Note: Before you dive into the specific brand review, we highly recommend you to read our elaborate Heat Pump Buying Guide in advance, there are several crucial steps you need to take before you even start to think about the brand.
Amana is an iconic American brand, and Daikin is a global leader in the production of HVAC equipment. In 2012, Daikin bought Goodman, the owner of the Amana HVAC brand, to get a foot in the North American residential heating and air conditioning market. Currently Daikin, Goodman and Amana heat pumps are identical in all but name.
This guide covers Daikin and Amana heat pump models. Notable features, pros and cons are discussed. The first table below lists each model with its critical specs. The second and third tables show Daikin and Amana heat pump price lists for the equipment and heat pump installation cost based on model and heat pump size. Our goal is to give you a clear idea of what your heat pump cost will be with installation.
Daikin and Amana Heat Pump Unique Features
These brands offer heat pumps in basic, better and best ranges, as most top brands do. The focus in this section is on their “best” models. As we begin Daikin and Amana heat pump pros and cons, let’s start with where these units excel.
Inverter Scroll Compressors
The Amana AVZC20 and Daikin DZ20VC feature scroll compressors that modulate like cruise control on a car. The purpose is to maintain precisely even heating and air conditioning (and dehumidification in the warm months) for optimal indoor comfort. These are Daikin compressors. Amana’s marketing uses the term “inverter” that is borrowed from the high-efficiency mini split niche. The 21 SEER air conditioning and 10 HSPF heating rating are in the top tier of the industry, though not the absolute most efficient models, and earned Energy Star 2019 Most Efficient recognition.
Communicating Technology
Both brands offer communicating heat pump technology called ComfortNet, the term that’s been used by Amana/Goodman for more than a decade. In a communicating system, the heat pump, air handler and thermostat share operating and indoor climate data. The purpose is to synchronize performance to deliver the best climate control. There are distinct pros and cons of communicating HVAC technology. We recommend reading our guide to Communicating vs. Non-communicating HVAC equipment before buying a communicating system from any brand.
Best Warranty in the Industry
Amana has long had some of the best warranties. The brand’s heat pumps are backed by lifetime unit replacement warranties on the compressor. If the compressor ever fails, Amana will replace the entire condensing unit – the outside unit, commonly called the heat pump.
Daikin heat pumps come with a 12-year unit replacement warranty. Though the models are the same, Daikin has chosen to keep the industry-best warranty on Amana heat pumps and limit its risk on Daikin heat pumps. But consider this: Daikin’s least efficient heat pump, the DZ14SN has the same 12-year warranty as the brand’s top model.
By comparison, only Maytag’s and American Standard’s best models have a 12-year warranty, and NO Carrier models have such lengthy warranty coverage. Most other brands offer 10 years of coverage on top models and 5 years on lesser models.
Finally, the brands have stopped making 13 SEER and 14 SEER models ahead of the curve. Low-efficiency heat pumps are dinosaurs. Daikin is an efficiency-conscious company, so got rid of its least efficient models.
Cons for Amana and Daikin Heat Pumps
ComfortNet communicating technology is an option on the top Daikin and Amana heat pumps. The upgrade costs $800-$1,000 for the onboard equipment and communicating ComfortNet thermostat.
At this point in the development of communicating technology, we do not recommend it. The systems, like those from most brands, tend to stop communicating. It can be very difficult to get components “talking” again. When that happens, many customers choose to replace the communicating thermostat with a standard thermostat, but in doing that, some of the heat pump’s potential performance and efficiency are lost.
Some dealers won’t sell communicating systems, because they fear they’ll be called to troubleshoot and repair them frequently. Again, see our Communicating vs. Non-communicating guide if you’re interested in the details.
