Air Conditioner Ratings, A Repairman Reviews The Brands...

These ratings are for ducted split central air conditioning systems that are air cooled. We also have separate pages for water cooled (geothermal), ductless, portable, window units, packaged systems, and units that provide both heating and cooling. Our air conditioner ratings are divided into three categories. This ensures a fair comparison of features and breaks them down into separate price ranges.

The first category is basic air conditioners. These are the least expensive models. To qualify the unit must have an efficiency rating (seer) of at least 13. This is the minimum standard set by federal law for sale in the U.S.A.

The next category is premium air conditioners. These units have an efficiency rating of at least 15. These are usually two speed units. They are the next step up as far as price is concerned.

The last rating is for ultimate air conditioners. These units have an efficiency rating of greater than 20. They incorporate the most advanced features on the market. But, they are typically the most expensive.
We have given each brand a rating of from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for a unit for our home, that is the unit we would choose. When more than one brand has a five star rating, we would choose the least expensive one. If NA appears in the place of stars, it means that brand does not have a product available in that category or we could not get enough information to make a good choice.

For your convenience, we have included the web address for the manufacturers. We have also included our comments concerning the advantages/disadvantages of their products.

BRAND-------------WEB ADDRESS------BASIC---PREMIUM---ULTIMATE

AIRCO--------------olsenhvac.com----<1*------NA--------NA---- This is a brand from ECR INTERATIONAL which is available in North America only. They are only available in 13 SEER units with R-22. (R-22 is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out) The 1.5 to 4 ton units use a reciprocating compressor instead of a scroll compressor (scrolls are more reliable). The warranty on the units is not very good and they have a limited dealer network.

AIR-EASE ----------airease.com-------4*-------2*-------NA---- This is a brand from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The units have anti- bacterial drain pans to inhibit mold growth. The 413LE model is a 13 seer unit with a scroll compressor for reliability. The 416LT models have an insulated compressor and swept wing fan blades for superior sound control. They also have onboard diagnostics. The manufacturer's website has a dealer locator and offers a financing option (through GE MONEY BANK) but the interest rate is outrageous.

AIRE-FLO -------- aireflo-hvac.com <1*------NA--------NA---- This brand offers both R-22 models (which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out) as well as units with R-410a refrigerant. The units use basic technology and the warranty on the units is not very good.

AMANA------------ amana-hac.com -----4*-----5*-------NA---- This brand name is licensed and used by GOODMAN. The GSX13 units are a very good basic unit with a good warranty. The ASX16 series units are a premium unit and have Comfort Alert onboard diagnostics, an insulated compressor for sound control, and a scroll compressor for reliability. The compressor on the ASX16 units has a lifetime unit replacement guarantee.

AMERICAN STANDARD--americanstandardair.com-4*-----3*---4*---- This brand is owned by TRANE which is owned by INGERSOLL RAND. The ALLEGIANCE 13 and 16 units have a good standard warranty. The Allegiance 16 is a communicating two stage unit with an efficiency of up to 17 seer. The ALLEGIANCE 20 units have a very good warranty but use two compressors for staging.

ARCOAIRE-----------arcoaire.com------4*------2*--------NA---- This is one of the brands from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. The DX1300 series units feature a scroll compressor with insulating blanket for quiet operation, a two speed fan for efficiency, and onboard ComfortAlert diagnostics. The units are also backed by a good warranty. The DXT+ units are two stage premium units with an efficiency rating of up to 18seer.

ARMSTRONG----------armstrongair.com-4*--------2*--------NA---- This is a brand from LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The units have anti- bacterial drain pans to inhibit mold growth. The 413LE model is a 13 seer unit with a scroll compressor for reliability and a very good warranty. The 416LT models have an insulated compressor and swept wing fan blades for superior sound control but the warranty is not as good as many brands. They also have onboard diagnostics. The manufacturer's website has a dealer locator and offers a financing option (through GE MONEY BANK) but the interest rate is outrageous.

BRYANT-------------bryant.com--------4*------2*---------3*---- This is a brand from CARRIER INTERNATIONAL. The LEGACY LINE features basic models with a very good warranty. The preferred series features units with a swept fan blade and insulated scroll compressor for quiet operation. They have an efficiency rating of up to 18 SEER but the warranty is not as good as many brands. The EVOLUTION series controls humidity and ventilation systems as well as the ac unit. The 180A models have an efficiency rating of up to 20seer.

CARRIER------------carrier.com-------4*------2*---------3*--- The BASE SERIES models have a very good warranty. The PERFORMANCE series features premium units with their silencer system for quiet operation but the warranty is not as good as many brands. The INFINITY series units control humidity and ventilation systems as well as the ac unit for better indoor air quality. The also have an efficiency rating of up to 21 SEER.

