Updated: January 10, 2024
Best HVAC Brands | 2024
Best HVAC Brands | 2024
Finding the perfect heat, ventilation, and central air conditioning (HVAC) system requires a great amount of research. With multiple brands offering top-notch service and high-quality products, it's hard to find the right one. But don't worry, we have reviewed and listed the best HVAC brands here. Take a look at the list and choose one that fits your needs.
Disclosure: We at Consumera provide unbiased recommendations. We may receive a commission when you use our links to make purchases, but this in no way compromises the authenticity of our reviews.
8 Best HVAC Brands
The brands listed below are the best in the market in terms of quality, price, service, consumer reports, and warranty offered. We have also included many more parameters while listing these major brands, and you will find them in the later sections.
Carrier
Largest AC manufacturer
An HVAC, refrigerant, and fire and security equipment company in Florida. Founded in 1915, and now the leading brand in heating and cooling product manufacturing. They make innovative, reliable, and high-performing products in the HVAC category. The company focuses on customers’ safety and premium experience while using its products.
Largest AC manufacturer
Carrier
An HVAC, refrigerant, and fire and security equipment company in Florida. Founded in 1915, and now the leading brand in heating and cooling product manufacturing. They make innovative, reliable, and high-performing products in the HVAC category. The company focuses on customers’ safety and premium experience while using its products.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$3,000 to $15,000
SEER Rating
13- 26
Warranty
5 years
Heat Pump
Pricing
$3,000 to $15,000
SEER Rating
14 - 24
Warranty
5 years
Gas furnace
Pricing
$3,000 to $7000
SEER Rating
80%- 98.5%
Warranty
5 years
Lennox
Offers nationwide installation coverage
Lennox is an HVAC brand situated in Texas. The company focuses on manufacturing eco-friendly products and prioritizes performance and energy efficiency. The brand operates globally and has several HVAC companies as its subsidiaries. Their products are not available in many online stores as they prefer to sell through independent dealers.
Offers nationwide installation coverage
Lennox
Lennox is an HVAC brand situated in Texas. The company focuses on manufacturing eco-friendly products and prioritizes performance and energy efficiency. The brand operates globally and has several HVAC companies as its subsidiaries. Their products are not available in many online stores as they prefer to sell through independent dealers.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$3,090 to $7,190
SEER Rating
13 - 28
Warranty
Elite & Merit series- 5 years Signature series- 10 years
Heat Pump
Pricing
$6,230 to $14,160
SEER Rating
16 - 24
Warranty
Elite & Merit series- 5 years Signature series- 10 years
Gas furnace
Pricing
$2,800 to $7,400
SEER Rating
80% - 99%
Warranty
Elite & Merit series- 5 years Signature series- 10 years
Trane
Provides contactless diagnosis & service
Trane is a subsidiary of Trane Technologies, which manufactures HVAC systems, refrigerant systems, and building management systems. Trane is known for its contactless service and diagnostics via their App. The App can pair with other devices or appliances to control temperature.
Provides contactless diagnosis & service
Trane
Trane is a subsidiary of Trane Technologies, which manufactures HVAC systems, refrigerant systems, and building management systems. Trane is known for its contactless service and diagnostics via their App. The App can pair with other devices or appliances to control temperature.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$5,800 to $14,000
SEER Rating
12 - 24
Warranty
5 years
Heat Pump
Pricing
$5,800 to $12,800
SEER Rating
15 - 21
Warranty
5 years
Gas furnace
Pricing
$3,400 to $9,500
SEER Rating
80% - 98%
Warranty
5 years
Goodman
Offers efficient condensing coil
Headquartered in Daikin Texas Technology Park, Goodman is an independent subsidiary with millions of customers. With almost 3 decades of experience in the HVAC industry, Goodman focuses on manufacturing reliable, affordable, and high-quality heating and cooling products fully designed and assembled in the U.S.
Offers efficient condensing coil
Goodman
Headquartered in Daikin Texas Technology Park, Goodman is an independent subsidiary with millions of customers. With almost 3 decades of experience in the HVAC industry, Goodman focuses on manufacturing reliable, affordable, and high-quality heating and cooling products fully designed and assembled in the U.S.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$3000 to $4,200
SEER Rating
13 - 28
Warranty
5 years
Heat Pump
Pricing
$4,995 to $6,100
SEER Rating
16 - 24
Warranty
5 years
Gas furnace
Pricing
$2,000 to $3,250
SEER Rating
80% - 99%
Warranty
5 years
American Standard
Offers preventive maintenance
American Standard is known for rigorous testing of its products to maximize their performance. The company has been in business since 1929 and its products are known for their durability and resistance to harsh weather.