Model Reviews and Recommendation
Daikin and Amana make 7 models. This table allows you to compare them at a glance.
| Daikin Model | Amana Model | SEER | HSPF | Compressor | Communicating | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DZ20VC | AVZC20 | 21 | 10 | Variable/inverter | Optional | Energy Star |
| DZ18VC | AVZC18 | 19 | 10 | Variable/inverter | Optional | |
| DZ18TC | ASZC18 | 18 | 9.5 | 2-stage | Optional | Energy Star |
| DZ16TC | ASZC16 | 16 | 9.7 | 2-stage | Optional | Energy Star |
| DZ16SA | ASZ16 | 16 | 9 | Single-stage | No | Energy Star |
| DZ14SA | ASZ14 | 15 | 9 | Single-stage | No | Energy Star |
| DZ14SN | ANZ14 | 15 | 8.5 | Single-stage | No |
The top models, the Amana AVZC20 and AVZC18 and the Daikin DZ20VC and DZ18VC, are variable-capacity heat pumps with excellent efficiency ideal for extreme climates, especially where summers are long, hot and humid.
In the past, heat pumps were only rated for climates that range from hot to moderate, but not where winter temperatures were often below freezing. However, the Amana AVZC20 and the Daikin DZ20VC are certified as cold climate air source heat pumps. This means that they continue to heat effectively in temperatures below freezing. This makes them a suitable choice for northern climates from the Plains to New England. Having said that, in cold climates, an efficient Amana or Daikin gas furnace with a small central air conditioner might be a more cost-effective choice than an expensive heat pump.
If you prefer very good efficiency at a lower cost, the 2-stage Amana ASZC18 and ASZC16 and the Daikin DZ18TC and DZ16TC meet the criteria. These are Energy Star heat pumps that offer an attractive combination of indoor comfort and lower energy consumption.
The 15 SEER and 16 SEER single-stage models like the Energy Star Daikin DZ16SA and Amana ASZ16 are more affordable and suitable for all but the hottest climates.
Prices by Models
The table below shows a range of prices because each model is produced in a range from 1.5 ton or 2.0 ton to 5.0 tons of heating and cooling capacity. That’s 18,000 BTU or 24,000 BTU to 60,000 BTU, as each ton equals 12,000 BTU. Prices for each reflect the different sizes.
| Amana Models | Daikin Models | SEER | System Only | System Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVZC20 | DZ20VC | 21 | $3,850 - $5,060 | $4,980 - $8,180 |
| AVZC18 | DZ18VC | 19 | $3,420 - $4,620 | $4,180 - $7,580 |
| ASZC18 | DZ18TC | 18 | $2,560 - $3,770 | $3,790 - $7,010 |
| ASZC16 | DZ16TC | 16 | $2,160 - $3,340 | $2,520 - $6,710 |
| ASZ16 | DZ16SA | 16 | $1,390 - $3,090 | $2,970 - $6,190 |
| ASZ14 | DZ14SA | 15 | $1,050 - $2,190 | $2,780 - $5,260 |
| ANZ14 | DZ14SN | 15 | $1,020 - $2,060 | $2,590 - $5,100 |
The System Installed cost includes the heat pump, labor and all supplies for installation. If the new heat pump has upgraded features such as variable-capacity performance or communicating technology, you’ll need a new thermostat too.
Prices by Unit Size
Correctly sizing the heat pump for your home might be the most important factor in your buying decision. Many heat pumps are oversized “just to be sure” they do the job. But that can lead to imbalanced temperatures and mechanical issues. Ask your HVAC pro to conduct testing to determine the heating and cooling load required of your heat pump. For more information, see What Size Heat Pump Do I Need in our buying guide.
The table shows Amana and Daikin heat pumps by size from 1.5 tons to 5.0 tons. In HVAC terms, 1 ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs of heating (adding heat to space) and air conditioning (removing heat from space) per hour. The range for each size varies by efficiency and whether the units are single-stage (basic), two-stage (better) or variable-capacity (best).
| Heat Pump Size | Home Size | System Only | System Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | 600 - 1000 sf | $1,020 - $3,890 | $3,050 - $5,220 |
| 2 ton | 1001 - 1300 sf | $1,150 - $3,960 | $3,200 - $5,300 |
| 2.5 ton | 1301 - 1600 sf | $1,440 - $4,210 | $3,410 - $7,510 |
| 3 ton | 1601 - 1900 sf | $1,530 - $4,320 | $3,580 - $7,820 |
| 3.5 ton | 1901 - 2200 sf | $1,750 - $4,360 | $3,780 - $7,940 |
| 4 ton | 2201 - 2600 sf | $1,910 - $4,650 | $4,040 - $8,020 |
| 5 ton | 2601 - 3200 sf | $2,080 - $5,040 | $4,160 - $8,470 |
Not sure what size you need? Try our heat pump sizing calculator which is based on several common factors.
