Note: Before you dive into the specific brand review, we highly recommend you to read our elaborate Gas Furnace Buying Guide in advance. There are several crucial steps you need to take before you even start to think about the brand.
American Standard is a heating and air conditioning brand that manufactures residential and commercial HVAC systems. Originally formed in 1929 under the American Standard Companies banner, they were responsible for not just HVAC systems, but vehicle control systems as well as their popular brand of bath and kitchen products. In 1984, the company acquired the HVAC brand Trane and ran all three divisions until 2007. It was at this time that the company sold off the other two divisions and renamed itself Trane. They continue to sell HVAC systems under the Trane and American Standard brands, though both are now owned by their parent company, Ingersoll-Rand.
American Standard is considered by most to be the affordable alternative to their flagship brand, Trane, and currently offer thirteen different furnace types within three different product lines: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Like the names suggest, Silver is their least expensive series and Platinum is the most expensive, while Gold offers a mid-range option, though each has a different set of features. Here is a quick navigation of this guide:
How American Standard Furnaces Compare with Other Brands
When comparing American Standard furnaces with other major HVAC manufacturers, several key factors come into play. Let’s break down these comparisons across different aspects:
Price Point and Value
American Standard positions itself in the premium segment of the market, typically priced similarly to Trane (its sister company) and Carrier. While their units cost more than budget brands like Goodman or York, they generally offer better value through superior build quality and longevity. Most American Standard furnaces fall within the $3,000-$6,000 range for equipment only, excluding installation costs.
Efficiency Ratings
American Standard maintains competitive AFUE ratings across their product line: – Their top-tier models reach up to 97% AFUE, matching industry leaders like Lennox and Carrier – Mid-range units typically offer 80-95% AFUE, comparable to Bryant and Rheem – Even their basic models maintain respectable efficiency ratings around 80%
Reliability and Build Quality
Consumer Reports and contractor surveys consistently rank American Standard among the top three most reliable furnace brands, alongside Trane and Carrier. Their units typically demonstrate: – Lower repair frequency compared to brands like Goodman and York – Longer average lifespan (15-20 years) than budget alternatives – Superior component quality, particularly in their heat exchangers and control boards
Warranty Coverage
American Standard’s warranty package stands out against competitors: – Limited lifetime warranty on heat exchangers (matching Trane, better than Rheem’s 20-year coverage) – 10-year parts warranty (industry standard, on par with Lennox and Carrier) – Optional extended labor warranties available through certified dealers
Technology and Features
While not as innovative as Lennox or Carrier in terms of smart technology integration, American Standard offers solid features: – AccuLink™ communication technology (comparable to Carrier’s Infinity system) – Variable-speed blower motors in premium models – Compatible with most third-party smart thermostats, though not as seamlessly as some competitors
Dealer Network and Support
American Standard’s dealer network is smaller than those of Carrier or Lennox, which can affect: – Installation availability in some regions – Service response times – Parts availability However, their certified dealers typically receive extensive training, ensuring quality installation and service.
In summary, American Standard furnaces hold their own against major competitors, particularly excelling in reliability and build quality. While they may not lead in technological innovation or have the largest dealer network, they offer a compelling balance of efficiency, durability, and value. Their position in the premium segment is well-justified by their performance and warranty coverage, making them a strong contender for homeowners prioritizing long-term reliability over initial cost savings.
American Standard Model Recommendation
When you’re looking for the most cost-effective American Standard model, the strategy is to find the balance between furnace cost and energy costs. Let’s use the zone map to identify efficiency levels for each that strike that balance:
Zone
|
Suggested AFUE
|
Cost-effective American Standard Models
|
|
Zones 1 & 2 (hot) | 80% |
SLIVER 80H,GOLD 80/80V
|
|
Zone 3 (warm) | 80% |
PLATINUM 80
|
|
Zone 4 (moderate) | 90% |
GOLD S9V2, PLATINUM 80
|
|
Zone 5 (cool) | 90%-93% |
GOLD S9V2, SLIVER 95/95H
|
|
Zone 6 (cold) | 92%-95% | GOLD 95V/95 | |
Zone 7 (very cold) | 95% and up | PLATINUM 95 | |
American Standard Gas Furnace Prices By Model
Here are the price ranges based on different models.
