Depending on your needs, you should consider a few key factors while choosing among the best air conditioning brands and models.
Good customer service makes a world of difference in any area of business, not just HVAC. But if you live in an area where having good AC is crucial to well-being and survival, it’s important that you’re able to get reliable help whenever you need it. Carefully read reviews when researching brands, ask for estimates from multiple companies, and don’t be afraid to call directly if you have any concerns, questions or just want to see how a company handles customer support. Do the same for any installation contractors especially if they’re not employed directly by the manufacturer.
If something doesn’t seem quite right, whether it’s a lack of transparency over warranty filing processes or an inexperienced technician, don’t be afraid to continue your search elsewhere. Quick, efficient customer service could make a huge difference in your future quality of life.
Air conditioning systems can be costly, and many factors affect the final price tag. A good installation contractor or brand representative should walk you through each point in detail and be able to offer a reasonable estimate for your location.
Some of the cost-affecting variables include: house size, cooling capacity, how much of the house you want to cool, insulation quality and whether or not you have an existing AC system in place. Unit-wise, things like efficiency rating, extra features and how many BTUs you need can all have an impact on the final cost.
Location and upkeep may also result in higher upfront and long-term costs, especially if you live in a hotter region where air conditioning units for homes need to be more durable and require frequent maintenance in order to stay functional. Places with cooler climates, where AC is used only seasonally or rarely, can expect lower price tags.
Finally, always take into account the long-term cost vs. savings of the AC unit on your energy bills. Though an energy-efficient air conditioner may seem like it costs an egregious amount upfront, once you crunch the numbers, you may realize that it will pay for itself within a few years of bills—a fair trade-off.
The type of AC unit you choose for your home affects the appliance’s costs and effectiveness. Four basic types exist, and each has various styles to choose from.
An air conditioning system with a lot of extra features is inevitably going to cost more. High-priced units often come with the bells and whistles attached, so it’s important to read the fine print to make sure you actually need or want everything that you’re paying for. While having a highly energy-efficient unit is ideal, you may not want it to also come with full internet capability and an app for your phone.
Extra features often worth some extra expense include the ability to integrate with smart home devices with remote operation. The added control allows homeowners to set up operating schedules to reduce air conditioning run times when it’s unnecessary. Smart home integration also allows remote access, device learning and sometimes voice control, so owners can easily adjust settings from almost anywhere. These features are not only convenient but can significantly reduce energy costs.
Other features to consider are an air conditioner’s ability to pair with an indoor air quality system and provide humidity control. ACs with multiple-stage operation are another energy-saving option to consider.
These qualifications always pay for good warranties, customer service and inexpensive energy-saving features whenever possible. Many basic AC models come with solid options in all three categories, so make sure to completely explore your choices—flashy and modest alike—before settling on a final decision.
A hefty, long-term investment like an air conditioning system should always come with a warranty. Try to find a warranty offer that matches your needs and takes into account your location, especially the frequency with which you’ll be using your AC (remember, an air conditioner can break even when you’re not using it). Both workmanship warranties and manufacturing warranties can help ensure you’re protected from any problems caused by incorrect installation or model defects.
In general, cheaper models can also come with weaker warranties. This isn’t always true, but though it may be painful to cough up for an expensive system, it may also offer you better protection from expensive-to-fix problems in the long run.
The output BTU or cooling capability of your new air conditioner is critical. Our resident expert states, “Your home needs an air conditioning system that matches the needs of the house. Too small and it will have to work too hard to keep up—too large and it will cycle too often causing early wear.”
Ensure the brand of air conditioner you choose offers a size or a unit with a BTU rating that precisely meets the needs of your home and your family’s needs.
Air conditioners are always improving in efficiency, reliability and noisiness. However, they’re not silent: The best air conditioner brands generally have noise levels of between 55 and 75 weighted decibels (dbA), with some as low as 51 and others as high as about 80. These noise levels are comparable to somewhere between an operating refrigerator and an operating vacuum cleaner.
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Air conditioners (ACs) are key to keeping your home cool and comfortable, but finding the right one can be difficult. There’s a lot of technical terminology and jargon that goes along with shopping for an AC that can make it challenging to figure out which ones are better than others.
To simplify the process, we’ve researched the best air conditioner brands and closely compared product specifications, prices, and extra features. Read on for our top recommendations for AC brands.