Offers preventive maintenance
American Standard
American Standard is known for rigorous testing of its products to maximize their performance. The company has been in business since 1929 and its products are known for their durability and resistance to harsh weather.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$5,800 to $14,000
SEER Rating
14.5 - 22
Warranty
5 years
Heat Pump
Pricing
$5,800 to $12,800
SEER Rating
14.5 - 20
Warranty
5 years
Gas furnace
Pricing
$3,400 to $9,500
SEER Rating
80% - 97.3%
Warranty
5 years
Rheem
Largest water heater manufacturer
Founded in 1925, Rheem has over 100 years of experience in HVAC manufacturing. It is one of the largest manufacturers of HVAC systems in North America, with satisfied and loyal customers.
Largest water heater manufacturer
Rheem
Founded in 1925, Rheem has over 100 years of experience in HVAC manufacturing. It is one of the largest manufacturers of HVAC systems in North America, with satisfied and loyal customers.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$3,390 to $6,690
SEER Rating
11 - 20.5
Warranty
10 years 5 years for base models
Heat Pump
Pricing
$2,904 to $7,618
SEER Rating
14 - 21.95
Warranty
10 years 5 years for base models
Gas furnace
Pricing
$1,980 to $4,359
SEER Rating
80% - 90%
Warranty
10 years 5 years for base models
Bryant
100% run-tested & reliable products
Bryant focuses on bringing you customized HVAC comfort solutions. The brand has been in business for decades, and they develop & deliver reliable products that are 100% run-tested in labs.
100% run-tested & reliable products
Bryant
Bryant focuses on bringing you customized HVAC comfort solutions. The brand has been in business for decades, and they develop & deliver reliable products that are 100% run-tested in labs.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$2,817 to $5,936
SEER Rating
14 - 26
Warranty
10 years
Heat Pump
Pricing
$3,058 to $6,580
SEER Rating
14 - 24
Warranty
10 years
Gas furnace
Pricing
$2,172 to $5,252
SEER Rating
86.4% - 87.5%
Warranty
10 years
HEIL
Competitive pricing
HEIL is new to the industry but offers reliable and high-end products. It has a large selection of products and a wide price range. You can get HEIL products from HVAC installers in your area.
Competitive pricing
HEIL
HEIL is new to the industry but offers reliable and high-end products. It has a large selection of products and a wide price range. You can get HEIL products from HVAC installers in your area.
Air Conditioner
Pricing
$3,647 to $8,666
SEER Rating
13 - 19
Warranty
10 years
Heat Pump
Pricing
$1,910 to $5,860+ installation charges
SEER Rating
14 - 20
Warranty
10 years
Gas furnace
Pricing
$2,145 to $4,175
SEER Rating
85% - 87.5%
Warranty
10 years
Compare Top HVAC Brands
|
Company
|
Top Feature/USP
|
Products Offered
|
SEER Rating
|
Warranty(Parts)
|
Pricing Range
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Market leader that provides ozone friendly refrigerant | Air Conditioners,Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Ductless Systems, Fan, coils,boilers, VRF, | A/C: 13- 26 H/P: 14 - 24 AFUE:80% - 98.5% Mini-split: 16.5 - 42 |
5 years | $3,000 to $15,000 |
|
Provides services across the States | Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Mini-Split Systems, split system, Rooftop units | A/C: 13 - 28 H/P: 16 - 24 Mini-split: 19 - 24.5 AFUE: 80-99% |
Elite & Merit series- 5 years Signature series- 10 years |
$2,800 to $14,160 |
|
Offers contactless services & a unique app | Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Ductless Systems | A/C: 13 - 21 H/P: 14 - 20 AFUE: 92.1 - 97.3% Mini-split: 12.8 to 3.1 |
5 years | $3,400 to $14,000 |
|
Has an exclusive patented technology | Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Ductless Systems | A/C: 12 - 24 H/P: 15 - 21 Mini-split: 17 - 26.1 AFUE: 80-98% |
5 years | $2,000 to $6,100 |
|
Offers maintenance services & e-warranty registration | Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Ductless Systems Air handler unit, coils | A/C: 14.5 - 22 H/P: 14.5 - 20 Mini-split: 14.5 - 33.2 AFUE: 80% - 97.3% |
5 years | $3,400 to $14,000 |
|
Largest manufacturer, eco-friendly products & sustainable factories | Air conditioners, Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Mini split, Air handlers, Cooling coils | AC: 11 - 20.5 HP: 14 - 21.95 AFUE: 80% - 90% Mini-split: 19.7 - 33 |
10 years 5 years for base models |
$1,980 to $7,618 |
|
Innovative & high-tech products | Air conditioners, Furnace, Heat Pump, Ductless System, Packaged Products, Single-Phase-VRF, Geothermal Heat Pump | AC: 14 - 26 HP: 14 - 24 AFUE: 84% - 87.5% Mini-split: 15.6 - 16.2 |
10 years | $2,172 to $6,580 |
|
Quiet operational and energy efficient products | Air conditioners, furnaces, Heat Pump, Ductless Systems, Air Scrubbers, Air Purifiers, Packaged Products, Thermostats | AC: 13 - 19 HP: 14 - 20 AFUE: 85% - 87.5% Mini-split: - |
10 years | $2,145 to $8,666 |
Abbreviations:
AFUE- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
A/C- Air Conditioner
H/P- Heat Pump
SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
A/C- Air Conditioner
H/P- Heat Pump
AFUE- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
Important Factors When Choosing An HVAC Brand
There are many factors you need to consider while buying an HVAC product. And, the best way to do it is by evaluating the best-rated HVAC brands in the following categories:
Pricing: Price is an important factor for many customers, and they look for affordable pricing generally. However, you need to consider the quality and durability of the products and not just the price. Thus, you must make an informed decision.
