There are fewer companies that make air conditioners than there are air conditioner brands on the market. There are only about ten major HVAC manufacturers, but over thirty distinct air conditioner brands. Most manufacturers cultivate more than one air conditioner brand to target specific markets.
While this information may sound like unimportant trivia, it is one of the main reasons choosing a good air conditioner is such an uphill task.
In this article, we will explore the Ameristar AC brand and some of the air conditioning models they offer. If you are on a tight budget but still want a good air conditioner that will last you a long time, then this article is for you.
Let's see why.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Ameristar Air Conditioners
- OUR TOP PICK: M4AC4 Air Conditioner
- RUNNER-UP: M4AC3 Air Conditioner
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: M4AC6 Air Conditioner
Comparison of the Best Ameristar Air Conditioners
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Who is Ameristar?
Ameristar is a relatively new company that provides heating and cooling systems. Their competitive price point and solid designs make Ameristar a good entry-level HVAC brand. As an Ingersoll Rand subsidiary, Ameristar products are made of durable materials and have lower price points compared to HVAC equipment from other major brands.
Who Makes Ameristar Air Conditioners?
Ameristar air conditioners are made by Ingersoll Rand.
Where Are Ameristar ACs Made?
The Ameristar air conditioners are made in China by Ingersoll Rand, which is headquartered in the United States.
Review of the Best Ameristar Air Conditioners
Let's now look at some of the best Ameristar air conditioners on the market for your taking.
Best Overall:
M4AC4 Air Conditioner
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 1.5-5 ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER): 14
Home Sq. Ft.: 1000-3200
Condenser Fan Motor: Single phase
Cost of Unit Only: $1295-$2335
Installation Cost: $1850-$4700
Features of M4AC4 Air Conditioner
The models in this range are between 1.5 and 5 ton and are suitable for use in different spaces depending on size. Users love the durability of the units since the galvanized steel cabinets are rust-resistant and can withstand harsh climatic conditions. The units have sound levels between 74 and 76 dB. As such, they are fairly quiet and cause no serious noise disturbances. This air conditioner is a 14-SEER unit.
What Spaces is M4CA4 Air Conditioner Best For?
Ameristar air conditioners in this range are a good option for air conditioning in residential homes and small offices since they produce less noise and won't be a nuisance. They have a SEER rating of 14, which means they are rated as energy-efficient.
Mounting and Installation Options
Installation of Ameristar AC units is difficult for users and is best done by professional HVAC technicians. The units should be mounted horizontally since the vertical position would lead to the entry of water. Excessive moisture also can damage the valves and cause damage due to the formation of ice.
Runner-up:
M4AC3 Air Conditioner
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 1.5-5 ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER): 13
Home Sq. Ft.: 1000-3200
Condenser Fan Motor: Single phase
Cost of Unit Only: $900-$1,850
Installation Cost: $1850-$4700
Features of M4AC3 Air Conditioner
The units in this range are single-phased and have a SEER rating of 13. This is on the lower end and means that they consume more electrical energy. The models are also available in 1.5-5 tons. The compact design fits in smaller spaces. The cabinets are smaller than those of most air conditioners from other brands.
Users agree that they don't have to worry about the durability of the units. The M4AC3 air conditioners have high resistance to corrosiveness. The cabinets are made of galvanized steel and are painted to keep out rust.
What Spaces is M4AC3 Air Conditioner Best For?
These air conditioners work best in a cooler climate. Warmer climates tend to push the units to overwork and this raises the breakdown risk due to the high pressure.
The units are best used for air conditioning in small to medium-sized homes as well as small offices.
Mounting and Installation Options
An M4AC4 air conditioning unit is difficult to install without the assistance of an HVAC technician. The installation manual is difficult to interpret and understand especially for users with little basic knowledge of air conditioning systems. You should keep the unit away from flammable sources. A routine check-up is needed for the proper functioning of the unit.
Best for the Money:
M4AC6 Air Conditioner
PROS
CONS
Unit Size/Dimensions: 1.5-5 ton
Energy Efficiency (SEER):16
Home Sq. Ft.: 1000-3200
Condenser Fan Motor: Single phase
Cost of Unit Only: $1635-$2750
Installation Cost: $1850-$4700
Features of M4AC6 Air Conditioner
These air conditioners have low noise levels at only 67 dB and are thus a favorite among families with young children. The galvanized steel cabinets make the units in this range suitable for outdoor use as they are resistant to rust and corrosion that comes with exposure to high humidity levels. of it makes the machine reliable in all kinds of weather. This is a favorite feature that most users living in areas with high humidity love about these units.
What Spaces is M4AC6 Air Conditioner Best For?
These units work well in both hot and cool climates and can be installed in residential homes. Since they are highly resistant to moisture, they are a good option for places with high humidity levels. However, extreme levels of humidity would cause them to underperform, causing a sharp decline in efficiency.
Mounting and Installation Option
Since they have a compact design, they are suitable for installation in places where space is limited. Care should be taken to ensure they are installed horizontally to reduce the chances of water collecting inside the unit and forming ice.
