10 Best Air Conditioner Brands (2024 Guide)
Typical Cost Range: $8,000 – $14,000
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We researched the best air conditioner brands for over 300 hours and we found that the top two air conditioner brand available are Carrier for its best-in-class performance and Lennox for its superior energy efficiency.
During our research we analyzed every brand’s warranties and product specifications and discussed each company’s offerings with representatives to further understand average AC costs. Throughout this article, we go into detail about what else makes Carrier and Lennox our top choice and compare them to other industry-leading brands.
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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
View star ratings and compare our top suggestions for AC brands in the table 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 |
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Performance |
| Price Range | $3,000–$15,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 26 |
| Lennox | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Energy Efficiency |
| Price Range | $3,100–$10,000 |
| SEER Rating | Up to 28 |
| Trane | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| 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 |
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| 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
1. Carrier
Best Performance
2. Lennox
Best Energy Efficiency
3. Trane
Best Warranty
4. American Standard
Best Value
5. Amana
Best Comfort Control
6. York
Most Experience
7. Frigidaire
Best for Window-Mounted Units
8. Ruud
Best for Affordability
9. Goodman
Best for Longevity
10. 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 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 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 |
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 installation costs are not included in the unit price. 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.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
The typical home air conditioning unit can last anywhere from 15–25 years. 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
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.
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.
Which Air Conditioner Brand Should You 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 provides 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.
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 the AC includes, 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.
