Top HVAC Companies of 2023
Top HVAC Companies of 2023 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are frequently taken for granted, at least until they malfunction. The necessity of these systems for maintaining indoor comfort is then made abundantly evident. The most expensive system in your house is likely your HVAC system, so picking the appropriate contractor is crucial if you need a replacement.
The Top HVAC Companies of 2023, including Carrier, Bryant, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem, and others, have been rated by us after extensive study on your behalf. Get the best HVAC firm for your needs by using our rating and the data we've gathered to better understand how HVAC systems operate.
Our List of the Top HVAC Companies
1 Carrier
Carrier: With a rating of 4.2 out of 5, Carrier is our top HVAC provider for 2023. It provides 16 HVAC systems, some of which are among the quietest and most energy-efficient ones on the market, according to professional reviews. It also receives good scores for the innovative technology and dependability of its furnaces and heat pumps.
A packaged system, ductless mini-split system, air handler, air purifier, humidifier, and more are available for purchase. Although carrier systems aren't the most affordable options, you might want to consider alternative vendors if you're on a tight budget. Nevertheless, if you're ready to spend a little extra on a durable, high-quality device, you can't go wrong with Carrier.
2 Bryant
Bryant: With a ranking of No. 2 and a rating of 4.1 out of 5, Bryant offers some of the top HVAC products available. The business, which is owned by Carrier, sells equipment that is extremely identical and built in the same plant using the same components. In actuality, the majority of Bryant models cost a little less than their Carrier counterparts but are identical.
The top-tier air conditioner from Bryant stands out for operating extremely quietly, and its furnaces are among the most effective ones on the market. It also sells ductless systems, geothermal heat pumps, air purifiers, and other heating and cooling goods in addition to air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces.
3 Goodman
Goodman: Goodman, which received a score of 4 out of 5, is a less expensive option to its sister firm Amana. Excellent warranties and a thorough quality control process are two things that Goodman is renowned for before each device leaves the plant. Despite not being the most energy-efficient or technologically innovative, Goodman systems are among the most dependable, according to expert ratings.
Additionally, they come with a two- or 10-year replacement warranty and a 10-year limited warranty on parts. They are very reasonably priced. Galvanized steel casings and furnaces with steel and aluminum heat exchangers are among the features that make Goodman's products particularly robust.
4 Lennox
Lennox: Lennox offers three categories of products at various pricing points. Offering products with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings, it receives a score of 3.9 out of 5. Users may control the temperature with the company's Precise Comfort Technology and iComfort smart thermostats, which also enhance efficiency. Although the firm is more expensive than some of its rivals, switching from gas to electricity with a Lennox furnace equipped with a heat pump can save you money on utility bills.
5 Trane
Reviewers with expertise are credited. Trane, which ranks No. 5 and with a score of 3.8 out of 5, is known for creating durable HVAC systems. Despite being owned by American Standard, the company manufactures its own equipment. The stringent quality-testing procedures used by Trane involve giving each unit the equivalent of five years of use.
Your system must be registered within 60 days of purchase to be eligible for the 10-year limited warranty on parts and the extended 12-year guarantee on some units' compressors. Trane's quality comes at a cost since some of its furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioning units are among the most expensive ones available. However, compared to rival units from certain other manufacturers, its SEER ratings are lower, and it isn't as quiet.
5 Rheem
Rheem: This business, which had a score of 3.8 out of 5, manufactures affordable, reliable HVAC equipment. Rheem has been in operation for almost 70 years and has established a reputation as a less expensive substitute for firms like Carrier and Trane. Rheem is praised by reviewers for its respectable performance, better SEER ratings, and quieter units than some rivals.
Although Rheem does not demand that its equipment be installed by a company-certified professional, quality and longevity can vary depending on the caliber of the installation. The company's warranties are approximately average, and experts who have reviewed the products claim that because Rheem employs proprietary parts, repairs can be costly.
7 American Standard
American Standard: With a rating of 3.7 out of 5, American Standard has been in the business since 1929 and offers a number of features shared with sibling brand Trane. American Standard, like Trane, puts its products through a thorough testing process in tough weather conditions, making it a good brand for clients who live in hostile environments.
To outfit your unit, American Standard also offers extra weather protection accessories. Although the company's equipment may not be the most energy-efficient when compared to others in our list, reviewers point out that it does provide high-quality heating and cooling items under a reputable name brand.