How to Get the Best Amana Heat Pump Prices?
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for heat pump 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 your local contractor, and this estimate already take rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.
Lastly, 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.
Amana/Daikin Heat Pump Warranty
When you purchase an Amana/Daikin heat pump, you are covered by a warranty that assures you of the product’s reliability and durability. The specifics of the warranty can vary based on the model of the heat pump you select, but certain standard protections are typically included to give you peace of mind.
Lifetime Limited Warranty Amana/Daikin offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty on the compressor for as long as you own your home. This is the key component of your heat pump, and this assurance reflects the company’s confidence in their product.
10-Year Parts Limited Warranty In addition to the compressor, most Amana/Daikin heat pumps come with a 10-Year Parts Limited Warranty. You must register your heat pump within 60 days of installation to qualify for this extended warranty.
Extended Service Plan You also have the option to purchase an Asure℠ Extended Service Plan for additional coverage. This plan can provide you with continued parts and labor benefits, ensuring that any servicing needs are well-managed beyond the standard warranty period.
Warranty Transfer In the case that you sell your home, the warranty can be transferred to the new owner as long as the heat pump remains at the original registered location and the transfer is completed within 90 days of the home sale.
| Warranty Type | Coverage | Transferability |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Limited (Compressor) | Compressor for lifetime | Non-transferable |
| 10-Year Parts Limited | Various heat pump components | Transferable |
Remember to meticulously follow all warranty requirements to maintain coverage. This includes professional installation, regular maintenance, and prompt registration of your heat pump post-installation.
Amana/Daikin Heat Pump Customer Reviews
When you explore Amana/Daikin heat pumps, you may notice they are often renowned for their durability and their energy efficiency. Various models offer different features, but reviews frequently highlight specific aspects favorably.
User Experience:
- Ease of Use: Owners generally find Amana/Daikin heat pumps straightforward to operate with user-friendly controls.
- Noise Level: Most models are reported to be quiet, enhancing your home environment without a disruptive background hum.
Performance:
- Heating and Cooling Efficiency: Reviewers commonly applaud the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings, indicating good energy use levels.
- Reliability: A consistent theme in reviews is the long-lasting performance of these units, often mentioning minimal repairs needed over the years.
Cost Considerations:
- Initial Investment: While you might find the upfront costs are higher than some competitors, the long-term savings in energy bills can offset this.
- Maintenance: The expenses for routine maintenance are frequently mentioned as reasonable, considering the unit’s longevity.
Warranty: Amana’s and Daikin’s warranty offers are often a highlight in reviews, with many users feeling secure with the comprehensive coverage.
Here’s a quick look at actual user ratings for the Amana//Daikin Heat Pump:
| Feature | Average Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5 |
| Efficiency | 4.6 |
| Quietness | 4.4 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
When I built my house 3 years ago my builder put an Amana system in my home. BIG MISTAKE. After three years the reversing valve broke leaving causing all the Freon to leak out. When I called Amana, because the unit is still under warranty, they replaced the $250 part but refused to pay for all the Freon that leaked out as a result of their faulty part ($600) or the labor charges to fix the unit ($900). I wish I had paid for a unit manufactured by ANYBODY ELSE. The customer service and quality of this product has to be the worst on the market!
