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Book NowHave you noticed just how many air conditioners there are on the market? The supply of units seems nearly endless, but how do you know which ones are worth your money?
Some brands stick out among the crowd and provide optimal performance and reliability that are a cut above the rest.
We’ve seen many air conditioner units come to market, but some brands tend to have a more reliable slate of releases than others. The best brands also provide a variety of sizes, features, and ironclad warranties that speak to us as the best.
Here are five of the best air conditioner brands in no particular order:
Here’s a look at some of our top choices for air conditioner brands based on features, cost, variety, warranty, and efficiency options.
Trane
First up is Trane. The company has been in the air conditioning game since 1913 and has developed reliable and innovative products to set itself apart from the rest.
Efficiency
Trane air conditioners offer greater heat transfer and corrosion resistance than other manufacturers with their all-aluminum Spine Fin design. Better heat transfer means better efficiency, with some models boasting SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings of 17 and up, which is well above the standard of 13.
Additional Features
Additionally, Trane air conditioners have optional features like CleanEffects Whole Air Home Cleaner, which filters out dust, particles, and other irritants. This can be handy for those with allergies and respiratory issues.
Warranty
Trane offers two types of warranty coverage: base and registered. The base warranty is good for up to 5 years on specific parts and covers those parts due to defects but not labor. Trane’s registered warranty covers parts for up to 10 years and doesn’t include labor either.
Buyers may extend their coverage by purchasing an extended warranty. On top of this flexibility, the warranties are transferable for up to 90 days.
Cost to Install
Trane’s air conditioners run from $6,000 to $15,000 and beyond, depending on whether you opt for a variable speed system. These numbers include the average installation cost in the United States, so quotes and final pricing will vary.
Pros
- All-aluminum Spine Fin design
- Higher than average efficiency rating
- Add-on features
- Flexible warranty coverage
Cons
- Potentially higher cost to purchase and install
Carrier
If you’re looking for some name recognition, look no further than Carrier. The brand’s founder, Willis Carrier, was the original air conditioning creator in 1902.
Efficiency
Carrier is ideal for those who prioritize efficiency over all else. The company’s air conditioner units can reach up to 26 SEER, marking a high water mark regarding efficiency for traditional air conditioners.
Additional Features
For those concerned about sound, certain Carrier air conditioners are up to 50% quieter than competitive models, but this is Carrier’s claim, not a third party’s findings.
Carrier also provides a range of shapes and sizes to cater to more home types. This is optimal for homeowners who are looking for a specific style of a product without sacrificing reliability.
Warranty
Regarding the included warranties, Carrier provides a 10-year limited warranty that is non-transferable and is cut to 5 years if the product is not registered within 90 days. Other models feature the standard 10-year warranty and an additional 10-year replacement warranty.
Cost to Install
The average cost for a Carrier air conditioner and installation runs from about $6,000 to $15,000, which is on par with the rest of the pack.
Pros
- High peak efficiency on some models
- Quieter operation
- Wide variety of shapes and sizes
- 10-year replacement warranty on some models
Cons
- Non-transferable warranty
Rheem
Rheem has been making home air conditioner units since 1950 and isn’t content with just playing it safe. On top of providing quality products, Rheem is also committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and cutting landfill waste to 0% in 2025.
Efficiency
Aside from the environmental hurdles the company is tackling, Rheem also provides a wide range of products that cater to different budgets. From cheaper single-stage units with a minimum of 13 SEER to higher-end 20.5 SEER variable speed, there’s an option for most homes.
Additional Features
EcoNet is one of Rheem’s most efficiency-minded features. With EcoNet, users can adjust their system using an application that helps them achieve maximum efficiency. Not every model features EcoNet, but it is available on two-stage and variable-speed air conditioners.
Warranty
Rheem’s warranty coverage ranges from a 10-year limited warranty to a limited lifetime warranty on some components. The coverage can extend to a 10-year or lifetime warranty for conditional unit replacement. Rheem does not cover labor.
Cost to Install
In terms of pricing, Rheem air conditioners cost around $6,000 to $15,000 to install. Remember, these are ballpark estimates, and your mileage may vary depending on your home’s requirements.
Pros
- Green initiative
- Range of efficiency ratings
- EcoNet adds flexibility and efficiency
- 10-year to lifetime warranties available
Cons
- Efficiency ratings don’t reach as high
Goodman
Goodman doesn’t quite boast the same historical presence as Trane and Carrier and arrived on the air conditioning scene in 1984. Since then, the company has come under the wing of Daikin but retained its namesake.
Efficiency
Goodman air conditioners carry a swath of efficiency ratings from the bare minimum of 13 SEER to 24.5 SEER on higher-end models.
Additional Features
ComfortBridge technology on select models furthers the efficiency by gathering your home’s data to optimize performance.
Warranty
Goodman warranties are sturdy and often include a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty, a lifetime compressor warranty, and a 10-year parts limited warranty. You’ll need to register your product within 60 days of purchase to receive warranty benefits.
Cost to Install
The cost of installing a Goodman air conditioner is more akin to installing any other brand, hovering around $6,000 to $15,000.
Pros
- Range of efficiency ratings
- ComfortBridge adds efficiency
- Strong 10-year warranty
Cons
- Lack of brand recognition
Lennox
Lennox has been in operation for 125 years, making them a trusted name in the industry and in homes across the country. The company has pushed out advancements in dual-speed compressor design, refrigeration control, efficiency, and noise levels to make homes the most comfortable they can be.
Efficiency
While shopping around for a Lennox air conditioner, you can count on seeing SEER ratings from the minimum 13 SEER to 28 SEER on top-end models. Like the other options, higher efficiency equates to a larger investment for the air conditioner unit itself.
Additional Features
Some Lennox air conditioners feature a proprietary coil technology called Quantum Coil, which uses an aluminum alloy design crafted for added ruggedness to stand up to the elements.
On the smart end of things, you can also pair certain air conditioners with Lennox’s iComfort S30 smart thermostat for greater control over your system to improve your comfort and keep your air conditioner at peak efficiency.
Warranty
Lennox offers several types of warranty coverage, with the most common being a 5-year limited warranty on select components that is upgradeable to 10 years with registration. Other types of warranties include lifetime coverage on heat exchangers and 10-year limited coverage on compressors.
Cost to Install
As you might suspect, the cost to install a Lennox air conditioner also hovers between $6,000 and $15,000.
Pros
- High-efficiency models
- Quantum Coil
- Smart compatibility
Cons
- Warranties vary more than most
Which Air Conditioner Brand is Best for You?
We’ve covered everything from efficiency to warranties and pricing on some of the best brands in air conditioning. You’ll be able to go into your research more confidently with this knowledge in your back pocket and won’t be hopping from tab to tab to find information.
After years of servicing and installing HVAC systems around Southern California, we know that it’s important to find the right air conditioner for your home. While not every installer will cover your desired brand, it’s worth making a few calls to see if you can find the right fit for you.
If you’re looking to find the right air conditioner for your home and live in the Los Angeles area, give us a call at (310) 853-8690 or visit our HVAC services page to book a consultation with a technician. We’ll make sure you get set up with an air conditioner that suits you and your family’s needs.
In the meantime, it’s recommended that you get a better idea of which HVAC system is right for you. Additionally, check out our breakdown of the best smart thermostats of 2022 to get an idea of what you might want to install along with your new air conditioner.
