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.
You may not have heard Armstrong but it is famous to dealers and contractors in the HVAC technologies. It’s quite efficient due to its features, and the prices are also consumer friendly as there is not so much advertising for this brand. Actually, Armstrong and Lennox are from the same company and share partial same parts. Lennox is top 3 famous brand in the gas furnace industry but it is overpriced. From the price-value perspective, Choosing Armstrong is a good idea. Here is the quick navigation for this article:
How Armstrong Furnaces Compare With Other Brands
When comparing Armstrong furnaces to other major HVAC manufacturers, several key factors come into play. Let’s break down how Armstrong stands against its main competitors in the market:
Price Point Comparison
Armstrong furnaces typically fall into the mid-range price category, offering better value than premium brands like Carrier or Lennox while maintaining good quality. On average, Armstrong furnaces cost 10-15% less than top-tier brands, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners who don’t want to compromise on reliability.
Efficiency Ratings
Armstrong’s high-efficiency models can reach up to 97% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which is comparable to other major brands. While brands like Carrier and Trane offer models with slightly higher efficiency ratings (up to 98.5% AFUE), the difference in real-world energy savings is minimal.
Warranty Coverage
Armstrong offers a lifetime limited warranty on heat exchangers and a 10-year limited warranty on parts when registered, which is on par with industry standards. However, brands like Goodman and Daikin sometimes offer better warranty terms, including unit replacement warranties in some cases.
Brand Recognition and Availability
Compared to household names like Trane and Carrier, Armstrong has lower brand recognition. This can sometimes work in consumers’ favor as: – Lower marketing costs often translate to better pricing – Parts are readily available through various suppliers – Many HVAC contractors are familiar with Armstrong units
Performance and Reliability
In terms of reliability, Armstrong furnaces generally perform well, with failure rates comparable to industry averages. While they may not match the legendary durability of Trane or American Standard, they typically outlast budget brands like Goodman or York. Key reliability factors include: – Robust heat exchanger design – Quality control standards – Proven technology implementation
Technology and Features
While Armstrong furnaces incorporate modern features like variable-speed blowers and modulating gas valves, they sometimes lag behind premium brands in introducing cutting-edge technology. However, they excel in implementing proven technologies reliably, which many homeowners prefer over having the latest features.
Overall, Armstrong furnaces position themselves as a solid middle-ground option, offering good value for money while maintaining respectable quality standards. They particularly appeal to homeowners seeking a balance between cost and performance without paying premium brand prices.
Armstrong Furnace Model Analysis and Recommendation
Model | AFUE | Blower Speed | Stage |
---|---|---|---|
A97MV | 97 | Variable | Modulating |
A962V | 96 | Variable | 2 |
A952V | 95 | Variable | 2 |
A802V | 80 | Variable | 2 |
A962E | 96 | Constant Torque | 2 |
A951E | 95 | Constant Torque | 1 |
A801E | 80 | Constant Torque | 1 |
A951S | 95 | PSC Motor | 1 |
A951A | 95 | PSC Motor | 1 |
A931A | 93 | PSC Motor | 1 |
A801A | 80 | PSC Motor | 1 |
When you’re looking for the most cost-effective 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 Models
|
|
Zones 1 & 2 (hot) | 80% |
A801A
|
|
Zone 3 (warm) | 80% |
A802V
|
|
Zone 4 (moderate) | 90% |
A802V, A931A
|
|
Zone 5 (cool) | 90%-93% |
A951S, A951A
|
|
Zone 6 (cold) | 92%-95% | A952V, A951E | |
Zone 7 (very cold) | 95% and up | A962V, A962E | |
Note: Model A97MV is the high end of all the product line with all the bells and whistles. We advise homeowners not forget to buy extended labor warranty when considering highest-end models. In most cases, the labor fee for high-end series will skyrocket.
Contractor Reviews Quote
Armstrong gas furnace is available in the online market, and all you have to do is to make an order of the same and then have a contractor install it. Some consumers are also buying them directly from contractors. Most service calls on Armstrong gas furnace are due to human error on poor maintenance and poor installation of the furnace.
-Barts 10 years HVAC contractor
Armstrong Gas Furnace Prices By Model
We need to set an equal baseline before we can list the prices for each Armstrong model. In this list, each furnace includes the same parameters: 70,000-75,000 btu with 1000 cfm blower which is proper for a mid-sized home of around 2,000 square feet, 10 year warranty without labor fee.
The Unit Only price is the online wholesale price without shipping fee. The Unit Installation Cost includes gas furnace unit, all the material for the house and labor fee.
