Best Air Conditioner Brands of 2024
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We researched the best air conditioner brands for more than 300 hours and found Carrier to be the best for its high-performing products, but Lennox is a close second for its superior energy efficiency. We analyzed every brand’s warranties and product specifications and discussed each brand’s offerings with representatives. Our team then compared each brand’s catalog against the average AC costs. Throughout this article, we detail what else makes Carrier and Lennox our top choices and compare them to other industry-leading brands.
Key Takeaways
- Carrier and Lennox produce some of the best air conditioners with the highest efficiency rates, up to 28 SEER, and high-end tech that reduces noise levels and integrates with smart home technology.
- Central air conditioners cost around $2,500–$7,000 for professional installation, but your specific price varies depending on your home’s size and additional features, such as smart thermostats.
- An industry standard for parts is a 10-year limited warranty. Some brands, such as Trane, offer extended warranties and lifetime compressor warranties, which are markers of a high-quality provider.
*Cost figures in this article are based on research into top air conditioner brands’ websites.
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The Top 10 Best Air Conditioner Brands
Here are the best air conditioner brands based on our research and methodology:
Compare Top Air Conditioner Brands
We compiled the table below based on our methodology for HVAC companies and Energy Star’s standards for ACs’ performance and reliability. See which brands made it to the top below.
| Star Rating | Best For | Price Range | SEER Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier |  | Best Performance | $3,000–$15,000 | Up to 26 | Get Quote | |
| Lennox |  | Best Energy Efficiency | $3,100–$10,000 | Up to 28 | Get Quote | |
| Trane |  | Best Warranty | $3,500–$15,600 | Up to 22 | Get Quote | |
| Amana |  | Best Comfort Control | $3,600–$11,000 | Up to 25 | Get Quote | |
| American Standard |  | Best Value | $3,500–$10,900 | Up to 22 | Get Quote | |
| York |  | Most Experience | $4,000–$10,000 | Up to 21 | Get Quote | |
| Frigidaire |  | Best for Window-Mounted Units | $500–$1,082 | Up to 21 | Get Quote | |
| Ruud |  | Best for Affordability | $3,000–$6,100 | Up to 20.5 | Get Quote | |
| Goodman |  | Best for Longevity | $1,500–$8,000 | Up to 24.5 | Get Quote | |
| Rheem |  | Best for Smart Homes | $3,100–$6,100 | Up to 20.5 | Get Quote |
| Carrier | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Performance |
| Price Range | $3,000–$15,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 26 |
| Lennox | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Energy Efficiency |
| Price Range | $3,100–$10,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 28 |
| Trane | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Warranty |
| Price Range | $3,500–$15,600 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 22 |
| Amana | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Comfort Control |
| Price Range | $3,600–$11,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 25 |
| American Standard | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Value |
| Price Range | $3,500–$10,900 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 22 |
| York | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Most Experience |
| Price Range | $4,000–$10,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 21 |
| Frigidaire | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best for Window-Mounted Units |
| Price Range | $500–$1,082 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 21 |
| Ruud | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best for Affordability |
| Price Range | $3,000–$6,100 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 20.5 |
Our Top 10 Picks For Air Conditioner Brands
Carrier
Best Performance
Lennox
Best Energy Efficiency
Trane
Best Warranty
American Standard
Best Value
Amana
Best Comfort Control
York
Most Experience
Frigidaire
Best for Window-Mounted Units
Ruud
Best for Affordability
Goodman
Best for Longevity
Rheem
Best for Smart Homes
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner Brand?
Though cost is crucial when choosing an air conditioner brand, you should consider a few other factors, such as customer service and warranties, before deciding. We’ve listed the most significant factors below.
Cost
Your budget is vital in determining which AC brand is best for you. Premium brands cost more because they use newer technology and offer smart home capabilities. You can save money by opting for a standard AC unit if you don’t want or need these features.
The type of air conditioning system influences prices. Central air conditioners cost more than smaller options such as the best portable air conditioners or split AC units. Some brands, such as Trane, charge more based on their reputation. However, a good reputation doesn’t necessarily mean that you should pay more for a comparable unit from a lesser-known brand. Installation costs for a full HVAC system can range from $2,500–$8,000.
Below are some of the average costs of different AC system types. We’ve also included the costs of vital AC parts, such as a condenser. These are included in the unit cost but can increase or decrease the overall price.
| Type or Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioning | $2,500–$7,000 |
| Compressor | $800–$3,000 |
| Condenser | $1,200–$4,200 |
| Heat Pump | $1,000–$6,000 |
| Split Air Conditioning | $1,600–$3,500 |
| Window Air Conditioning | $150–$750 |
Warranties
AC warranties protect your investment. Registering your unit online can extend the standard 5-year limited warranty to 10 years. For greater peace of mind, opt for brands with more comprehensive warranty options, such as a lifetime compressor warranty or unit replacement warranty.
Features
Air conditioning technology is continuously progressing. You can buy an AC with all the bells and whistles, such as an internet-accessed monitoring system and smart thermostat. However, more features mean a higher cost. Consider what features and convenience level you want and compare them with the brand’s price tags to find a middle ground.
Central air conditioning systems that merge your HVAC systems into one unit with a heat pump may cost more up-front. You can save money by opting for a split system, which separates your HVAC system into a furnace for heating and an air conditioner for cooling. However, unified systems with a heat pump are more efficient during summer and lead to lower energy bills, saving you money long-term.
