By Alex Hawkins & Reviewed By ENERGY STAR Updated May 22, 2024
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- Top Air Conditioner Brands
- What to Look For
- Compare Top Brands
- Energy Efficiency
- Our Recommendation
- FAQ
- Methodology
All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Air conditioners are key to keeping your home cool and comfortable, but finding the right one can be difficult. There’s a lot of technical terminology and jargon that goes along with shopping for an AC that can make it challenging to figure out which ones are better than others.
To simplify the process, we’ve researched the best air conditioner brands and closely compared product specifications, prices, and extra features. Read on for our top recommendations for AC brands.
Best Air Conditioner Brands of 2024
We spent hundreds of hours researching the HVAC industry to rank brands against each other. Here are the best air conditioning brands according to our rating methodology:
- Lennox: Most Energy Efficient
- Carrier: Best Overall AC Units
- York: Most Experience
- Trane: Most Protection
- American Standard: Best for Extreme Climates
- LG: Best Window AC Units
- Ruud: Best Basic Units
- Amana: Best Selection
- Goodman: Best for Maintenance
- Rheem: Best Smart Technology
Side-By-Side Comparison: Top Air Conditioning Brands
Compare our top-recommended air conditioning brands of 2024 below.
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Cost Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick | 4.9 | Most Energy Efficient | $3,000–$10,000 | GET QUOTE |
4.8 | Best Overall AC Units | $3,200–$15,000 | GET QUOTE | |
4.6 | Most Experience | $4,500–$9,000 | GET QUOTE | |
4.6 | Most Protection | $3,000–$15,500 | GET QUOTE | |
4.5 | Best for Extreme Climates | $3,500–$11,000 | GET QUOTE | |
4.5 | Best Window AC Units | $300–$900 | GET QUOTE | |
4.5 | Best Basic Units | $3,000–$6,000 | GET QUOTE | |
4.4 | Best Selection | $3,500–$11,000 | GET QUOTE | |
4.6 | Best for Maintenance | $1,500–$10,000 | GET QUOTE | |
4.6 | Best Smart Technology | $3,000–$7,000 | GET QUOTE |
No results were found.
Lennox
Most Energy Efficient
4.9
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$3,000–$10,000
• SEER rating:Up to 28
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Found at popular retailers such as The Home Depot
- Features some of the highest SEER ratings available
- Includes options for solar-powered AC units
Cons
- Varies warranty coverage by product
- Has higher prices than other brands
What We Like
Lennoxpartners withENERGY STARto create high-efficiencyair conditioners. It offers units with highseasonal energy efficiency ratios(SEER) up to 28, including small split systems and large full-size models.
Lennoxoffers manyhigh-endproducts alongside itsAC units, such as a smartthermostatthat integrates yourHVAC systemwith popular smart-home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, AppleHomeKit, and Google Assistant.Lennoxalso can add its SunSource technology to any of its Signature Collection units to power your AC viasolar panels.
Recommended Model
We recommend Lennox’s SL28XCV AC unit. This AC from the company’s Signature Collection is ENERGY STAR-certified and has a SEER rating of 28. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty on covered components, including the compressor. You can power it via solar panels if desired.
Carrier
Best Overall AC Units
4.8
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$3,200–$15,000
• SEER rating:Up to 26
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has some of the quietest ACs available
- Includes air purification and humidity control with some models
- Provides a 10-year limited parts warranty for registered products
Cons
- Requires a consultation for an accurate quote
- Has higher prices than some competitors
What We Like
Carrier builds some of the quietest and most efficient AC units. Some Carrier air conditioners have sound levels as low as 51 decibels (dB), meaning you won’t be bothered by the roaring and rumble other ACs may make when combating high temperatures.
The company also manufactures air purifiers and humidity control products to improve your home’s comfort. Additionally, it has a smartphone app that syncs with its smart thermostat for remote control. These features help Carrier create a complete and convenient AC system for your home.