Models | Unit Only | Unit Installed Cost |
---|---|---|
Armstrong A97MV | $1,700 | $3,390 |
Armstrong A962V | $1,640 | $3,190 |
Armstrong A962E | $1,460 | $2,980 |
Armstrong A951E | $1,420 | $2,840 |
Armstrong A951S A951A | $1,380 | $2,880 |
Armstrong A931A | $1,230 | $2,750 |
Armstrong A802V | $1,210 | $2,610 |
Armstrong A801A A801E | $900 | $2,350 |
Armstrong Gas Furnace Submitted Prices
Brand & Model & SizePriceHome LocationHome Size |
---|
Armstrong A801E$4,100Sheridan1265 sq ft |
This is the price that I got from one of your local dealers. According to your website this is the lowest grade of all your models and should be around $2300 plus installation but as you can see they are going to charge $4100. I don't understand it because when they came to measure everything it was supposed to be a simple switch from the Carrier furnace that is already in there. I originally called Lee Heating and Air-Conditioning to get a quote for a new control board for the Carrier. From that company a new one plus labor was $1,045.47 and from Total Comfort and Air Conditioning it was $832.39 which included one service call @ $95 and two hours to install it. I like your furnace but not from this company and wondered if you had any bad reviews from them? I live in Sheridan, WY 82801 and have several rentals. |
Armstrong Pro Series A97MV$5,500Vancouver BC5000 sq ft |
Hoping that I made the right choice after being recommended this brand, the above price does not include the gas fitter's cost to disconnect the old 28 year Carrier unit & reconnect the new unit. Is this an average price for this model - would really love some feedback considering the mixed information that is out there as to what is the best brand at a reasonable cost that will heat my entire home. |
A97MV$2,589Milan, IN3200 sqft |
I Installed my Armstrong Ultra Series in November 2003. It works well each day from the day I got it installed. It is quite useful, and it always heats the house to desired temperatures during the very cold days and cools to the needed temperature during the scorching days of summer. The unit has not had any repairs all these years, and the fan runs throughout filtering and circulating the air. I could not imagine any better system, and I would highly recommend this model to anyone who wants a top notch gas furnace although the price is a little bit too high. |
A962V$2,469Renton, WA2900 sqft |
I purchased this gas furnace model about four years ago for my old uncle, and then he is yet to have any problems with this furnace model. We all know the Ultra series is quite expensive but according to my experience, the quality is worth the high price. Most expensive products tend to be of high quality and also last longer. I would buy this product again and also I would, without a doubt, recommend it to anyone. My parents and my friends have often used the Armstrong products which made me try them, and I hope that I will get value for my money as well. |
VARIABLE SPEED BLOWER Model$2,999Saint Augustine, FL2500 sqft |
After six years of owning this unit, I have had only two repairs, and I can frankly tell that it works efficiently just as it is supposed to do. Additionally, after doing the two repairs, I have experienced tremendous energy savings as my power and gas bills have gone down with clear margins. I would recommend any person to buy Armstrong and get the best value for your money. The key to having your gas furnace to last long enough is to have a good installer, most likely the contractor or a technician with enough experience on installation. The poor installation will make the system fail even after a few months, and then you will blame the manufacturer which is not fair at all. |
A951A$2,150Knoxville, TN2600 sqft |
I recently purchased my Armstrong premium series at a very friendly price of just $1,959 after my old furnace broke down for the twentieth time!.This new gas furnace is much soundless and warms the house evenly and faster, and I have not had any breakdowns which are a relief given my previous experience with my old furnace. The lifetime limited warranty of the heat exchanger and a ten-year parts warranty is a bonus. My energy consumption has reduced same as my utility bills. I will recommend this to any person who wants a durable gas furnace at a low price. |
A962E$2,570Carrollton2300 sqft |
I do believe that most issues experienced by Armstrong users arise due to poor installation of their gas furnaces. The installing technician should have a good understanding of the machines parts and also their functionality. This reduces the chances of future malfunctions which may arise due to poor installation. Otherwise, my Armstrong standard series has never had any issues during the period I have owned it. |
How to Get the Best Armstrong 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.
The installed price of $3250 (installed) is that US or CA money ???
We installed an Armstrong SXUltre 80 when We built Our home in 1993.The furnace has worked flawlessly for 25 years.Serviced only for cleaning.It may be time to replace the furnace.What unit would We get today to replace it? We have a AC condenser on top of the furnace that We want to keep so the size needs to be close.
rene were can I buy a A97MV 1650.00 RECIVED QUOTES 3500.00 TO 4500.00 FOR FURNACE ALSO BEING TOLD HAVE TO USE SPECIAL THERMOSTATS BECAUSE IT COMMUNICATES WITH FURNACE ?
looking for age of furnace. Also is there a way I can enter the serial number online to check information.
model# G73-100D
serial# R112414
AS of 02/13/23025 cost of $4790.00 for a A97UH2E090C16S-01 with 10 year parts and labor. Plus a military discount $479
The blower motor is only 1/3 hp, and I think it needs more HP to blow the heat from the heat exchanger.
The problem is rooms not being heated evenly. 2500 sq ft ranch home plus 1300 heated basement. I have over 18 -6″ laterals coming off the trunk. The metal vent above the burner is so hot that it can not be touched.
Any suggestions? The HVAC people tried upping the blower speed but still had the same problems They adjusted the gas and put meters on the upper hood and a vent on the trunk which they said was in the same limit. There is always 5-8 degree difference from the new Thermostate. Do I need an upgrade?