CENTURY---------- century-hvac.com 3*-----NA--------NA---- This is a brand from HEAT CONTROLLER. The RGs series units are basic units with a good warranty. They are available in either 13 seer or 14 seer models.

COLEMAN------------colemanac.com-----4*------2*---------NA---- This is a brand from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The COMFORTEER YCGD models are basic 13 SEER units that are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant. The standard warranty on those units is not very good. Their new LX series units are smaller due to their "microchannel" coil design but the efficiency is still only 13 or 14.5 seer and the warranty is still not very good. The ECHELON 5T models feature an insulated compressor compartment, base pan made of composite materials instead of metal, and a swept wing fan features for quiet operation.

ComfortAire--- comfort-aire.com --3*-------NA--------NA--- This is a brand from HEAT CONTROLLER. The RGs series units are basic units with a good warranty. They use R-410a refrigerant and are available in either 13 or 14 seer efficiency models.

COMFORTMAKER-------comfortmaker.com-4*-------2*--------NA---- This is a brand from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. These units have a "no hassle replacement warranty". If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the whole unit is replaced. The SX2300 series units have a 13 seer efficiency rating and feature a scroll compressor, two speed condenser fan, and ComfortAlert onboard diagnostics. The SXT+ models are premium units with an efficiency rating of up to 18 seer.

COMFORTSTAR--------comfortstarusa.com--1*------NA--------NA--- The MIA SERIES units are 13 seer units that use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The MAH series units are basic models that have environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to many other brands.

CONCORD---------- concord-air.com --4*------NA--------NA---- This is a brand from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES INC. which is a LENNOX INTERNATIONAL company. The R-22 units are not recommended and do not have a good warranty. The 4AC13 series units are good basic units that are environmentally friendly and have a good warranty.

DAY&NIGHT--dayandnightcomfort.com-----4*------2*--------NA---- This is a brand from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. These units have a "no hassle replacement warranty". If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the whole unit is replaced. The SX2300 series units have a 13 seer efficiency rating and feature a scroll compressor, two speed condenser fan, and ComfortAlert onboard diagnostics. The SXT+ models are premium units with an efficiency rating of up to 18 seer.

DUCANE-------------ducanehvac.com-----4*------2*--------NA---- This is a brand from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES INC. which is a LENNOX INTERNATIONAL company. The R-22 units are not recommended and do not have a good warranty. The 4AC13 series units are good basic units that are environmentally friendly, use a reliable scroll compressor, and have a good warranty. The 4AC16 units are premium units with 15 or 16 seer efficiency ratings, a two speed compressor, and variable speed condenser fan for energy savings. They also have a swept wing fan blade for quiet operation but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

FEDDERS------------fedders.com------<1*------NA--------NA---- This brand is now a part of the AIRWELL GROUP which is a French company owned by ELCO HOLDINGS. The manufacturer's website is no help at all.

FRIGIDAIRE---------frigidaire.net----4*-------2*---------3*-- This is a brand from NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. The ULTRA series units use IQ DRIVE control which combines the state of the art inverter rotary compressor technology with humidity control and an efficiency rating of up to 24 seer. The units feature a 10 year Comfort Quality Pledge. The "Very Good" line features basic 13 seer units with a good warranty. The "Best" line fetures two stage units with a 15 or 16 seer efficiency rating but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

GIBSON---------nordyne.com/Gibson----4*------2*--------NA---- This is a brand from NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. They offer basic models with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant and a good standard warranty which includes the 10 year Comfort Quality Pledge. The manufacturer's website is not much help.

GMC------------goodmanmfg.com/GMC---<1*-------NA-------NA--- This brand is from GOODMAN MANUFACTURING and is part of their value line. The VSC13 units use R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly. The VSX13 units are basic models with environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant. The warranty on the units is not very good but they are low priced units.

GOODMAN------------goodmanmfg.com----4*-------5*-------NA--- This brand offers 13 seer units in either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The units with R-410a have a reliable scroll compressor. The SSX16 models have a 16 seer efficiency rating and are backed by a lifetime compressor warranty for peace of mind. The units feature a scroll compressor and a sound blanket for quieter operation.

GRANDAIRE----------grandaireac.com---4*-------2*-------NA--- This brand is manufactured by NORDYNE (which is a subsidiary of NORTEK) for BAKER DISTRIBUTING COMPANY which is a subsidiary of WATSCO INC. On these units, if the compressor fails in the first year, the whole unit is replaced. The 16 SEER units have Comfort Alert onboard diagnostics to aid in locating problems with the system. They also feature swept wing condenser fans for quieter operation. The manufacturer's website is very confusing and not much help.