Lennox
Most Energy Efficient
4.9
Fast Facts:
Lennox partners with ENERGY STAR to create high-efficiency air conditioners. It offers units with high seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) up to 28, including small split systems and large full-size models.
Lennox offers many high-end products alongside its AC units, such as a smart thermostat that integrates your HVAC system with popular smart-home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, AppleHomeKit, and Google Assistant. Lennox also can add its SunSource technology to any of its Signature Collection units to power your AC via solar panels.
We recommend Lennox’s SL28XCV AC unit. This AC from the company’s Signature Collection is ENERGY STAR-certified and has a SEER rating of 28. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty on covered components, including the compressor. You can power it via solar panels if desired.
➕Found at popular retailers such as The Home Depot
➕Features some of the highest SEER ratings available
➕Includes options for solar-powered AC units
➖Varies warranty coverage by product
➖Has higher prices than other brands
Carrier
Best Overall AC Units
4.8
Fast Facts:
Carrier builds some of the quietest and most efficient AC units. Some Carrier air conditioners have sound levels as low as 51 decibels (dB), meaning you won’t be bothered by the roaring and rumble other ACs may make when combating high temperatures.
The company also manufactures air purifiers and humidity control products to improve your home’s comfort. Additionally, it has a smartphone app that syncs with its smart thermostat for remote control. These features help Carrier create a complete and convenient AC system for your home.
We recommend Carrier’s Infinity 26 Air Conditioner with Greenspeed Intelligence. It has a SEER rating of up to 26 and comfort control features such as humidity control and a built-in sound blanket that makes it quieter than many competitors. In addition, you receive a 10-year limited warranty on parts when you register the product, and a 10-year limited warranty for unit replacement.
➕Has some of the quietest ACs available
➕Includes air purification and humidity control with some models
➕Provides a 10-year limited parts warranty for registered products
➖Requires a consultation for an accurate quote
➖Has higher prices than some competitors
York
4.6
Fast Facts:
York is a long-standing company that’s been around since air conditioning’s inception. The company produces high-quality air conditioning units with high energy efficiency and low sound levels. It includes limited warranties and extends unit longevity with extra guardrails to protect the coil and compressor. York also installs variable control features on its high-end AC units. These optimize your HVAC system so it uses only the power needed to maintain a consistent temperature in your home.
We recommend York’s YXV 20 SEER2 Variable Capacity Air Conditioner. It includes variable speed and York’s built-in Climate Set technology, which provides improved comfort by automatically fine-tuning the AC system to the indoor and outdoor environment. The model reaches up to a 20 SEER rating and includes a lifetime compressor limited warranty.
➕Climate Set technology that adjusts for your indoor and outdoor climates
➕Affinity Series can handle up to eight conditioning zones
➕YXV Series received Good Housekeeping‘s Seal of Approval
➖Its single-stage ACs have a history of leaking
➖Warranties often only cover one or two parts
Trane
Most Protection
4.6
Fast Facts:
Trane focuses on emerging technologies in the HVAC industry. The company offers multiple variable speed models and a ComfortLink II smart thermostat. These features integrate with Trane’s mobile app to let you precisely control your AC system and optimize your home’s temperature and humidity in one accessible location.
In addition, many of Trane’s units include a 12-year compressor and a 10-year parts and labor warranty. These are more comprehensive warranties than those offered by other AC brands.
We recommend Trane’s XV20i TruComfort Variable Speed Air Conditioner. This is Trane’s most efficient AC unit, and it includes technology that automatically charges, configures, and calibrates to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, this unit includes Trane’s CleanEffects Whole Air Home Cleaner to purify your home’s air and filter out dust and harmful irritants.
➕Offers solar-powered components that integrate with your AC system, such as water heaters
➕Includes a comprehensive 12-year compressor warranty plus 10 years for other parts and labor
➕Helps create fully integrated smart home HVAC systems
➖Requires ComfortLink II smart thermostat to operate high-end units
➖Is known to require more maintenance than other brands
American Standard
Best for Extreme Climates
4.5
Fast Facts:
American Standard has been a go-to AC brand since 1929. It offers cost-effective AC units paired with 10-year limited warranties, meaning you’ll get a lot out of your investment. Additionally, American Standard offers several top-of-the-line features, including variable-speed fan motors. The company also offers AccuLink and AccuComfort smart thermostats, which allow you to control your AC via American Standard‘s mobile app.