What Makes Ameristar Air Conditioners Stand Out From the Competition?
Ameristar air conditioner units have cabinets made of galvanized steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. This means that Ameristar units last longer even when installed outside and exposed to the elements.
The Ameristar Warranty is only offered for AC units installed in residential homes. The Ameristar warranty has to be activated by registering the AC unit online or via the phone within sixty days after installation. The AC’s have SEER ratings between 13 and 16, which means they are a bit on the lower end and are thus less costly compared to other major brands.
How Do Ameristar Air Conditioners Compare?
With many different brands available, how do these stack up against competitors? Here are some helpful comparisons:
Ameristar vs Goodman
Similarities
Both brands make air conditioners with full louvered sides for better circulation of air.
Both brands use galvanized steel cabinets with a powder paint finish to protect them from rust and corrosion that comes with exposure to moisture. They also have salt-spray protection to prevent corrosion even further.
Differences
Ameristar only has units in single-stage mode, while Goodman ACs come in both single and two-stage cooling modes.
Goodman offers an 18 SEER rating for the most energy-efficient model while Ameristar offers a SEER rating of 16 for its high-end models.
Photo credit: youtube.com
Ameristar vs Trane
Similarities
Ameristar and Trane are from the same manufacturer. As a result, Trane and Ameristar ACs have fairly similar designs such as full louvered sides. The durability of parts remains the same as they are all made of the same materials with the protection of the galvanized steel cabinets.
Differences
The SEER rating of the a high-end Trane air conditioner is higher than that of the Ameristar. Trane goes up to 22 SEER while Ameristar only has a SEER 16 rating for the most energy-efficient model.
Ameristar vs American Standard
Similarities
Since the two brands are both produced by Ingersoll Rand, they generally have similar parts and designs.
Differences
The Ameristar ACs sell at lower prices than the American Standard ACs. This is because most of the Ameristar units have lower energy-efficiency. The Ameristar warranty is 10 years while the American Standard warranty goes up to 12 years for the high-end models.
Ameristar vs Lennox
Photo credit: ameristarhvac.com
Similarities
Both brands use aluminum coils in their air conditioners.
Differences
The Lennox ACs have higher prices than the Ameristar air conditioners since they have more complex features and are made for the high-end market. Ameristar ACs are meant for the entry-level HVAC market and thus have fewer exclusive features and lower prices.
Lennox ACs have both single and two-stage controls while the Ameristar ACs only have single-stage cooling controls.
Ameristar Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
Once in a while, your Ameristar AC will run into problems. If the fuse and the breakers are not working, you need help from an HVAC installer to look at the system and tell you the root cause. The fuse usually burns out.
If your AC is noisy, check the fan motor since it is prone to wear and tear and causes the production noise as it has to overwork to achieve the same rate of cooling as before. If it does not rotate smoothly, consider replacing it with a spare one.
If your Ameristar AC does not cool, check to see if the contactor is still in place. You can use a multimeter to check if the contactor transfers enough voltage to the condensing unit. Consider replacing the contactor if it is defective and breaks current continuity. You may also need to clean or replace the condenser coil.
Conclusion
As we have seen so far, Ameristar air conditioners are reliable and convenient. They are mainly entry-level ACs suitable for use in homes and small offices where noise levels have to be kept low. If you are looking for an air conditioner that is budget-friendly you should consider settling on an Ameristar AC since they all sell at lower price points and have lower installation costs compared to those of other brands.
People Also Ask
To help make your decision-making process easier, we will look at some of the questions people usually ask about Ameristar air conditioners. If you have any questions not answered in this list, we would love to hear from you. Be sure to shoot it over.
Who Makes Ameristar Products?
Ameristar products such as air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces are made by Ingersoll Rand alongside Trane and American Standard products. This explains the striking general similarities between the air conditioners from the three brands in both parts and design.
Who is Ameristar Owned By?
The Ameristar brand is owned by Ingersoll Rand, which is the parent company that also owns Trane and American Standard.
What Kind of Warranty Does Ameristar Offer?
Photo credit: camheating.com
All the three air conditioner models from Ameristar have a base warranty of 5 years. The manufacturer advises customers to apply for the 10-year warranty by registering their unit online or through the phone within sixty days of installation. This warranty only covers units that are installed in residential places like homes.
Which Ameristar AC Unit Do I Have?
Ameristar offers air conditioners in three tiers with different SEER ratings. Within these tiers, there are different models. The M4CA4 air conditioners have a SEER rating of 14. Models in the M4CA3 series have a 13 SEER rating. Models within the M4CA6 series have a 16 SEER rating. To determine the exact model you have, you can check its SEER rating as well as the model number on the side of the AC.
How Good Are Ameristar Air Conditioners?
Ameristar air conditioners are a good choice given their durability. They have cabinets made of galvanized steel for the protection of parts from rust and corrosion. They also use scroll compressors and thus have better efficiency since there is reduced friction. Since the Ameristar air conditioning system consists of entry-level products they come at lower price points that are suitable for buyers on a budget.