Models | Unit Installed Cost |
---|---|
PLATINUM 95 | $6,900-$9,000 |
GOLD 95V/95 | $6,900-$9,000 |
SLIVER 95/95H | $6,900-$9,000 |
GOLD S9V2 | $6,900-$9,000 |
PLATINUM 80 | $2,700-$4,800 |
GOLD 80/80V | $2,700-$4,800 |
S8X1/S8X2 /S8B1/S8V2 | $2,700-$4,800 |
American Standard Gas Furnace Price Submitted
Brand & Model & SizePriceHome LocationHome Size |
---|
American Standard Gold 17$13,629Monterey, TN2000 sq ft |
Includes new 96% AFUE dual-fuel back-up heat exchanger, new concrete pad, and new copper tubing. |
American Standard Gold AUD2C100 80% furnace + Silver 4A7A3036 central AC$5,600Chicago Illinois1832 sq ft |
Replaced 24 year old Carrier Weathermaker 80% furnace (though was still working fine) and even older Lennox AC (which failed). Very please with new American Standard HVAC components in smooth functionality and quietness. Both came with 10 years manufacturer parts warranty and 10 year labor from the HVAC installer. The seem solidly built with high quality, even more so than the previous Carrier and Lennox. |
American Standard Gold 80$2,800Chicago, IL1850 sq ft |
Replaced my 25 year old Carrier Weathermaker 8000 furnace with an American Standard Gold 80. Such a solid, quiet, and quality furnace as good or better than the Carrier. It came with a 10 year warranty on all parts and lifetime on heat exchanger. The HVAC company included a 10 year labor warranty on top of that. I went with 80% efficiency instead of 90% (as recommended in my area) because the added furnace cost and external house vent holes drilling was not workable and not worth it for the marginal savings in gas usage... |
Platinum ZV$2,900Phoenix, AZ2200 sqft |
About four years ago, I had a 91 % American Standard furnace installed in my newly constructed home. As of today, I had never had it serviced yet it works as well as it did when I first purchased it. These furnaces are also quite popular in my neighborhood. As yet, I haven’t heard anyone complaining. I can’t express the joy of having a quiet, dependable and efficient furnace enough. |
Platinum SV$2,600Ft. Worth, TX2200 sqft |
I had the 95% efficient, two-stage, American standard furnace installed less than six months ago. The installation was fine. However, when the furnace was first run, it sounded more like an airplane on the runway. To reduce the noise, the technician adjusted the dip switch to the lowest setting. After the technician had left, the furnace was still running as loud and became quite bothersome. A few months later I hired a different installer, but he offered no additional help. Upon inquiry, I was told that it was a ‘normal’ thing for the speed furnace. SAD. |
Platinum 95$2,300Edmonton2500 sqft |
I had my old American Standard furnace replaced a few months ago with a newer model of the same brand. It was still working fine, and the only reason I had it replaced was because I knew that it was quite old. I found the serial number after it was removed and did a search, only to realize that it was more than thirty years old. Quite phenomenal! I hope that the newer model functions as well. |
Gold S9V2$3,200Atlanta, GA3340 sqft |
I had the six ultras 95 installed in my home two years ago by a certified installer. It has been running amazingly since then. I have devoted myself to yearly servicing and maintenance. I also change the filters according to usage. I use a Nest thermostat to warn me when to change filters based on usage. I also constantly check the water lines for leaks. My advice to any owner of this product is to take maximum care. |
Gold ZM$2,350Florence1850 sqft |
How to Get the Best American Standard Gas Furnace Prices?
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for gas furnace project. So never sacrifice contractor quality for lower price.
- Secondly, remember to look up the latest tax credit and rebates.
- Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates for you local contractor, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
At last, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: homeowners tactics when negotiating with HVAC dealer to get the final best price.
Feel free to ask any question by leaving a comment, we will answer any question with actionable tips.
What is the difference between the Gold 80V and the Gold 80 furnace ? What does the Platinum 80 have over both of them ? THX !!!