HAIER--------------haieramerica.com--4*-------NA-------NA---- These units are only available in 13 SEER models with R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The D1 models feature a very good warranty but they have a limited distributor network.

HEIL---------------heil-hvac.com-----4*--------2*-------NA---- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. The DX1300 units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the R-22 units do not have a good warranty and the refrigerant is not environmentally friendly. The DXT+ units have efficiencies of up to 18 seer and feature a two stage scroll compressor. The units also have a two speed condenser fan motor for efficiency and quiet operation as well as the ComfortAlert onboard diagnostics for ease in troubleshooting.

KEEPRITE-----------keeprite.com------4--------2*-------NA---- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. These units have a "no hassle replacement" guarantee. If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the entire unit is replaced. These units are available in the U.S. and Canada. The SX2300 models feature a scroll compressor and a two speed fan for quiet efficient operation. The SXT+ models are premium units with an efficiency of up to 18 seer.

KELVINATOR--nordyne.com/Kelvinator---4*-------2*-------NA---- This is a brand from NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. They offer basic models with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant and a good standard warranty which includes the 10 year Comfort Quality Pledge. The manufacturer's website is not much help.

KLIMAIRE----------klimaire.com-------4*--------NA-------NA-- These units are actually manufactured by GOODMAN MANUFACTURING. The brand features basic units that are backed by a good warranty. The units use R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly but the units may be purchased online for large savings.

LENNOX-------------lennox.com-------<1*-------<1*-------3*--- The XC21 is part of the "DAVE LENNOX SIGNATURE COLLECTION" and is one of our ultimate units. The unit has onboard diagnostics, an efficiency rating of up to 20.5 seer, and a good warranty. The XC13 and XC16 models have the basic features but the standard warranty is not very good.

LINCOLN---------- lincoln-hvac.com--2*-------NA--------NA---- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS (ICP) and is sold in Canada. The SX2300 units are 13 seer units available with either R-22 or R-410a. The SX2400 models are 14 seer units and use R-410a. All of the units have a two speed condenser fan for quiet and efficient operation. They also have COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics to aid in diagnosing problems.

LUXAIRE------------luxaire.com-------4*-------2*--------NA---- This is a brand from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The CLIMASURE TCGD units are 13 seer basic models with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant. (The units with R-22 are not recommended.) The ACCLIMATE 5T and 8T units are their premium units and have SilentDrive technology which includes a swept wing condenser fan blade, isolated compressor compartment, and a base pan made out of composite materials. These features combine to ensure very quiet operation.

MAYTAG-------------maytaghvac.com----5*-------4*--------5*- This brand name is licensed to NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. The M1200 PLUS series has the best warranty in the industry. The 23 SEER (24.5 SEER with air handler) unit uses IQ DRIVE which combines state of the art inverter rotary compressor technology with advanced humidity control. The 16 seer units are two stage premium units. All of the units feature stainless steel cabinets for durability (they will not rust).

MERIDIAN-------texasfurnace.com---<1*-------NA-------NA This brand is from TEXAS FURNACE LLC. The 2AC13 series units are basic units with a warranty (on the compressor) that is not very good. The 2AC14 series units are 14 seer units and have a better warranty. The units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out.

NAPOLEON-----napoleonheatingandair.com-4*-------NA-----NA--- The AIRamus series is only available in 13 SEER units with R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The units are backed by a very good standard warranty.

NUTONE-------------nutonehvac.com----4*-------2*-------3*-- This brand is from NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. The units have a very good warranty including a 10 year quality pledge where the entire unit is replaced if the compressor fails in the first ten years. The 15 and 16 seer units are two stage for greater comfort and efficiency. The 23 seer units feature iQ Drive which incorporates state of the art inverter rotary compressor technology, onboard diagnostics, and advanced control.

OLSEN--------------olsenhvac.com-----4*-------NA-------NA---- This is a brand from ECR INTERNATIONAL and is available in North America. The GSX13 series are basic units with R-410a refrigerant and a very good warranty.

ONEIDA ROYAL-------oneidaroyal.com--<1*-------NA-------NA---- This is a brand from ECR INTERNATIONAL and is available in North America. The C13 units are 13 SEER with R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended through their "COMFORT PLUS" program.

PAYNE--------------payne.com---------4*-------NA-------NA---- These units are from CARRIER which is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP. This brand offers 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. They offer online financing through GE MONEY but the interest rates are ridiculous.