Recommended Model
We recommend Carrier’s Infinity 26 Air Conditioner with Greenspeed Intelligence. It has a SEER rating of up to 26 and comfort control features such as humidity control and a built-in sound blanket that makes it quieter than many competitors. In addition, you receive a 10-year limited warranty on parts when you register the product, and a 10-year limited warranty for unit replacement.
York
Most Experience
4.6
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$4,500–$9,000
• SEER rating:Up to 21
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Climate Set technology that adjusts for your indoor and outdoor climates
- Affinity Series can handle up to eight conditioning zones
- YXV Series received Good Housekeeping‘s Seal of Approval
Cons
- Its single-stage ACs have a history of leaking
- Warranties often only cover one or two parts
What We Like
York is a long-standing company that’s been around since air conditioning’s inception. The company produces high-quality air conditioning units with high energy efficiency and low sound levels. It includes limited warranties and extends unit longevity with extra guardrails to protect the coil and compressor. York also installs variable control features on its high-end AC units. These optimize your HVAC system so it uses only the power needed to maintain a consistent temperature in your home.
Recommended Model
We recommend York’s YXV 20 SEER2 Variable Capacity Air Conditioner. It includes variable speed and York’s built-in Climate Set technology, which provides improved comfort by automatically fine-tuning the AC system to the indoor and outdoor environment. The model reaches up to a 20 SEER rating and includes a lifetime compressor limited warranty.
Trane
Most Protection
4.6
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$3,000–$15,500
• SEER rating:Up to 22
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers solar-powered components that integrate with your AC system, such as water heaters
- Includes a comprehensive 12-year compressor warranty plus 10 years for other parts and labor
- Helps create fully integrated smart home HVAC systems
Cons
- Requires ComfortLink II smart thermostat to operate high-end units
- Is known to require more maintenance than other brands
What We Like
Trane focuses on emerging technologies in the HVAC industry. The company offers multiple variable speed models and a ComfortLink II smart thermostat. These features integrate with Trane’s mobile app to let you precisely control your AC system and optimize your home’s temperature and humidity in one accessible location.
In addition, many of Trane’s units include a 12-year compressor and a 10-year parts and labor warranty. These are more comprehensive warranties than those offered by other AC brands.
Recommended Model
We recommend Trane’s XV20i TruComfort Variable Speed Air Conditioner. This is Trane’s most efficient AC unit, and it includes technology that automatically charges, configures, and calibrates to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, this unit includes Trane’s CleanEffects Whole Air Home Cleaner to purify your home’s air and filter out dust and harmful irritants.
American Standard
Best for Extreme Climates
4.5
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$3,500–$11,000
• SEER rating:Up to 21.5
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a network of certified dealers for easy installation
- Offers various smart home options
- Produces high-quality variable speed models
Cons
- Having a certified dealer network means higher installation costs
- Only includes compressor coverage for high-end units
What We Like
American Standard has been a go-to AC brand since 1929. It offers cost-effective AC units paired with 10-year limited warranties, meaning you’ll get a lot out of your investment. Additionally, American Standard offers several top-of-the-line features, including variable-speed fan motors. The company also offers AccuLink and AccuComfort smart thermostats, which allow you to control your AC via American Standard‘s mobile app.
Recommended Model
American Standard’s AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 20 Air Conditioner is its best model to date. It has a SEER rating up to 21.5 and a sound rating of 55 to 75 A-weighted decibels (dBA), providing an excellent balance between performance and energy efficiency. You can also choose to add American Standard’s AccuClean Air Cleaner, which helps your air conditioner filter out more dust and harmful irritants.
LG
Best Window AC Units
4.5
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$300–$900
• SEER rating:Up to 18
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Designs high-quality, stylish portable AC units
- Has some of the lowest sound levels due to LG’s specially designed parts
Cons
- Only offers window-mounted and portable ACs
- Some models require ample space in a window or wall fixture for installation
What We Like
We recommend LG’s air conditioning products if you want a high-quality window-mounted AC unit or portable AC for your condo, getaway cabin, or apartment. We especially encourage this if you own other LG appliances, as LG’s smart wi-fi enabled air conditioners sync to smart-home technology via the brand’s ThinQ products. This system lets you control cooling, change the unit’s mode, or set the temperature while you’re away via a mobile app. In addition, an LG air conditioner is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice commands.