8 York
York: York, tied with No. 8 on our list with a score of 3.6 out of 5, is best known for manufacturing HVAC equipment such as air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. Professional evaluations claim that the company produces reasonably priced, high-quality equipment. Its premium versions are relatively quiet and have excellent SEER ratings.
Innovative technologies are found in York appliances, including as variable-speed motors that create more effective airflow. For parts, there is a reasonable 10-year limited warranty; for labor, there is a one-year warranty; and for thermostats, there is a five-year limited warranty. A lifetime compressor or heat exchanger guarantee is included with the company's high-end Affinity products.
8 Frigidaire
Frigidaire: Tied for eighth place with a score of 3.6 out of 5, Frigidaire is well known for its refrigerators but also sells furnaces, heat pumps, central air conditioners, and other Nortek Global HVAC products. Although Frigidaire claims to thoroughly inspect every HVAC unit it ships, some reviews claim that since Nortek Global started producing the machinery, quality has dipped a little.
In addition to having a smaller product selection than some of the other businesses on our list, Frigidaire's appliances aren't the quietest or have the greatest SEER ratings. Frigidaire should be on your shortlist if you're looking for a well-known HVAC brand without breaking the bank because experts believe its costs are relatively affordable.
10 Amana
Amana: Amana is tied with Coleman for 10th place with a score of 3.5 out of 5. Professional reviewers commend Amana appliances for their exceptional quality but point out that they have more expensive installation fees. Notwithstanding the reputation for durability of Amana's products, the business nevertheless offers extended warranties that can help offset the cost.
Lower-end models include a compressor or heat exchanger unit replacement warranty of two years as well as a minimum 10-year limited guarantee on parts. A lifetime replacement warranty is provided for premium units in the event that the compressor or heat exchanger malfunctions. Amana sells a variety of other household appliances in addition to HVAC equipment and is included in our list of the Best Dryers of 2023.
10 Coleman
Even if it doesn't have the cutting-edge technology of some of its rivals, Coleman is still a decent alternative for consumers looking for moderately priced, dependable equipment. Also, according to reviews, Coleman units are reasonably portable, making them an excellent choice for smaller houses. The company offers a great warranty as well. If you register your equipment within 90 days after installation, it comes with a 10-year limited parts warranty and a year of free labor for repairs. Moreover, the compressor or heat exchanger on some devices has a lifetime limited warranty. Moreover, Coleman will return any equipment that falls short of expectations and give a complete refund.
How Does HVAC Operate and What Is It?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are referred to as HVAC. Furnaces, central air conditioners, and other appliances are all included in HVAC systems. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers claims that all HVAC systems serve the same fundamental purpose, despite the fact that they can be set up in a variety of ways. They draw in fresh air, heat or cool it using a mechanical ventilation system as needed, and then disperse the air throughout a structure. Both residential and commercial buildings include HVAC systems, albeit the latter are frequently larger.
Air purifiers and whole-home humidifiers are additional components of HVAC systems. Air purifiers eliminate dust, bacteria, spores, airborne particles, viruses, and other contaminants to keep them out of people's lungs, said Rick Bohdel with Ductz. To maintain comfort and minimize the need for running an air conditioner, whole-home humidifiers, and dehumidifiers add or remove moisture from the air.
Any of these parts can be linked to a thermostat. This can include a standard thermostat or a smart thermostat that is connected to your home WiFi network, as well as a security system or smart appliances like a refrigerator, washer, or dryer. With some HVAC control systems, you can use an app to set your equipment and make little adjustments that will increase efficiency all around. By regulating the temperature on a schedule that you specify based on your lifestyle, smart thermostats can also lower the overall cost of heating and cooling your home.
HVAC System Types
There are various HVAC system types, and each is suitable for a certain use. They consist of:
Split system: This kind of HVAC system has an indoor and an outdoor unit. It may incorporate a furnace and AC unit, an air handler and heat pump, or a furnace and heat pump, depending on the requirements of the owner.
A hybrid heat pump employs a furnace when it's really cold outside and an electric heat pump indoors. It can save money over other HVAC systems because a heat pump is more affordable than a furnace for heating your home. This is why it is also known as a dual-fuel system.
