16
- Performance 17
Despite what it suggests, the top model in this line can deliver a SEER rating of up to 18. Depending on the area where you live, units in this series can deliver up to $550 annually in local tax credits and rebates.
Comfort Series
If you are on a strict budget, Carrier offers the Comfort series. There are three models to be found in this series:
- Comfort 13
- Comfort 13 Coastal
- Comfort 16
With a top SEER rating of up to 16.5, air conditioners in this series can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 (including installation.) Units in this series quietly operate at 72 decibels.
Warranties and Energy Star
All Carrier home air conditioners are covered by a limited 10-year warranty on all parts (including compressors.) The coastal units also come with a limited 5-year warranty against any coastal corrosion that may befall the unit. Another distinction you will find with all of these Carrier air conditioners is that they have all earned the ENERGY STAR designation from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In fact the Infinity 21 was ranked as the ENERGY STAR most efficient in its class in 2012.
A word about cost comparisons.
While this guide has offered a range of prices for you to aid in your comparison of Amana and Carrier air conditioners, there is a caveat we should offer. The manufacturers of air conditioning units generally do not list prices on websites. The costs offered are based on some contractor wholesale costs we were able to research and a range of costs we found for installation. What you actually pay will depend in large part on what you pay for installation.
Amana and Carrier air conditioners are sold through numerous home improvement retailers, including leaders like Sears, Lowe’s and Home Depot. You may be able to get prices from local stores in your area but remember that these costs may not include the full price for proper installation. Unless you are a licensed HVAC contractor, there’s a good chance you’ll need to rely on one when the time comes to install your new air conditioner. Improper installation (or installation by a party not recognized by your manufacturer) could lead to having any warranties voided.
If you wish to hire a contractor to install your new air conditioner, you'll need to request an air conditioner estimate from several contractors to ensure an affordable rate. Most experts will tell you that you should get at least three competitive bids before making a final decision.
Reply! can help you stay within your budget by providing you with an Amana vs Carrier comparison guide and contact info for local contractors and authorized dealers, allowing you to purchase an energy-efficient air conditioner that will help you save on energy costs.
First photo credit: william couch via Compfight CC. Second photo: Amana Premium Series ASXC18 air conditioner. Third photo: Carrier Infinity 21 Air Conditioner 24ANB1.