Customer Service
Consider the customer support provided by an AC brand before purchasing. Look for multiple communication channels and certified installers, and read customer reviews on popular sites such as the BBB for valuable insight into the installation process and customer service quality. After finding an HVAC installer’s certification number, contact your state’s department in charge of licensing and registration to ensure the company is legit.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The typical home air conditioning unit can last 15–25 years. However, an air conditioner’s life span can vary greatly depending on factors such as its quality, the work performed by the installing technician, your surrounding climate, and how well the system is maintained.
Factors That Can Shorten Your AC’s Life Span
Climate
Your local climate determines how hard the AC has to work and how low it has to lower your home’s temperature. Hot temperatures mean the AC has to work extra hard to cool the house, which can reduce its life span. An extremely hot and lengthy summer can also reduce the AC’s life span. Learn the annual average temperature of where you live so that you can plan and budget for a new air conditioner accordingly.
Airflow Restriction
Your AC needs to get fresh air, cool it, and distribute it throughout the house without blockages. If there are airflow restrictions, the AC will overwork, which can shorten its life span.
Constant Operation
ACs that run around the clock also have a shorter life span because they experience persistent wear and strain. Even with good maintenance and regular tune-ups, the equipment is likely to fail sooner than those that are only used for one season per year.
Poor Maintenance
Lack of HVAC maintenance can cause serious issues over time, which can shorten your AC’s life span. Frequent duct cleanings, filter changes, and regular maintenance are a must to help the AC run more efficiently and last longer.
How Is Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency Evaluated?
Energy efficiency determines an air conditioner’s overall performance and value. Below are two of the most common ways an AC’s energy efficiency is determined.
What Are ENERGY STAR Ratings?
A brand that partners with ENERGY STAR is another good indicator of quality. ENERGY STAR uses strict guidelines to certify AC units. For example, the unit must have a SEER rating of 14.5 or higher. It must also have an energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating—a more standardized measurement than SEER—that uses 8% less energy than conventional AC models.
What Is a SEER Rating?
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings are the ratio of an AC’s cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. A SEER rating is calculated over an entire cooling season using a constant indoor temperature and a variety of outdoor temperatures ranging from 60℉ to over 100℉. Be aware that a SEER rating is the maximum efficiency rating. 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.
What SEER rating do I need for a 2,000 sq ft home?
- A 2,000-square-foot home requires a 3.5-ton air conditioner. SEER ratings for air conditioners near this weight range from 13–25. A lower SEER-rated AC system is typically less expensive, but your electricity bills will be higher than with a higher SEER-rated product.
Which Air Conditioner Brand Should You Choose?
How to choose the best air conditioner brand depends on your budget, needs, and wants. Carrier air conditioners are some of the best-performing, while Lennox has one of the highest SEER ratings and best energy efficiency scores. A brand such as American Standard may be a better fit if you’re looking for something more affordable, and Trane air conditioners are a very reliable product.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when shopping for air conditioners is not obtaining multiple quotes from HVAC contractors. We recommend getting at least three quotes from different brands to compare costs, warranties, and additional features.
HVAC Installers We Have Reviewed
FAQ About the Best Air Conditioner Brands
Which AC brand is best?
The best AC brand depends on your specific needs and wants. However, we find Carrier to be one of the most well-rounded AC brands. The company offers competitive pricing on high-quality AC units and includes a 10-year limited warranty upon product registration.
How long do ACs last?
An AC unit can last up to 20 years, or even 30, with the proper maintenance and care.
What SEER rating do I need for 2,000 square feet?
A 2,000-square-foot home requires a 3.5-ton air conditioner. SEER ratings for air conditioners near this weight range from 13–25. A lower SEER-rated AC is typically less expensive, but your electricity bills will be higher than with a higher SEER-rated product.
Which AC brand is the cheapest?
We found Ruud to provide some of the cheapest full-size air conditioners.
How do I know what size air conditioner I need?
Various factors determine your required air conditioner size. We recommend hiring a professional to properly calculate the right AC size for your home. Information used to calculate your required AC size includes the following:
- Number of people living in the home
- Square footage
- Regional climate
- Existing ductwork
- Insulation
- Heat contributions of appliances
Which brand is best for window ACs?
We find Frigidaire to be the best brand for window AC units. The company specializes in window-mounted AC units and includes high-end features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app remote control, and high-end inverters that optimize energy efficiency.
How do I choose an AC brand?
We recommend focusing on five critical factors when choosing an AC brand:
- Efficiency: How effectively the air conditioner cools a space.
- Life span: How long the AC can last with proper maintenance.
- Noise level: How loud the AC gets in terms of decibels (db).
- Reputation: The manufacturer’s reputation across review sites, such as Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check with the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institution to see if the company is registered with the trade organization.
- Extra features: What smart-home features or connectivity does the AC include, if desired.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to support our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for HVAC providers is on a 100-point system based on seven factors:
- System cost (20 points): We determine if the company’s cheapest option for a full-size AC or furnace starts below $3,100 or if it exists somewhere between $3,100 and $8,500. The cheaper the average price range, the more points a company receives.
- Efficiency rating (20 points): We consider the company’s best available energy efficiency ratings, namely its highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The higher the rating, the higher the score.
- Sound rating (10 points): We analyze a company’s lowest possible sound rating in decibels. Companies with lower sound ratings are rated higher.
- Warranty options (10 points): We award the most points to companies with warranties beyond the average 10- and 5-year warranties. We deduct points from companies with warranties that cover three or fewer parts.
- Energy Star certification (10 points): We award more points to companies with Energy Star-certified products.
- Reputation (10 points): We factor in how each company is scored on the Business Better Bureau (BBB). We deduct points for any alerts or pending lawsuits.
- Customer service and resources (20): We consider each company’s available customer support and resources. This includes whether the company offers a user-friendly product search tool, FAQ section, pricing guides, online manuals, and a mobile app.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