LG’s ACs also have low noise levels—as low as 44 dB in sleep mode. Best of all, LG’s air conditioners exceed minimum ENERGY STAR certification, so you receive highly efficient single-room ACs.
Recommended Model
LG’s LW1522IVSM Dual Inverter Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Window Air Conditioner is an impressive window-mounted air conditioner with a competitive price tag. This unit cools approximately 800 square feet and uses LG’s unique BLDC Motor and DUAL Inverter Compressor for low sound levels.
Ruud
Best Basic Units
4.5
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$3,000–$6,000
• SEER rating:Up to 20
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has an established service network for installation and maintenance
- Offers highly competitive pricing on quality AC units
- Integrates your entire HVAC system through its Econet smart technology
Cons
- Is known for noisy AC units
- Has a limited product selection compared to other brands
What We Like
Ruudis the upscale branch of HVAC manufacturerRheem. The company offers competitively priced, smart home-integrated, high-efficiency units.Ruudalso emphasizessustainabilityin its HVAC products, including options such as solar-powered water heaters.
Forair conditioning,Ruudoffers its Econet line, including its Econet SmartThermostat. Thisthermostathas a seven-day programmable and vacation scheduling feature, allowing you to save energy and money while you’re away and return to a comfortable home after work or a getaway.
Recommended Model
Ruud’s Econet Enabled Ultra SeriesVariable Speed(Ua20) is an excellentair conditioner. This model is efficient and durable. It has a variablecompressorand up to a 20SEER rating, plus powder coat paint, rust-resistant screws, and a 10-yearparts warrantyand 10-year conditional unit replacementwarranty(registration is required).
Amana
Best Selection
4.4
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$3,500–$11,000
• SEER rating:Up to 24.5
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a vast selection of indoor air quality products with smart-home integration options
- Includes a limited lifetime replacement warranty on its high-end units
- Adds sound blankets and insulation to its units to drastically reduce noise
Cons
- Has average performance compared to other brands
- Only its single-stage ACs are cost-friendly
What We Like
Amanaoffers many middle-ground, qualityAC unitsas well as excellent smart home integration options. The company’s minimalist smartthermostatletshomeownersset a schedule to match their AC usage with their typical weekly routine. Thethermostatalso works withAmana’s mobile app to control the company’s high-efficiency ACs from anywhere at any time.
Additionally,Amanaoffers a large selection of indoor air products through its sister company, CleanComfort. The selection includeshigh-qualityair purifiers for your electronics and living spaces, plus humidifiers and dehumidifiers. All of these integrate withAmana’s smart-home products.
Recommended Model
We recommend Amana’s AVXC20 air conditioner. This is Amana’s highest efficiency unit, with a 24.5 SEER rating and a variable-speed compressor that links with the company’s ComfortNet technology for programmable performance. This unit also includes a lifetime unit replacement limited warranty when registered.
Goodman
Best for Maintenance
4.0
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$1,500–$10,000
• SEER rating:Up to 24.5
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Manufacturers units with durability and longevity features
- Offers above average warranties
Cons
- Doesn’t offer as many premium features as other brands
- Doesn’t have a certified installer network
What We Like
Goodmanis synonymous withair conditioning. The company focuses on durability with features such as dirt-blocking filters and rail guards to protect coils from harsh weather. It’s a sister company toAmanaand has a more limited but cost-effective selection. You can pairGoodman’s units withAmana’s ComfortBridge smart home technology.
For added security,Goodmanhas an impressivewarrantypackage including a 10-yearlimited warrantyon parts, a 10-yearlimited warrantyfor entire unit replacement, and a lifetimecompressorwarranty. Additionally,Goodmanuses R-410Arefrigerant, which is less harmful to the environment than otherrefrigerants.