Efficiency: Buying energy efficient products is another way of saving power and time. Whether you are buying an air conditioner or a heat pump, select the product with the highest SEER rating within your budget.
Features: The next factor is the features offered by different brands. Some brands indeed have specific features that might attract you to their products. But, first, list your requirements and analyze whether those features align with your needs or not.
Warranty: A warranty is a necessity now as every brand offers a warranty from 5 years to a lifetime on parts and units. A company that offers several years of warranty (Extended warranty) demonstrates their confidence in their product. So, go for the company that offers the best warranty at an affordable price.
Customer Service: Customer service is one of the most important factors when selecting a brand. Poor customer service can push people away even if the brand has high-quality products. In the home appliances and systems business, assisting the customer 24x7 must be the priority for all businesses.
Maintenance: HVAC products require seasonal or at least half-yearly maintenance to work at their full potential. The brands that offer free (limited) or affordable maintenance will win more customers.
What Is An HVAC System And How Does It Work?
HVAC systems, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, are designed to control the indoor temperature of an infrastructure. The process starts when the system brings fresh and filtered air indoors and changes its temperature as per the requirements. The system also controls the humidity levels and can filter out harmful environmental elements. An air conditioner is the most common type of HVAC product seen in many houses. If you are wondering how it works, the following steps will help you understand.
- Hot air is sucked in through the grille of the AC. The air flows over coils through which the coolant is circulating. This part acts just like the chiller cabinet in your fridge. The sucked in air gets cool and moisture is eliminated by the dehumidifier.
- A fan at the top pushes air back through another grille into your room. In this way, the room gradually cools down.
- At the same time, coolant flows via coils and picks up heat from the air blowing over the coils and evaporates. The liquid coolant turns into a hotter gas. Hence, the heat is pushed outside.
- Similar to refrigerant, the coolant flows through the compressor and condensing pipes, turning back to a cool liquid. Then the cycle repeats.
When it comes to heating, a furnace or boiler is preferred. They also have ducts through which the warm air enters the room. Low energy consumption is what makes boilers and furnaces the best appliances for heating your home.There are many advantages to installing an advanced HVAC system in your house, like the availability of fresh and filtered air, an all-year cooling and heating facility, control of humidity with a smartphone app, and so forth.
Types Of HVAC Systems Available
There are several types of HVAC on the market, but the following four are the most common in American households.
Heating and cooling split system: These are the common types seen in households. The system is split into 2 separate units where one is used for cooling and the other for heating. They usually come with indoor and outdoor units.
Duct-Free or Mini-Split: Best for the places where ducted HVAC cannot be installed. These are installed directly into the rooms and offer independent control over the system. Hence, it is best for hotels and leased apartments.
Hybrid split system: This one is similar to the previous one but has a hybrid heating system. The system can switch between gas and electricity to give out maximum performance in all types of weather conditions. When using the gas, you get a quicker effect, and while using electric power, there is less operational noise. This system also saves a lot of energy and increases performance.
Geothermal HVAC system: Geothermal HVAC systems have been getting more attention in the market. They are more energy efficient but high upfront cost is the only thing that prevents many from buying it. This system has underground loop pipes to transfer heat from the ground to indoors. And for cooling the house, it does the opposite with the help of the refrigerant.
Packaged heating and air conditioning systems : This type includes everything such as a condenser, compressor, and evaporator in a single unit. These systems are usually installed on the roofs or attics of houses. People choose these systems as per their preference. While split systems are the most common, hybrid systems are preferred by those who want energy-efficient systems. Mini-splits are best for houses or service industries with varied climates, and packaged systems are suitable for small houses.
How Long Do HVAC Units Last?
