The year parts warranty is better than the industry average. The compressor warranty is just 12 years too. In standard split systems, 8 models from 14 to 23 SEER and single-stage to inverter-driven are available. Notes: Daikin does not yet use ComfortBridge communicating technology. The older ComfortNet option is available. Maytag and its sister brands are among the most overlooked in the industry. They deliver an appealing blend of benefits. Maytag uses mostly high-quality universal components.
If the compressor fails during those 12 years, Maytag will replace the whole AC. Nortek has retired Tappan and Westinghouse brands. Carrier is the most recognizable name in air conditioning. Most Bryant AC models are identical to Carrier. Cost is about the same too. That is why we list them together rather than separating them like Heil. The concern about cost is that Carrier and Bryant have some of the highest price tags in the industry. The quality is excellent, so durability is very reliable.
Plus, the brands require installers to certified. This means that proper installation is more likely. Bryant and Carrier air conditioners are built with the best parts available. Copeland compressors are used in most models. You pay a higher price, and you get a superior product. Carrier and Bryant offer a mediocre year parts warranty. There are no AC replacement warranties.
You can buy an extended warranty, but we do not recommend them for these reasons. Carrier was the first major brand to offer variable-speed air conditioners. That technology has been improved, so Carrier and Bryant variable-capacity models are among the most reliable. The brands also offer one of the best selections of single-stage and two-stage central air conditioners. That potentially equals better value.
The ICP brands are less choosy about who installs their products. The point is that you might get better installation with Carrier than with the other brands. Proper installation and the quality of the components are the two main factors in central air conditioner durability. If reliability is your top priority when buying a central air conditioner, then these are your brands. They are built with quality parts and are installed by factory-certified technicians.
The coils are among the most unique in the industry. The brands offer a year compressor warranty and year general parts warranty. There are 9 models from The brands make a compact model too, which fits nicely where space is limited. The brand models and costs are nearly identical. The brand produces one of the largest selections of outdoor and indoor mini-split systems.
Because Mitsubishi manufactures its systems overseas, it is more difficult to research the origin of the parts. However, it is clear from reliability data that Mitsubishi uses high-quality, reliable components. Single zone and multi-zone systems with a wide range of indoor units are available.
Note: Our Mitsubishi Buying Guide has comprehensive details about options and costs. The disadvantage is that most ductless systems require two to eight indoor units, each with its own installation cost. Total cost for the system can be higher than for a ducted split HVAC system. The problem has been with their micro-channel coil that was prone to leaking.
However, since upgrades were made in recent years, leaks have decreased and durability has improved. York uses mostly universal parts except for coils.
Problem with leaking coils was the major reason to avoid York in the past. Single-stage, two-stage and variable-capacity air conditioners are offered.
Lennox makes the most efficient central air conditioners available. The brand uses mostly Lennox proprietary parts. This is a disadvantage that keeps it off our list. Secondly, the parts can be hard to get. If your AC is down during a sweltering summer heat wave, do you want immediate repair or a day wait at most , or are you willing to wait up to a week for repairs? Supply chain issues with Lennox have been improved, but there are still problems that might delay your repair.
Rheem is a name most consumers know. The Rheem and Ruud central air conditioner models are exactly the same. The ratings are within the margin of error, so we are not convinced the brands are inferior. Ruud and Rheem air conditioners are built with many of the same components other top brands use including quality Copeland compressors.
Coil design, the Achilles heel of many brands, has been improved. If properly installed, Ruud and Rheem air conditioners should prove quite durable. These best central AC brands are only as good as their installer. Consumers Report says these brands are nearly equal in reliability but the quality of the installation has a major impact on durability, efficiency and performance.
Some companies get close to 5-star ratings while others barely make 3 stars. Some companies employ well-trained and experienced installers. Others make their living by offering low costs, but to offer those low-ball estimates, they use poorly qualified installers. Step 1 - Check Reviews of Local Contractors.
Ask your contacts including friends and family for recommendations about heating and cooling companies. Call air conditioning companies. Set up appointments for agents to visit your home and give you estimates. Choose the installer with a good blend of ratings and price.
