Join the 6,755 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the past 30 days. Our team researched the best air conditioning brands for more than 300 hours and found that the two main air conditioning brands available are Carrier for its best-in-class performance and Lennox for its superior energy efficiency. Carrier partners with Energy Star to meet strict energy efficiency requirements established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This, combined with the company's low noise rates and variable speed compressors, results in some of the highest-performing air conditioning units available.
Carrier boilers and furnaces they perform just as high. Like Carrier, Lennox partners with Energy Star to offer high-efficiency air conditioning units. SEER ratings vary by model, but your SL28XCV unit can reach up to 28 degrees, one of the highest rates in the industry. Lennox's high-end air conditioners have technology that modifies the way they cool depending on the surrounding climate, resulting in greater efficiency.
You can also add the company's SunSource technology to any of your Signature collection units, allowing you to power your air conditioner using solar panels. Founded in 1913, Trane offers impressive guarantees that make it a safe investment. Your XV20i TruComfort variable speed air conditioner uses variable speed technology to continuously communicate with other parts of the air conditioning system and a Trane thermostat for optimal efficiency. Trane includes a 12-year compressor and a 10-year warranty for parts and labor, which is more comprehensive than other brands.
These guarantees help make your investment safer and durable. Amana is part of Goodman, the world's largest manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning products and systems. It offers quality air conditioning units backed by a strong warranty. It also has one of the most user-friendly websites, including user manuals and easy-to-access product search tools.
While many of Amana's products have average performance, their features increase your ability to control your home. The company's ComfortBridge technology uses bidirectional communication to determine at what speed or stage the air conditioner is operating, rather than relying on the thermostat. This allows your HVAC system to use the data to automatically adjust to the minimum amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home, reducing utility costs. Amana also uses a variable capacity compressor, which improves humidity control.
American Standard has many units to choose from, including single-, two-stage and variable-speed fan motor options, depending on your budget and desired energy efficiency. The company also offers AccuLink and AccuComfort smart thermostats, which allow you to control your air conditioner through the American Standard mobile app. Best of all, the company is competitively priced. York started out in 1874 manufacturing ice machines, and then expanded to HVAC systems once the technology became available.
Johnson Controls, which manufactures mechanical equipment worldwide, now owns the company. York air conditioning units combine high energy efficiency and low sound levels. All models have railings to protect the coil and compressor for added durability. York is the most experienced company on this list.
Not only do you receive quality air conditioning units, but also the experience that other brands on this list don't yet have. Frigidaire has become a household name over the past 100 years because of its quality refrigerators and freezers. The company provides the same quality to its air conditioning units. Although it is known for its simple and traditional air conditioning systems, it also offers a selection of integration features for smart homes. Frigidaire offers integrated and portable air conditioners, but stands out for its mounted air conditioning systems in windows.
Some options include technology normally reserved for large air conditioning systems, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile application control, and inverters that optimize energy efficiency and air circulation. In addition to low-cost units, Ruud offers financing options through an in-house finance company, KwikComfort Financing, with interest-free payment plan options. This funding feature stands out because replacing the air conditioner is expensive. Goodman makes its air conditioning systems last, with features that include special filters that block dirt and rail protectors to protect the coils from weather and dirt.
Goodman backs its air conditioning systems with a 10-year limited warranty for parts, a 10-year limited warranty for complete unit replacement, and a lifetime warranty for the compressor. Keep in mind that some brands, such as Trane, may use name recognition and long history as a reason to charge higher prices. While a good reputation is a good indicator of quality, it doesn't necessarily mean you should pay more for a comparable unit from a lesser-known brand. The 10-year limited warranty for parts or replacements is standard.
A brand that offers a lifetime warranty for compressors or a lifetime replacement warranty indicates that the company stands up for its products. The lifespan of an air conditioner can vary greatly depending on factors such as its quality, the work done by the installation technician, the surrounding climate, and the maintenance of the system. A typical household air conditioner unit can last between 15 and 25 years. Here are some factors that can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.
The best air conditioner brand depends on your budget, needs and desires. Carrier air conditioners are some of the best performing, while Lennox has one of the highest SEER ratings and the best energy efficiency scores. Brands like Trane or American Standard may be more suitable if you're looking for something more affordable. The best air conditioner brand depends on your specific needs and desires.
However, we believe that Carrier is one of the most comprehensive air conditioning brands. The company offers high-quality air conditioning units at competitive prices and includes a 10-year limited warranty when registering the product. An air conditioning unit can last up to 20 years, or even 30, with proper maintenance and care. We found that Ruud offers some of the cheapest full-size air conditioners.
We consider Frigidaire to be the best brand of window air conditioning units. The company specializes in window-mounted air conditioning units and includes high-end features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, remote control using mobile applications and high-end inverters that optimize energy efficiency. Carrier invented the modern air conditioner in 1902 and is still one of the most trusted brands on the market today. Carrier is also in this top 10 and continues to be an innovative company in HVAC.
In fact, it is one of the largest HVAC companies in the modern market and produces a wide range of products to the task. It is also one of the most attractive air conditioning systems on the market, with all the functions you would expect from a smart home, in addition to location services and compatibility with Apple HomeKit (something rare in the field of air conditioning). So, if your windows are narrow or don't fully open, you might have to opt for a portable air conditioner anyway; a portable air conditioner needs an opening that's only about 6 inches wide, 12 inches high, and maybe 2 inches deep, so it's much more flexible.