I am an hvac contractor and i have worked on units for 35 years Here is one of the problems RANCO… Cheap Reversing Valve They have caused problems as my company is an amana dealer and we all know this.. Bad installation has nothing to do with it China has everything to do with it and do not Bullcrap a bullcrap artist.. In fact the 2009 models were horrible 15 seer package units leaked like a sive replaced plenty of those reversing vales I have put in many amana systems and worked on alot of them… Yes we blow it down with nitrogen TWICE yes we pull it into a 450 Micron Pull EVERY SINGLE ONE… The failure of the reversing valves is Horrid brazing at the factory which makes the stupid workthless reversing valves.. However it is a compressor what does it do suck and blow that damn simple do not paint a pretty picture Most all units come with a copeland Scroll pump The boards most of them you will see upon inspection are made by who? IR as in ingersol Rand you will see that plastered mostly on every circuit board on these damn things… Also Back in 2005 when everyone was swtiching to 410 a we all know the pressures that operate on a 410 a on a Nice 95 Degree Day head usually around 280 290 suction depending upon return air usually around 125 to 128 when she is breathing back 74 degree air from in the house.. r22 lazy 215 over 74 giving around 44 degree slt The thing i am getting at is The copper coils that you sold with these units back then the mfg knew the coils wouldn’t last hell copper coils at max last about 8 9 years and then start to leak Why because the moron engineers put copper coils through a steel frame DUHHHHH are we retarted?? Oh excuse me Special needs no more like money hungry because these so called mfg compaines knew they would only last so long and then leak I complained and screamed back then WHY ARE WE STILL WITH COPPER COILS and of course landed on deaf ears then in 2010 all of a sudden oh we have a new aluminum tube coil now Oh really why did you finally figure out that when you mix steel and copper you get galvanic or dissimilar metal corrosion Did any engineer “Ho or Lionel” actually have to answer for that or was it planned? I am thinking the latter.. You know cutting all the bullcrap and putting that aside here is something to think about ” When buying a unit don’t buy the freaking box. By the persont hat is putting it in Have faith in your hvac contractor that he is going to be real and honest with you and hope he is not out for just a buck because most companies these days send used car salesman to your door Not true hvac techs. Make sure they will put it in right and make sure when you call them at 11:00 at night that they are actually going to be there when it breaks down Not if BUT WHEN because it will break it is man made it is not perfect Until God starts making Equipment you will have to deal with a necessary evil like Myself. Its like that old saying Hard to stop a Trane Hard to start one up hard to keep one running hard to push one when it stalls and who the freaking hell came out with a name Like Rheem!! Oh Honey the hvac guy is here We are about to get Rheemed?? Yeah Bud i bought a Rheem Ahem….. My Condolences.. Sorry i went off course i am an old bastard that has had my ears beant to the ground by these so called Mfg Companies oh we have the best Blah Blah My Butt the best Give me a break no what you have on your mind is trying to make me believe this stuff is all mighty and ITS NOT… So be real be straight up and do business the right way and Don’t believe everything you hear out of a Companies mouth because most of the time in the end your going to hear you need a new one and here is the best of the best.. Yeah right ok… is it hand built and the guy who built it signed his name to it Hey theres a good one hey Companies why not offer an elite AMG series Ac unit with Adolfs Signiture on it??? we can sell that for 50 grand like a Mercedes Lmao Anyways have a good night I have Huffed enough r22 for the day Lol..
Good coverage!
All mfg use the same reversing valve and no mfg will pay for freon. Since you are so well educated in what mfg is best, please enlighten us as to which brand is best.
I have worked on every brand out there so I have seen the problems with the switch over to r410a refrigerant at 90% higher pressures causing all kinds of problems due to a different vibration patterns. Blame the gov, they were the one to ban the great r22.
peace out
I am thinking about having an Amana 2.5 ton condenser with pad and Amana 2.5 ton air handler with 10kw heat strip kit. The contractor would be Nathan Barger Heat & Air. Is this a good contractor?
We had an Amanda heat pump installed by my husband’s nephew. It is convenient to have local contractors service our unit. We have a crawl space where a portion of the system is installed. On our bi-yearly check, no one wants to do anything to the unit in the crawl space. The last guy got our garden hose and took about 15 minutes to hose it down and left. I feel that we are not getting the required maintenance and it is loud and has a grinding noise as it is winding down. Any thoughts? Thanks!