Make sure the crew that will install your central air conditioner has years of experience. Make your choice based on installation experience, a reputation for good work and a fair price. This plan usually takes weeks.
Our Free Local Quote Tool is quick and convenient. It is free, and you have NO obligation to accept any estimates offered. Then your information is sent to pre-screened air conditioner installers in your area. They will respond with estimates for air conditioners and installation costs. You can discuss air conditioner brands, models and prices. They should help you decide on a model with the right size and efficiency for your needs. See our Central Air Conditioner Prices Guide for much more information on choosing the right efficiency AC and the right size unit for your home and climate.
This is a fair price. This price seems fair. AC Size — With units ranging from 1. Brand — Goodman is the low-cost leader. Daikin owns Goodman. Both brands are owned by United Technologies Corporation. Why are similar ACs priced differently? To give consumers options. Cost rises as efficiency goes up. In a hot climate, the higher cost of an energy efficient air conditioner will be recouped in years through lower energy costs.
Performance — You have three options, single-stage, two-stage and variable capacity central air conditioners. These represent basic, better and best performance and indoor comfort control of temperature and humidity.
Read recent contractor reviews and schedule no-obligation appointments. Read contractor reviews, compare quotes, and book appointments with professionals.
Get Started. Here are our top picks. Updated August 3, There are a few main things that homeowners will want to take into consideration when deciding which of the best AC units they should install in their homes. It really depends on what you value the most in a top brand central air conditioner.
Best brands at a glance. Top AC Brands We broke down each of the 10 best central air conditioning brands and more by comparing the costs of a 14 SEER standard efficiency AC unit and then layout some of the top features of each highly rated central AC unit brand.
American Standard air conditioners are one of the best central air conditioning brands in the business. The company gets far fewer repair calls for its AC systems than most of the other AC units in the business. Average Cost to Install:. Energy Efficiency:. Find local installers.
Their HVAC systems are built with strict quality standards in mind. They offer up to a 21 SEER rating, which is the highest on the market. Carrier repairs are usually fairly affordable in comparison to the rest of the HVAC industry. Carrier is also known for having highly qualified installers who are trained specifically in how to install a Carrier air conditioner.
The company also offers heat pumps, gas furnaces, and other HVAC system types. They are known for being cheaper in price range, but still being a good brand to rely on. Trane central air conditioners are known for upholding warranties and offer a standard year warranty that covers both parts and labor.
Rheem central AC units are a good option if you are looking for something within a smaller budget. When installed correctly and maintained, Rheem units can be just as durable as other higher priced brands. However, for the price they are definitely worth considering. Out of all the top brands on this list, Lennox air conditioners are the ones known most for energy efficiency.
You can pick up models with remarkably high SEER levels like York HVAC systems are considered one of the best brands particularly because they are known for their value pricing. York AC units are also known for being extremely quiet and are a great option when noise is a real concern.
Ruud air conditioners are affordable HVAC systems that offer a full lineup of heating and cooling products. They also have available parts throughout the U. Consider these important factors as you determine the best central air conditioner brands has to offer.
Manufacturers build central air conditioning units according to the size of the spaces they will cool. Your installation expert will help you decide which size is best for you.
Some common terms you should know are:. There are a number of factors that go into the cost of an air conditioner, including size, labor, brand and installation. A good warranty will save you thousands in repairs over the life of the unit. Different parts may have longer or shorter coverage, so read the fine print. Look for a warranty with a term of at least 10 years or longer. A warranty that can transfer to the next homeowner is an attractive selling feature.
Ask the dealer how to register your unit. Some features worth considering include:. Websites like Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau provide customer reviews of different brands.
These are good resources to see how a central AC manufacturer handles customer complaints and issues. Installation is a very important element to consider. The best central air conditioner brands based on many factors include Amana, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem and Trane. Carrier offers the quietest range of central air conditioners on the market with a sound rating as low as 49 dB.
When choosing an AC system for your home, there are seven factors we cover in this guide you should consider: cost, customer reviews, energy efficiency, features, home size, installation and warranty. Written by Nic Rardin on June 7, Efficiency Rating.
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