American Standard’s AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 20 Air Conditioner is its best model to date. It has a SEER rating up to 21.5 and a sound rating of 55 to 75 A-weighted decibels (dBA), providing an excellent balance between performance and energy efficiency. You can also choose to add American Standard’s AccuClean Air Cleaner, which helps your air conditioner filter out more dust and harmful irritants.
➕Has a network of certified dealers for easy installation
➕Offers various smart home options
➕Produces high-quality variable speed models
➖Having a certified dealer network means higher installation costs
➖Only includes compressor coverage for high-end units
LG
4.5
Fast Facts:
We recommend LG’s air conditioning products if you want a high-quality window-mounted AC unit or portable AC for your condo, getaway cabin, or apartment. We especially encourage this if you own other LG appliances, as LG’s smart wi-fi enabled air conditioners sync to smart-home technology via the brand’s ThinQ products. This system lets you control cooling, change the unit’s mode, or set the temperature while you’re away via a mobile app. In addition, an LG air conditioner is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice commands.
LG’s ACs also have low noise levels—as low as 44 dB in sleep mode. Best of all, LG’s air conditioners exceed minimum ENERGY STAR certification, so you receive highly efficient single-room ACs.
LG’s LW1522IVSM Dual Inverter Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Window Air Conditioner is an impressive window-mounted air conditioner with a competitive price tag. This unit cools approximately 800 square feet and uses LG’s unique BLDC Motor and DUAL Inverter Compressor for low sound levels.
➕Offers smart home-enabled portable and window-mounted AC units
➕Designs high-quality, stylish portable AC units
➕Has some of the lowest sound levels due to LG’s specially designed parts
➖Only offers window-mounted and portable ACs
➖Some models require ample space in a window or wall fixture for installation
Ruud
4.5
Fast Facts:
Ruud is the upscale branch of HVAC manufacturer Rheem. The company offers competitively priced, smart home-integrated, high-efficiency units. Ruud also emphasizes sustainability in its HVAC products, including options such as solar-powered water heaters.
For air conditioning, Ruud offers its Econet line, including its Econet Smart Thermostat. This thermostat has a seven-day programmable and vacation scheduling feature, allowing you to save energy and money while you’re away and return to a comfortable home after work or a getaway.
Ruud’s Econet Enabled Ultra Series Variable Speed (Ua20) is an excellent air conditioner. This model is efficient and durable. It has a variable compressor and up to a 20 SEER rating, plus powder coat paint, rust-resistant screws, and a 10-year parts warranty and 10-year conditional unit replacement warranty (registration is required).
➕Has an established service network for installation and maintenance
➕Offers highly competitive pricing on quality AC units
➕Integrates your entire HVAC system through its Econet smart technology
➖Is known for noisy AC units
➖Has a limited product selection compared to other brands
Amana
Best Selection
4.4
Fast Facts:
Amana offers many middle-ground, quality AC units as well as excellent smart home integration options. The company’s minimalist smart thermostat lets homeowners set a schedule to match their AC usage with their typical weekly routine. The thermostat also works with Amana’s mobile app to control the company’s high-efficiency ACs from anywhere at any time.
Additionally, Amana offers a large selection of indoor air products through its sister company, CleanComfort. The selection includes high-quality air purifiers for your electronics and living spaces, plus humidifiers and dehumidifiers. All of these integrate with Amana’s smart-home products.
We recommend Amana’s AVXC20 air conditioner. This is Amana’s highest efficiency unit, with a 24.5 SEER rating and a variable-speed compressor that links with the company’s ComfortNet technology for programmable performance. This unit also includes a lifetime unit replacement limited warranty when registered.
➕Offers a vast selection of indoor air quality products with smart-home integration options
➕Includes a limited lifetime replacement warranty on its high-end units
➕Adds sound blankets and insulation to its units to drastically reduce noise
➖Has average performance compared to other brands
➖Only its single-stage ACs are cost-friendly
Goodman
4
Fast Facts:
Goodman is synonymous with air conditioning. The company focuses on durability with features such as dirt-blocking filters and rail guards to protect coils from harsh weather. It’s a sister company to Amana and has a more limited but cost-effective selection. You can pair Goodman’s units with Amana’s ComfortBridge smart home technology.