A system without ducts: This type of HVAC system has an exterior unit that houses the compressor and condenser. In addition, according to the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute, it features an indoor device known as an air handler that is located in or close to a ceiling and blows cooled air directly into the room (AHRI). It is intended for compact spaces.
Ducted mini-split: A ducted mini-split moves air from an outdoor compressor and condenser into a room using tubes rather than bigger ducts. This option works well in homes with limited space for conventional ductwork. Ducted mini-split systems don't require a wall-mounted air handler and provide superior air circulation than their ductless counterparts.
The same hardware as a split system is used in a packed system, but all the units are kept outside the house or other structures.
Efficiency and noise levels of HVAC systems
A seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, is used to rate the efficiency of air conditioners (SEER). This calculates the cooling output of a system over a normal cooling season divided by the energy consumption in watt-hours. For an air conditioner to be certified as Energy Star by the US government, its SEER must be at least 14.
The Annual Fuel Efficiency Rate (AFUE), which compares the furnace's heat output to its total energy input, is used to determine how efficient the appliance is. A high-efficiency heating system, according to Energy.gov, has an AFUE rating of 90% to 98.5%.
The effectiveness of our Top HVAC Companies of 2023 is compared in the table below.
What Is the Lifespan of an HVAC System?
An HVAC system normally lasts 15 to 25 years, according to Conditioned Air Inc. The precise lifespan is influenced by a variety of variables, including the caliber of the unit, the effectiveness of the installation, and the frequency of necessary maintenance and repairs.
According to Conditioned Air, different types of HVAC equipment have various life expectancies. Here are some illustrations.
- Furnaces: 20-30 years
- Boilers: 20-35 years
- Heat pumps: 10-20 years
- Ductless mini-splits: 10-30 years
Cost of Central Air and Savings Options
Periodically, central air conditioners should be updated, especially as they age and the expense of repairs rises. Even if your appliance is still functional, you might want to switch it out for a more efficient model. The price of a central air conditioning system might range from $3,000 to $10,000. Your final cost will depend on a few factors.
cost variables
The central air conditioner's performance, effectiveness, and longevity
The system design's complexity
Ductwork may need to be added, removed, or replaced.
The HVAC provider you select
How challenging the installation is, particularly whether the equipment must be positioned in difficult-to-reach areas
To that end, while selecting a central air conditioner, don't just take price into account. The climate where you reside, the size of your house, and your preferred temperature range are further key considerations. Saving money on installation charges might not be worthwhile in the long run because you want to feel comfortable in your home.
Ways to reduce installation costs:
Installing your system off-season (spring or fall)
Get prices from several HVAC professionals
Use discounts, tax breaks, and financing possibilities.
Ways to reduce operating expenses:
- keeping the temperature steady
- Change your air filters frequently.
- regularly check your ducts
- Plan routine maintenance
- Check the equipment's ventilation.
- Clean up the dryer vent.
Top HVAC Businesses of 2023
- American Standard
- Amana
- Bryant
- Carrier
- Coleman
- Frigidaire
- Goodman
- Lennox
- Rheem
- Trane
- York
Our 360-Degree Evaluation Process for HVAC Businesses
Why You Should Believe Us 17 HVAC Firms were looked into
To help readers navigate some of life's most challenging choices, U.S. News & World Report ranks the Best Hospitals, Best Schools, and Best Vehicles. This same unbiased methodology is used by our 360 Reviews team to rate the goods you use every day. We examined 9 reviews and more than 17 HVAC companies to create our scores. We do not accept free samples, gifts, or loans of the goods or services we review from our 360 Reviews staff. Following review, all sample products offered for review are donated. We also have a distinct business team that works independently of our methods and recommendations.
The following outlines our 360-degree strategy to investigating and evaluating HVAC providers in order to inform potential customers.
- We investigated the businesses that consumers care about the most.
To identify which HVAC companies People are most interested in, U.S. News studied and contrasted a range of publicly available data, including internet search data. We discovered 11 businesses that stand out in terms of the quantity of consumer searches and research, as well as across the various rating sources.
Then, we analysed the best HVAC firms based on a number of factors, including price, the range of available heating and cooling devices, the special warranty features provided, and customer satisfaction. These are, according to research, the most crucial factors for individuals to consider when choosing an HVAC firm.