Established in 1975, ARS Rescue Rooter provides heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and sewer and drain services. ARS Rescue Rooter offers a one-year service guarantee and various financing options. It has certified technicians and partners with organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alpha Omega Veterans Services for community outreach efforts.
Compare top air conditioner brands on critical factors such as SEER rating, price, and comfort features.
A good air conditioning (AC) unit keeps your home comfortable and cool. However, some complicated industry terms maket determining the best air conditioner difficult.
We at the This Old House Home Reviews Team have thoroughly researched the best air conditioner brands, reviewing warranties, product specifications, and average AC costs. Here are our top recommendations.
ARS Rescue Rooter
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Top 10 Air Conditioner Brands
Here are the best air conditioner brands based on our research and methodology:
- Carrier: Best Performance
- Lennox: Best Energy Efficiency
- Trane: Best Warranty
- Amana: Best Comfort Control
- American Standard: Best Value
- York: Most Experience
- Frigidaire: Best for Window-Mounted Units
- Ruud: Most Affordable
- Goodman: Best for Longevity
- Rheem: Best for Smart Homes
Carrier
Our take: Best Performance
SEER rating: Up to 26
Our rating: 97.5 out of 100
Price range: $–$$$$
Carrier
Best Performance
Lennox
Our take: Best Energy Efficiency
SEER rating: Up to 28
Our rating: 97.5 out of 100
Price range: $–$$$$
Lennox
Best Energy Efficiency
Trane
Our take: Best Warranty
SEER rating: Up to 22
Our rating: 90.5 out of 100
Price range: $$–$$$$
Trane
Best Warranty
Amana
Our take: Best Comfort Control
SEER rating: Up to 25
Our rating: 90 out of 100
Price range: $$–$$$$
Amana
Best Comfort Control
American Standard
Our take: Best Value
SEER rating: Up to 22
Our rating: 89.5 out of 100
Price range: $$–$$$
American Standard
Best Value
York
Our take: Most Experience
SEER rating: Up to 21
Our rating: 89.5 out of 100
Price range: $$–$$$
York
Most Experience
Frigidaire
Our take: Best for Window-Mounted Units
SEER rating: Up to 21
Our rating: 89.5 out of 100
Price range: $–$$$
Frigidaire
Best for Window-Mounted Units
Ruud
Our take: Best for Affordability
SEER rating: Up to 20.5
Our rating: 86.5 out of 100
Price range: $$–$$$
Ruud
Best for Affordability
Goodman
Our take: Best for Longevity
SEER rating: Up to 24.5
Our rating: 82 out of 100
Price range: $–$$$
Goodman
Best for Longevity
Rheem
Our take: Best for Smart Homes
SEER rating: Up to 20.5
Our rating: 77 out of 100
Price range: $$–$$$
Rheem
Best for Smart Homes
Summary of the Top-Rated Air Conditioning Brands
Compare our top-ranked air conditioning brands on critical factors in the table below.
| Brand | Superlative | Our Rating (Out of 100) | SEER Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier | Best Performance | 97.5 | Up to 26 | $3,000 –$15,000 |
| Lennox | Best Energy Efficiency | 97.5 | Up to 28 | $3,100–$10,000 |
| Trane | Best Warranty | 90.5 | Up to 22 | $3,500–$15,600 |
| Amana | Best Comfort Control | 90 | Up to 25 | $3,600–$11,000 |
| American Standard | Best Value | 89.5 | Up to 22 | $3,500–$10,900 |
| York | Most Experience | 89.5 | Up to 21 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Frigidaire | Best for Window-Mounted Units | 89.5 | Up to 21 | $500–$1,082 |
| Ruud | Best for Affordability | 86.5 | Up to 20.5 | $3,00–$6,100 |
| Goodman | Best for Longevity | 82 | Up to 24.5 | $1,500–$8,000 |
| Rheem | Best for Smart Homes | 77 | Up to 20.5 | $3,100–$6,100 |
Factors To Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner Brand
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an air conditioner brand. We’ve listed the most significant ones 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 conditioner influences its price, too. For example, a full-size central air conditioner costs more than a smaller option, such as a ductless air conditioning system, also called a split AC unit.
Below are some of the average costs of different AC 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.
- 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
Be aware that some brands, such as Trane, may use their name recognition and long history as a reason to charge higher prices. Though a good reputation is a strong indicator of quality, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should pay more for a comparable unit from a lesser-known brand.
You should also consider that you’ll have to pay for installation in addition to the unit. This costs $1,200–$2,200.
Warranties
Warranties help secure your AC investment. Most companies offer a five-year limited warranty for parts but will commonly increase this to 10 years if you register their products online. We encourage you to register your AC unit with its brand to get the most out of your investment.
A 10-year limited warranty for parts or replacement is standard. A brand that offers a lifetime compressor warranty or lifetime replacement warranty signals the company stands by its products.
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
Pay attention to how much customer support is available. A good AC brand should offer various forms of communication, such as an online submission form and direct phone line. Also, take note of whether the company provides certified installers, either in-house or through a network of dealers.
We recommend researching brands you’re interested in on popular customer review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reading customer reviews will give you insight into the installation process and what it’s like to deal with that brand’s customer service representatives.
Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency
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.
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 degrees Fahrenheit 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.
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.
Our Conclusion
The best air conditioner brand depends on your budget, needs, and wants. Carrier’s units are some of the best-performing, while Lennox has one of the highest SEER ratings and best energy efficiency scores. Brands such as Trane or American Standard may be a better fit if you’re looking for something more affordable.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when shopping for air conditioners is not obtaining multiple quotes from installers. We recommend getting at least three quotes from different brands to compare costs, warranties, and additional features.
FAQ About the Best Air Conditioner Brands
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is 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.