The Consumer Reports rankings reflect our predictions of the 2022 yearMost Reliable Air Conditioners systems based on Consumer Reports (CR) assessment according to nearly 24,000 homeowners. The fewer problems reported in the last 12 months for air conditioners from the last three model years, the better the score. Since the beginning of the pandemic, as more than ever, people have worked and studied at home, their air conditioning systems have become important as never before.
Characteristics of a good central air conditioner brand
Here are 4 things to look out for when choosing a new reliable air conditioning system:
1). Price
Did you know some brands have a lot in common since oftentimes they are all part of the same company? A good example is air conditioners from Carrier and Bryant, however, Carrier air conditioners are well known to be more expensive.
2). Quality components
As a consumer, you see that every product you watch comes in several categories: basic, medium, and premium.
This is true for cars, appliances, and electronics. Also, it applies to central air conditioners.
In order to save money, many major brands use internal components from the same aftermarket suppliers as Tecumseh, Emerson, and Copeland.
3). Durability
The well-known independent testing group Consumer Reports found that a mid-range central air conditioner repair cost more than $ 250 Canadian per service call. The lifespan of a home air conditioner varies based on many factors, those that are well-maintained should last 15 to 20 years.
4). Warranty
The warranty lets you know what the manufacturer thinks about their equipment. The best HVAC brands of 2021 have a total parts warranty of at least 10 years.
BEST AIR CONDITIONER BRANDS
1.Trane
While modern air conditioners consist of dozens of components, the compressor is still the “heart” of the unit. I don’t think you would find many HVAC service technicians that would argue that the Climatuff is a tank. If you know Trane’s slogan, “It’s hard to stop a Trane”, you may know they built that slogan on the Climatuff compressor back – it can take a lot of abuse and it deserves the number 1 most reliable air conditioner brand.
That said, most of the other manufacturers nowadays are using Copeland brand compressors, a great component in its own right, but the Climatuff takes the prize as best in class in my opinion and I’d guess probably most other HVAC experts’ opinions as well. (Update 2021 – Trane now uses the same Copeland compressor as their competitors in many models that used the Climatuff when this article was originally written.)
- EFFICIENCY RATING
- 14.5 to 22 SEER
- SOUND RATING
- An average of 70 decibels
- PRICE RANGE
- $5,800 – $14,000
2. American Standard
American Standard is recognized by HVAC technicians as one of the top brands for quality and durability. Independent testing by Consumer Reports and similar organizations.
The lineup has been consolidated from more than 12 units about a decade ago to just 7 – but there’s still a good model for every niche. Basically, American Standard stopped producing its least efficient models – 13 and 14 SEER units.
Did you know? American Standard and Trane are identical with one exception – Trane makes an 18 SEER and 16.5 SEER unit that American Standard 14.5 to 22 SEER. Both brands are owned by Ingersoll-Rand. The same internal parts are used; the units are made in the same factories.
- EFFICIENCY RATING
- 14.5 to 22 SEER
- SOUND RATING
- An average of 57-75db
- PRICE RANGE
- $4,500 to $6,270
3. Carrier
Known for: Carrier’s air conditioning units are some of the most efficient on the market. With a two-stage compressor that allows the air-conditioning unit to operate in a low-power mode to maintain the set temperature on the thermostat, the Infinity 21 central air conditioner exemplifies the efficiency Carrier offers.
Carrier is highly regarded in the air-conditioning industry, and that’s largely due to being the founder of air conditioning, which Willis Carrier invented back in 1914. The company continues to be a force in the air-conditioning market with designs that focus on being as efficient and quiet as possible. Its Infinity 21 series, the company’s top-end line of air conditioners, boasts a 21 SEER Two-stage compression that lets the system bring the cool when it’s needed but allows it to function mostly in low-stage, where you get the highest efficiency and the best dehumidification due to longer run times. It’s also quieter in the low stage.
Therefore if you want to really step up in comfort, make sure you combine the 24ANB1 with an Infinity indoor unit featuring a comfort-inducing variable-speed blower motor and manage it all with an Infinity control. It’s the best way to assure you get the highest level of efficiency and cool comfort.
While its top-end AC units are among the most expensive on the market, Carrier does offer affordable AC units with its Comfort 13 series.
- EFFICIENCY RATING
- Up to 21 SEER rating
- SOUNDS RATING
- 49dB to 72dB
- PRICE RANGE
- $4,500 – $8,400
4. Lennox
Lennox is the elephant in the room because it’s a name everyone knows. This brand began selling some of the first residential air conditioning systems when the technology was in its infancy back in 1952. Today, the company sells three lines of air conditioners and is known for producing some of the quietest AC units on the market. Even its low-end AC units are fitted with quiet technology. However, it doesn’t make the list.
Here is our explanation.
Lennox makes the most efficient central air conditioners available.
In addition, the brand uses mostly its proprietary parts. This is a disadvantage that keeps it off our list.
First, the durability of those parts isn’t better than the durability of universal parts. Secondly, Some HVAC professionals suggest Lennox parts are inferior.
Secondly, the parts can be hard to get. If your AC is down during a sweltering summer heatwave, 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.
- EFFICIENCY RATING
- Up to 26 SEER rating
- SOUND RATING
- 41dB to 76dB
- PRICE RANGE
- $4,700 – $10,700
5. Goodman
Goodman HVAC equipment has gone through quite a change in the last decade. Once known as cheap both in quality and price, the brand has managed to keep its prices lower than average but significantly improve quality. Goodman air conditioning systems are popular because they are economically priced and very competitive in the market today. Also, Goodman offers several models of air conditioners that range from 13 SEER to 19 SEER, and many Goodman air conditioners utilize the ozone-friendly refrigerant R-410A.
- EFFICIENCY RATING
- 13 to 19 SEER range
- SOUND RATING
- 68 dB to 74dB
- PRICE RANGE
- $4,188 to $6,350
6. York
York makes a full line of air conditioning systems ranging in sizes from 1.5 tons all the way up to the monster systems that serve large commercial buildings. Moreover, their residential air conditioner systems range in various sizes enough to handle residential and light commercial applications with efficiency ranging from 13 SEER to 20 SEER.
York air conditioners are durable, reliable, and built to last. In addition, the company has a number of excellent entry-level cooling systems for people who are on a tighter budget. Even their premium line of air conditioners is still quite affordable, making York an excellent brand if you want to upgrade to a newer and more efficient system without having to spend a lot on a new air conditioner.
- EFFICIENCY RATING
- 13 to 19 SEER range
- SOUND RATING
- 60 dB to 74dB
- PRICE RANGE
- $4,100 to $9,500
Contact Vese Heating & Cooling Today to Get Most Reliable Air Conditioners!
Vese Heating & Cooling wants to ensure that you get into the most qualified hands and get results worth every penny invested. We want you to have avoided all headaches as well as additional costs in the future. Vese Heating & Cooling offers free quotes for HVAC installations for customers in Edmonton. Contact us online or call (825)343-6222 for your Air Conditioner installation or service expert.