For added security, Goodman has an impressive warranty package including a 10-year limited warranty on parts, a 10-year limited warranty for entire unit replacement, and a lifetime compressor warranty. Additionally, Goodman uses R-410A refrigerant, which is less harmful to the environment than other refrigerants.
We recommend Goodman’s GVXC20 model, which has up to a 24.5 SEER rating. This unit combines durability features—such as a ground lug connection and copper tubing—with smart-home features through the ComfortBridge Controls System. It’s a long-lasting AC that you can monitor and manage remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.
➕Manufacturers units with durability and longevity features
➕Uses a more eco-friendly refrigerant
➕Offers above average warranties
➖Doesn’t have as many premium features as other brands
➖Doesn’t have a certified installer network
Rheem
4
Fast Facts:
If you’re looking for an affordable, quality air conditioning unit, Rheem is an excellent option. Though many of its units have average performance, you can connect them with EcoNet smart-home products. This allows you to fully integrate a cost-effective AC unit with your home’s heating and cooling systems to maximize comfort and savings.
We recommend Rheem’s Variable Speed Prestige Series RA20 ACs. These units feature a 20.5 SEER rating, a variable-speed Copeland scroll compressor for optimal performance, and a composite base pan that helps eliminate corrosion and decrease noise.
➕Offers cost-effective pricing
➕Provides smart home integration via EcoNet
➕Uses powder coat paint and corrosion-resistant hardware
➖Lacks customer support tools
➖Has average performance
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Many factors determine which air conditioner is right for your home. We’ve highlighted some of the most important things to look for.
Installing an air conditioner requires you to work closely with a company, so you’ll want to ensure there’s plenty of customer support available. Take note of whether a brand offers a direct phone line or customer support via live chat or mobile app. The more means of communication, the better. Additionally, read customer reviews on popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will help you get a realistic idea of what it’s like to deal with each brand’s network of contractors and customer service representatives.
Intelligent cooling is another way to say smart-home integration. For a more convenient and optimized system, find brands that offer smart-home options that allow you to control and adjust your air conditioner from your smartphone. These features often let you connect the AC to other parts of your home’s HVAC system and control the system through voice commands.
A noticeable noise level is a common complaint for ACs. You certainly don’t want a unit that might disrupt your sleep or bother your house guests or pets.
We advise checking the noise level of the AC units that interest you. Currently, air conditioners can be as quiet as 50 to 60 dB. We recommend looking for ACs under 70 dB. To give you a better idea of how loud this is, check out the following breakdown from Purdue University’s Chemistry Department:
: A quiet conversation
Conversations at a restaurant
Running a vacuum cleaner
Running a garbage disposal
When shopping for AC units, it’s important to know which type you need. There are six main types of air conditioner systems, and each meets different needs. Learn about each type below to determine which kind you need:
When you think of an
AC unit
, you probably think of a
central air conditioner
. You may only notice the large box with a fan outside your home, but
central ACs
actually use two units: the condensing unit located outside and the evaporative unit located inside next to the furnace. These two units connect through
refrigerant
tubing. They’re ideal for medium- to large-size homes with
ductwork
and are one of the best ways to evenly distribute cool air throughout a home.
If you don’t have
ductwork
in your home, you may want to consider a ductless AC . These units are also called “split systems,” as they use two small
AC units
, one outside and one inside. They’re installed on your home’s interior walls.
Refrigerant
tubing connects the two systems by passing through the walls that separate them. Ductless systems are great for smaller, older homes that don’t have an existing duct system or apartment buildings that just need a few rooms cooled.
Floor-mounted
air conditioners
are another type of mini-split ductless
air conditioner
system. Although they’re called “floor-mounted,” they’re actually installed close to the bottom of a wall. These units are an excellent option if you have limited wall space, such as if you have a glass wall.
Heat pumps
are available in the same configurations as ACs—mini-splits, multi-splits, and centrally ducted—have high
energy efficiency
and are a low-maintenance cooling solution for homes with
ductwork
. Their
installation cost
can be high, but the running and maintenance costs are low.
Heat pumps
use electricity rather than burning fuel. During summer, a
heat pump
removes the warm air from inside your home and releases it outside. During winter, a
heat pump
transforms air from outside into warm air and delivers it into your home. A
heat pump
is ideal for homes in mild climates.
that can be wheeled into a room and positioned wherever on the floor. A hose vent discharges hot air through an exterior wall or window. Portable
air conditioners
are noisy, but they’re an excellent temporary cooling solution.