Recommended Model
We recommend Goodman’s GVXC20 model, which has up to a 24.5 SEER rating. This unit combines durability features—such as a ground lug connection and copper tubing—with smart-home features through the ComfortBridge Controls System. It’s a long-lasting AC that you can monitor and manage remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.
Rheem
Best Smart Technology
4.6
Our Rating
Tooltip Content
• Price range:$3,000–$7,000
• SEER rating:Up to 20.5
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers cost-effective pricing
- Provides smart home integration via EcoNet
- Uses powder coat paint and corrosion-resistant hardware
Cons
- Lacks customer support tools
- Has average performance
What We Like
If you’re looking for an affordable, quality air conditioning unit, Rheem is an excellent option. Though many of its units have average performance, you can connect them with EcoNet smart-home products. This allows you to fully integrate a cost-effective AC unit with your home’s heating and cooling systems to maximize comfort and savings.
Recommended Model
We recommend Rheem’s Variable Speed Prestige Series RA20 ACs. These units feature a 20.5 SEER rating, a variable-speed Copeland scroll compressor for optimal performance, and a composite base pan that helps eliminate corrosion and decrease noise.
What to Look for in an Air Conditioner Brand
Many factors determine which air conditioner is right for your home. We’ve highlighted some of the most important things to look for.
Open Lines of Communication to Customer Service
Installing an air conditioner requires you to work closely with a company, so you’ll want to ensure there’s plenty of customer support available. Take note of whether a brand offers a direct phone line or customer support via live chat or mobile app. The more means of communication, the better. Additionally, read customer reviews on popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will help you get a realistic idea of what it’s like to deal with each brand’s network of contractors and customer service representatives.
Intelligent Cooling
Intelligent cooling is another way to say smart-home integration. For a more convenient and optimized system, find brands that offer smart-home options that allow you to control and adjust your air conditioner from your smartphone. These features often let you connect the AC to other parts of your home’s HVAC system and control the system through voice commands.
Units with Low Noise Levels
A noticeable noise level is a common complaint for ACs. You certainly don’t want a unit that might disrupt your sleep or bother your house guests or pets.
We advise checking the noise level of the AC units that interest you. Currently, air conditioners can be as quiet as 50 to 60 dB. We recommend looking for ACs under 70 dB. To give you a better idea of how loud this is, check out the following breakdown from Purdue University’s Chemistry Department:
- 50 dB: A quiet conversation
- 60 dB: Conversations at a restaurant
- 70 dB: Running a vacuum cleaner
- 80 dB: Running a garbage disposal
Type of AC Unit
When shopping forAC units, it’s important to know which type you need. There are six main types ofair conditionersystems, and each meets different needs. Learn about each type below to determine which kind you need:
Central air conditioners:When you think of an AC unit, you probably think of a central air conditioner. You may only notice the large box with a fan outside your home, but central ACs actually use two units: the condensing unit located outside and the evaporative unit located inside next to the furnace. These two units connect through refrigerant tubing. They’re ideal for medium- to large-size homes with ductwork and are one of the best ways to evenly distribute cool air throughout a home.
Ductless air conditioners:If you don’t have ductwork in your home, you may want toconsider a ductless AC. These units are also called “split systems,” as they use two small AC units, one outside and one inside. They’re installed on your home’s interior walls. Refrigerant tubing connects the two systems by passing through the walls that separate them. Ductless systems are great for smaller, older homes that don’t have an existing duct system or apartment buildings that just need a few rooms cooled.
Floor-mounted air conditioners:Floor-mounted air conditioners are another type of mini-split ductless air conditioner system. Although they’re called “floor-mounted,” they’re actually installed close to the bottom of a wall. These units are an excellent option if you have limited wall space, such as if you have a glass wall.
Heat pumps:Heat pumps are available in the same configurations as ACs—mini-splits, multi-splits, and centrally ducted—have high energy efficiencyand are a low-maintenance cooling solution for homes with ductwork. Their installation cost can be high, but the running and maintenance costs are low. Heat pumps use electricity rather than burning fuel. During summer, a heat pump removes the warm air from inside your home and releases it outside. During winter, a heat pump transforms air from outside into warm air and delivers it into your home. A heat pump is ideal for homes in mild climates.
