A Guide to the Best HVAC Companies

Carrier is an industry leader in commercial and residential HVAC systems and is known for building some of the quietest, most energy-efficient systems on the market. We gave Carrier the “Best Overall” ranking due to the company’s excellent customer reviews, its well-regarded, energy-efficient systems, the availability of replacement parts, and its well-trained technicians.

Setups use either single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed Copeland compressors, and feature Puron, the company’s signature R-410A non-ozone refrigerant. The company has a wide range of products, including packaged systems, ductless mini-splits, air handlers, air purifiers, humidifiers, and more. It also provides several thermostats, including a “smart” version that can be controlled from a mobile device.

Carrier units will last you about 10 to 15 years with proper installation and maintenance. If you’re able to maintain the upkeep, you most likely won’t have to use the 10-year limited warranty—Carrier’s warranty only covers functional parts and does not cover labor, Puron refrigerant, or normal wear and tear. 

With nearly 70 years of HVAC experience, Rheem is an affordable alternative to industry leaders like Carrier and Trane. The company's SEER (energy efficiency) ratings are particularly noteworthy—especially for customers who live in colder climates—and that efficiency is on full display when Rheem's eco-friendly products, like the Hybrid Electric Water Heater, are combined with its EcoNet Smart Monitoring System. Additionally, the company has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent and achieve zero waste by the time it turns 100 years old in 2025. Since 2019, RHEEM overall has avoided over 16 million metric tons of carbon emissions, that’s equivalent to taking over 3.5 million cars off the roads.

Some users report Rheem products are not as durable as other brands and can break down with heavy use. Make sure to use a Rheem-certified technician to install Rheem-branded parts, or you may end up spending more on maintenance and repairs in the long run.

Since its acquisition by Daikin in 2012, Goodman has focused on reliability, durability, and affordability. The company uses Copeland parts in its central air conditioners and heat pumps and encloses them in galvanized steel cases that have been spray-salt tested for 500 hours to ensure they can withstand extreme elements. The company’s products are backed by a 10-year, limited parts warranty and either a two- or 10-year unit replacement warranty. Some products also include lifetime compressor and heat exchanger warranties.

For most homeowners, Goodman offers exactly what’s needed—a high-quality, durable system with a good warranty at an affordable price. Goodman units typically cost less than comparable products uninstalled (though some HVAC companies charge more to install Goodman products, according to reviewers).

Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems is owned by Carrier, and its units are manufactured in the same factory as its well-known parent company. Bryant’s systems feature many of the same parts as Carrier but at a lower price tag. The low noise level of certain models (some rate as low as 51 decibels) makes it great for anyone who is especially seeking a quiet home. Additionally, Bryant systems have good SEER ratings, making them a cost-effective option for homeowners.

The company offers a range of models in three different series: Evolution, Preferred, and Legacy. (The Evolution Series contains the company’s highest-performing models.) The cost per model varies depending on the series, with budget-friendly options available in the Legacy series. While Bryant’s five- to 10-year warranty is shorter than other brands, it offers some affordable options on the market.

Considered one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available, Lennox offers homeowners a way to save money on monthly utility bills, while protecting the planet. Its furnace, complete with a heat pump, maximizes energy savings by allowing you to switch from gas to electricity, depending on which is most cost-effective in your area. Lennox’s Precise Comfort Technology and its iComfort smart thermostat, help regulate temperature, ensuring its units run as efficiently as possible.

Lennox offers a basic five-year warranty, which covers the compressor and designated parts, and a 20-year warranty on the heat exchanger. Customers can purchase an extended warranty for an additional 10 years on covered parts. Products in the company’s Signature Series come with the best warranty of the bunch: 10 years on covered parts, 10 years on the compressor, and up to a lifetime on the heat exchanger. Despite the high repair costs and loud operation, Lennox’s reputation as a recognizable brand name, its large national installation coverage network, and its wide range of products set it apart.

Coleman, a HVAC company known for its affordable options, offers efficient central air conditioning units for as little as $4,000, including installation. The Mini-Split Systems are also a great way to incorporate an efficient system by helping you heat and cool specific zones within your home or the entirety of a small mobile home. The smaller footprint of the mini-split systems, though, won’t compromise the efficiency or power. Some units also come with mobile device control options for easy access and the most precision. 

 Coleman offers an exceptional warranty on its HVAC products. As long as the equipment is registered within 90 days of installation, homeowners can expect to receive a 10-year limited warranty on parts, and one year of free labor on repairs. Some units come with a lifetime limited warranty on the compressor or heat exchanger, and Coleman’s Complete Assurance limited warranty on other models offers a full replacement, should the heat exchanger fail.

The systems can also connect to smart thermostats, so you can easily control how your home is set. Coleman also offers a money-back guarantee, offering you a full refund if the product doesn’t meet your expectations.

American Standard, a subsidiary of Ingersoll Rand, is known for its high-performing HVAC systems. The company rigorously tests each unit in its SEET (Systems Extreme Environmental Test) lab, which simulates harsh environments to ensure products can withstand the hottest and coldest of temperatures. The first round of tests involves heating defrost with snow in sub-freezing temperatures; the tested heat pump must keep an internal temperature of 105 degrees without any ice buildup. If it passes that, it goes through seven more tests, which are repeated over 16 weeks to ensure its endurance to all outside factors. 

While the company’s energy-efficiency ratings remain lower than some of its competitors, the systems do tend to be louder than other brands. For example, its most efficient AC unit has a seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of 22, while Lennox’s top unit has a rating of 28. 

American Standard’s products are generally considered well-built and dependable and require fewer repairs than some of its competitors. When properly maintained, an American Standard system can last as long as 25 years, and many dealers offer a money-back guarantee for customers worried about the upfront investment.

Trane is a well-regarded HVAC brand known for its commitment to quality that uses corrosion-resistant aluminum coils in its HVAC units. The company offers three product tiers: XV, XR, and XL, with the XV series featuring Trane’s most energy-efficient models and the latest technology. 

Not only do the parts make it a great option for coastal areas prone to significant moisture and salt, but you can rest assured that the entire unit itself is also durable enough to withstand all types of weather and climates. Each product goes through Trane’s rigorous testing through the SEET (Systems Extreme Environmental Test) lab located in Tyler, Texas. The process imitates five years’ worth of heavy use within a span of 16 weeks and many series of tests. Customer testimonials include Trane systems that have survived and still run under flooding conditions—peace of mind for the “just in case” situations that happen on the coasts.