Window-mounted
air conditioners
are self-contained units typically placed in a window. You can also install them by creating a hole in a room’s exterior wall, but we advise against this approach.
Window air conditioners
are most useful for apartments and single-level homes. However, their cooling capability is limited due to their small size and output. Many people install multiple window units to get around these limitations.
However, according to ENERGY STAR experts, instead of attempting to cool multiple rooms or your entire home with numerous window units, note that a central or multi-split system can offer the same level of comfort, might be less expensive overall, and is certainly cheaper to run.
Any air conditioner that uses a variable-speed compressor is a serious plus. Though a variable-speed AC system costs more up-front, the investment is worth it because it lowers your energy bills and increases your home’s value. These units don’t cycle on and off like traditional air conditioners. Instead, they adjust the air handler’s speed to match your home’s cooling needs, resulting in increased comfort, reduced humidity, higher efficiency, and quieter performance.
Warranty
Some air conditioners have longer warranties than others. Additionally, some AC warranties only cover certain parts of the unit, such as the compressor, while others may include entire unit replacement. Check the manufacturer’s website for information and see if the brand’s network of installers will include a workmanship warranty.
Compare our top-recommended air conditioning brands based on critical factors.
BrandOur Rating (Out of 100)Cost RangeSEER RatingLennox
98
$3,000–$10,000
Up to 28
Carrier
95.5
$3,200–$15,000
Up to 26
York
92.5
$4,500–$9,000
Up to 21
Trane
92
$3,000–$15,500
Up to 22
American Standard
90.5
$3,500–$11,000
Up to 21.5
LG
90.5
$300–$900
Up to 18
Ruud
90
$3,000–$6,000
Up to 20
Amana
89
$3,500–$11,000
Up to 24.5
Goodman
81
$1,500–$10,000
Up to 24.5
Rheem
80
$3,000–$7,000
Up to 20.5
The HVAC industry uses various ratings and metrics to determine a product’s efficiency, but the two most important ones for an AC unit are its SEER rating and ENERGY STAR certification.
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings measure an AC unit’s efficiency. The ratio reflects an AC’s cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. Your unit’s efficiency could be lower depending on your home’s conditions, such as insulation and windows. Any SEER rating above 13 is considered good. The average rating is 16, and anything above 20 is top-of-the-line. Units below 13 are likely low-quality.
An AC with ENERGY STAR certification meets federally mandated guidelines regarding energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR requires all of its certified central air conditioners and heat pumps to have a SEER rating of at least 15.
The best air conditioner brand depends on your preferences, budget, and home layout. We find Lennox to be one of the best AC brands due to its high SEER ratings, smart home capabilities, and SunSource technology. However, Carrier offers more intelligent cooling options, and York builds some of the most durable and quietest ACs.
We recommend getting at least three quotes from different AC brands to compare costs, warranties, and additional features. Use our tool below to request free quotes from reputable HVAC installers near you.
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Whether Trane or Carrier is better depends on your individual preferences and home. However, we found that Carrier is generally better, given its focus on smart home integration and its assortment of air purifiers and humidity control products.
Yes, HVAC brand matters for a few reasons, namely due to warranties. Some brands also charge a premium because of their name and reputation while lesser-known brands might offer a similar product at a more affordable rate.
Your AC unit should last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and care.
A new AC system costs an average of $5,000 to $6,000. However, this price varies based on your home’s layout, additional features such as air purification and smart thermostats, brand name, and installation fees.
The end of winter is the best time to buy an air conditioner. Retailers have a high supply of air conditioning units during winter, but homeowners often aren’t thinking about replacing or repairing their AC units during this time. The decrease in demand means prices and installation costs are lower.
We researched dozens of HVAC brands to determine which ones offer the best air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products. We then crafted a rating system based on each brand’s mid-tier and high-end product offerings.
We analyzed each company’s product specifications, SEER ratings, AFUE ratings, and their best available sound rating. We also ensured that each brand offers ENERGY STAR-certified products. In addition, we closely analyzed each company’s warranties to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
Finally, we assessed the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation on popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. We also checked whether the brand fulfills the high-end and luxury needs of Architectural Digest readers, such as smart-home integration options, solar-powered capabilities, and home comfort control products such as air purifiers and humidity control.