PHILCO--------nordyne.com/Philco-----4*-------2*-------NA---- This brand is from NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. The units are backed by a very good warranty including a ten year quality pledge where the entire unit is replaced if the compressor fails during the warranty period. The 15/16 seer units are two stage for enhanced comfort and energy savings.

RHEEM--------------rheemac.com-------1*--------2*------NA---- The PRESTIGE SERIES 16 seer units have "comfort control system" onboard diagnostics and two stage compressors for enhanced comfort and energy savings. The 13AJM series units are part of their VALUE LINE and have an efficiency of 13 seer. They feature scroll compressors for reliability but the standard warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands. They offer KwikComfort financing through local contractors and GE MONY but the interest rates are ridiculous.

RUUD---------------ruudac.com---------1*--------2*------NA---- This brand is from RHEEM MANUFACTURING. The ULTRA SERIES 16 seer units have "comfort control system" onboard diagnostics and two stage compressors for enhanced comfort and energy savings. Their VALUE LINE units have an efficiency of 13 seer and feature scroll compressors for reliability but the standard warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other options.

TAPPAN-------------tappan.net--------4*--------2*-------3*-- This brand is from NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. The TECH3 series includes the 23 SEER (24.5 SEER with air handler) unit with IQ DRIVE. This combines state of the art compressor technology with advanced humidity control.

TEMPSTAR-----------tempstar.com------4*-------2*-------NA---- This is a brand from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS and are available in North America. These units have a "no hassle replacement" guarantee. If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the entire unit is replaced. The 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The SmartComfort TX5300 units are 13 seer units with R-410a refrigerant and a very good warranty. The SmartComfort TXT+ units have a two stage scroll compressor for reliability and an 18 seer rating. They have a dealer locator by zipcode or city/state on their website to help you to find an approved installer.

TFC---------------texasfurnace.com--<1*-------NA-------NA---- The 2AC13 units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The warranty on these products is not very good.

THERMO PRIDE-------thermopride.com---1*-------NA--------NA---- This brand is a subsidiary of BURNHAM HOLDINGS. The AC13 units use R-22. The "PREMIER" series units are 14seer units with R-410a refrigerant and onboard diagnostics. This brand has a very limited dealer network.

TRANE--------------trane.com---------1*--------3*-------4* This brand is being owned by INGERSOLL RAND. The XB13 models are the basic models and are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant. (The units with R-22 are not recommended.) The standard warranty on the XB13 units is not very good but you can purchase an extended warranty contract. The XL16i units are two stage units with a variable speed fan for enhanced comfort and energy savings. The warranty on the Xl16i and XL20i units is pretty good. The Xl20i units contain two compressors for staging which is not the best way.

WEIL-MCLAIN------- weil-mclain.com---1*--------NA-------NA These units are available in either 13 or 14 seer efficiencies. The 1.5 and 2 ton sizes use a reciprocating compressor while 2.5 ton and larger units have a compliant scroll compressor. All of the units use R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out.

WESTINGHOUSE-------westinghousehvac.com-4*-----2*--------3*- This brand is from NORDYNE which is a subsidiary of NORTEK. All of these units feature reliable scroll compressors and environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant. They have a very good warranty that includes a 10 year quality pledge where if the compressor fails during that time, the whole unit is replaced. The 23 SEER (24.5 SEER with air handler) unit has IQ DRIVE which combines state of the art inverter rotary compressor technology with advanced humidity control.

WHIRLPOOL----------whirlpoolhvac.com-1*------<1*--------NA---- This brand name is licensed to TRADEWINDS DISTRIBUTING COMPANY. All of the units use reliable scroll compressors. They offer 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The GOLD series 16 SEER unit includes COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics. The warranty on this brand is not very good when compared to other brands.

WINCHESTER----hamiltonhomeproducts.com-<1*-------NA----NA-- This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The WAQ series units are 13 SEER models using R-22 refrigerant. They feature quick connect fittings for easy installation. The warranty is not very good but the units can be purchased online.

YORK---------------yorkupg.com--------4*-------2*------NA---- This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The TCGD units are part of their LATITUDE series and are 13 seer units that are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant. (The units with R-22 are not recommended.) The AFFINITY 8T series units are available in seven different colors/college logos. They feature a two stage compressor, ComfortAlert onboard diagnostics, and their QuietDrive system.

If you are not going to install your heating and cooling system yourself, then your choice of hvac contractor is very important. We have teamed up with QualitySmith to help you to find a reliable local contractor. With their free service, you can get three quotes from local air conditioning contractors without even leaving your home.

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