Portable air conditioners:Aportable air conditioner is a self-contained unitthat can be wheeled into a room and positioned wherever on the floor. A hose vent discharges hot air through an exterior wall or window. Portable air conditioners are noisy, but they’re an excellent temporary cooling solution.
Window-mounted air conditioners:Window-mounted air conditioners are self-contained units typically placed in a window. You can also install them by creating a hole in a room’s exterior wall, but we advise against this approach. Window air conditioners are most useful for apartments and single-level homes. However, their cooling capability is limited due to their small size and output. Many people install multiple window units to get around these limitations. However, according to ENERGY STAR experts, instead of attempting to cool multiple rooms or your entire home with numerous window units, note that a central or multi-split system can offer the same level of comfort, might be less expensive overall, and is certainly cheaper to run.
Variable Speed
Any air conditioner that uses a variable-speed compressor is a serious plus. Though a variable-speed AC system costs more up-front, the investment is worth it because it lowers your energy bills and increases your home’s value. These units don’t cycle on and off like traditional air conditioners. Instead, they adjust the air handler’s speed to match your home’s cooling needs, resulting in increased comfort, reduced humidity, higher efficiency, and quieter performance.
Warranties
Some air conditioners have longer warranties than others. Additionally, some AC warranties only cover certain parts of the unit, such as the compressor, while others may include entire unit replacement. Check the manufacturer’s website for information and see if the brand’s network of installers will include a workmanship warranty.
Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency
The HVAC industry uses various ratings and metrics to determine a product’s efficiency, but the two most important ones for an AC unit are its SEER rating and ENERGY STARcertification.
What Is a SEER Rating?
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings measure an AC unit’s efficiency. The ratio reflects an AC’s cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. 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 Are ENERGY STAR Ratings?
An AC with ENERGY STARcertification meets federally mandated guidelines regarding energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STARrequires all of its certified central air conditioners and heat pumps to have a SEER rating of at least 15.
Our Recommendation
The best air conditioner brand depends on your preferences, budget, and home layout. We find Lennox to be one of the best AC brands due to its high SEER ratings, smart home capabilities, and SunSource technology. However, Carrier offers more intelligent cooling options, and York builds some of the most durable and quietest ACs.
We recommend getting at least three quotes from different AC brands to compare costs, warranties, and additional features. Use our tool below to request free quotes from reputable HVAC installers near you.
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Air Conditioner Brands FAQ
Is Trane or Carrier better?
Whether Trane or Carrier is better depends on your individual preferences and home. However, we found that Carrier is generally better, given its focus on smart home integration and its assortment of air purifiers and humidity control products.
Do HVAC brands matter?
Yes, HVAC brand matters for a few reasons, namely due to warranties. Some brands also charge a premium because of their name and reputation while lesser-known brands might offer a similar product at a more affordable rate.
What is the life expectancy of an AC unit?
Your AC unit should last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and care.
How much does a new AC system cost?
A new AC system costs an average of $5,000 to $6,000. However, this price varies based on your home’s layout, additional features such as air purification and smart thermostats, brand name, and installation fees.
What is the best month to buy an air conditioner?
The end of winter is the best time to buy an air conditioner. Retailers have a high supply of air conditioning units during winter, but homeowners often aren’t thinking about replacing or repairing their AC units during this time. The decrease in demand means prices and installation costs are lower.
How We Chose the Top HVAC Brands
We researched dozens of HVAC brands to determine which ones offer the best air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products. We then crafted a rating system based on each brand’s mid-tier and high-end product offerings.
We analyzed each company’s product specifications, SEER ratings, AFUE ratings, and their best available sound rating. We also ensured that each brand offers ENERGY STAR-certified products. In addition, we closely analyzed each company’s warranties to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
Finally, we assessed the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation on popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. We also checked whether the brand fulfills the high-end and luxury needs of Architectural Digest readers, such as smart-home integration options, solar-powered capabilities, and home comfort control products such as air purifiers and humidity control.
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