An HVAC system can last up to 15 to 20 years, provided you do the regular maintenance and hire professionals to inspect and service it. The individual parts of the HVAC have different lifespans, and they vary according to the climate and condition in which the unit is kept. For example, coils may corrode after a few years, the refrigerant may run out, and the compressor may malfunction or break if the system is working non-stop.
Factors Affecting HVAC Lifespan
Like any other machine, proper maintenance and care can help the HVAC last for years, if not decades. Even the best HVAC brands' products may lose their lifespan for many reasons, such as:
- Constant use of the system leading to wear and tear
- Improper installation or installing the wrong unit size
- Failure to keep up with timely maintenance
- Exposure of condenser coils to the weather
HVAC Energy Efficiency
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a number given to an HVAC system that indicates its peak energy efficiency. The rating is assigned after calculating the total cooling amount required in all seasons and dividing it by the total energy used to function. A higher SEER rating means higher energy efficiency.
To sell an HVAC product, it must have a SEER rating above 13. Products with a rating of 20 and above are considered excellent for energy saving. Here’s a detailed overview of energy ratings of brands listed by us:
Company |
Heat Pump Rating |
A/C Rating |
Mini Split Rating |
Gas Furnace Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
14 to 24 | 13 to 26 | 16.5 to 42 | 80% to 98.5% |
|
16 to 24 | 13 to 28 | 19 to 24.5 | 80 to 99% |
|
15 to 21 | 12 to 24 | 17 to 26.1 | 80 to 98% |
|
14.5 to 20 | 14.5 to 22 | 14.5 - 33.2 | 80% to 97.3% |
|
14 to 20 | 13 to 21 | 12.8 to 33.1 | 92.1 to 97.3% |
|
14 - 21.95 | 11 - 20.5 | 19.7 - 33 | 80% - 90% |
|
14 - 24 | 14 - 26 | 15.6 - 16.2 | 84% - 87.5% |
|
14 - 20 | 13 - 19 | Not available | 85% - 87.5% |
Carrier and Lennox offer products with the highest ratings and thus are most energy efficient. The other products also offer decent ratings and some top features as well.
Our Methodology
The following factors were considered while picking the best residential HVAC brands in the market. Each product of a brand, the average rating, and performance are also taken into consideration.
Pricing: It is sometimes the most important part of a customer's buying decision. Depending on the price, the sales may vary.
SEER Rating/Energy Efficiency: The better the SEER rating, the greater the chances of ranking higher on the list. Today, people do care about the environment and energy expenses more than ever.
Top features: The top or best feature of a product is what makes it different from the rest. It adds more value to the product and makes it unique and beneficial to the customers.
Products offered: This point is vital in grading the companies. The brand appears on the list if it offers several products across every segment. This way, people have multiple options to choose from.
Warranty: The warranty offered is also important in this type of business. As home appliances or systems may get rusty or malfunction over time, you need to repair or replace the parts. Hence, a brand with a long-term warranty is preferred by everyone.
Customer satisfaction: We analyzed several reviews and ranking websites alongwith the company website to understand how people feel about the products of these brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the commonly asked questions:
Which HVAC System Lasts The Longest?
When it comes to lifespan, boilers take the top spot. The average lifespan of a boiler is 20 to 35 years.
Which Brand Is Better: Carrier Or Trane?
Carrier is the industry leader and has many high-quality products under its brand name. Though the products are a bit expensive, they offer noiseless operation and better performance.
Trane is the best choice for people in coastal areas as it has corrosion resistant technology. Operational noise is an issue in several products, but customers still prefer this brand for its affordable pricing.
How Much Would A New HVAC System Cost?
An average HVAC system, including installation charges, could cost you between $3,000 and $7,000. The unit price is often lower than the mentioned range, though the actual price always depends on the type and the brand you choose.
How Often Should I Get HVAC Serviced?
Irrespective of the HVAC type, you must get the system serviced at least twice a year by skilled technicians or HVAC contractors. With regular maintenance and parts replacement, you can see performance efficiency, with lower energy consumption and better performance.
Who Is The Biggest HVAC Company?
Mckinstry Co., Llc is one of the largest HVAC manufacturers by market share.
Is Trane Or Lennox Better?
Trane is a brand for customers with a limited budget. Its rigorous testing of products makes them reliable and long-lasting. Trane is also known for its top-level air filtration technology. The SEER rating is the only place where its performance is average.
Energy efficiency and eco-friendly refrigerant are the best parts of Lennox products. The products are available in almost all states and are exclusively sold by independent dealers. This also makes their products a bit expensive.
What Is The Most Efficient Type Of HVAC System?
When you consider efficiency, boilers are the best. The system that needs the least amount of fuel is the boiler-based hydronic system. Gas furnaces and heat pumps (air source and geothermal) are also energy efficient and will cool your house in summer effortlessly.