Top HVAC Brands for 2015
When it comes to purchasing a new HVAC system there are so many things to consider.
Cost is one of the biggest pills to swallow whether you are considering replacing an old, out dated system or been told you need a new unit. New HVAC units run upwards in cost in the thousands, not counting the installation costs and over the course of its life, the upkeep and filter costs. To help make that pill easier to swallow I am going to go over some of the top HVAC brands in America based on efficiency, warranties, and cost effectiveness over the course of its life.
Keep in mind the top brands offer modulating technology. If this sounds foreign to you, here’s a quick breakdown: In years past units either ran at low capacity (65% of full capacity) or high (100% of capacity) with nothing in between. With modulating technology, units adjust during a cycle in increments as small as 0.5% and this allows better more precise heating and cooling based on your home’s environment. You end up with better temperatures, better dehumidification and quieter, gentler cycles.
This eliminates constant running to the thermostat to adjust the temperature in your home and translates to saving money on heating and cooling. With this in mind these are considered the top brands in 2014 and 2015 based on that criterion:
Lennox Signature Collection
Carrier Infinity
Bryant Evolution
Maytag iQ Series
Trane XV
Lennox Signature Collection boasts the SunSource solar-ready technology.
This technology boasts solar modules that can power your entire HVAC system through solar energy alone. Talk about savings!!
On top of this the XC25 has the industry best SEER cooling at a 26, while their XP25 gives you a SEER 23.5.
The highest furnace efficiency is 98.5% with a HSPF heat pump rating of 10.2.
Their modulating units are the SLP98V gas furnace, XC25 air conditioner, and XP25 heat pump. Lennox offers a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger and 10 years on most parts.
Carrier’s Infinity line has been considered the industry’s best for years. Carrier was the first of the HVAC major brands to introduce modulating technology in its Greenspeed 25VNAO and is known for its efficiency and performance. The Infinity line boasts the highest furnace efficiency rating of 98.5%, highest SEER cooling rating of 21, and the highest heat pump HSPF rating of 13. Their modulating units are the Infinity 98 59MN7 furnace and Greenspeed 25VNAO heat pump while their warranty is lifetime heat exchanger and 10 years on most parts.
Bryant Evolution is a sister brand to Carrier and although they share similar attributes, Bryant HVAC equipment tend to costs less but keeps the same dependability as Carrier equipment. Their highest ratings are: Furnace efficiency 98.3%, SEER rating of 20.5 and heat pump HSPF of 13.
Bryant’s modulating units are the Evolution 987M furnace and Evolution Extreme heat pump.
Also, like the Carrier warranty, Bryant systems have a lifetime heat exchanger and 10 years on most parts.
Next we have the Maytag iQ Series.
Maytag iQ series has been awarded the “Best in Class” and if you have extra cash or are willing to spend more to get the best performance the Maytag iQ Series may be for you. Until Lennox won out on the best SEER available Maytag PSA4BI iQ Drive M1200 had the best SEER rating with a 25.5.
The Maytag iQ Series highest furnace efficiency rating is 97%, highest SEER cooling rating is of course the 25.5 and highest heat pump HSPF rating is 10.
Their modulating units are: PGC2MQ iQ Drive furnace, PSA4BI iQ Drive AC, and PSH4BI iQ Drive heat pump.
Their warranty plays out better than the others with lifetime on heat exchangers which includes 12-year furnace replacement warranty on heat exchangers; 12-year AC and heat pump replacement warranty on compressors, and 12 years on all other parts.
Last but certainly not least is Trane XV.
Trane is a brand everyone should know based on the undulation of TV commercials but they also have an outstanding service record.
Although Trane products carry a hefty price tag they’re built well with dependable parts and components.
Their modulating units are the XC95c gas furnace, XV20i AC and heat pump. Their highest furnace efficiency rating is 97.3%, highest SEER cooling rating is 21, and highest heat pump HSPF rating is 10.
Their warranty is on par with the other brands with a lifetime heat exchanger and 10 years on most parts.
It’s also worth it to mention that American Standard Platinum series is on the same plane as the Trane XV series as they are both made by the same company.
Now these are the top brands most people recognize and have in their homes; however there are some brands that are worth an honorable mention that have the same quality, dependability, and performance at a better price point. They are: Rheem Prestige, Ruud Ultra, Heil Observer, and Armstrong. Also Goodman is great if you are more interested in saving on immediate out of pocket expense. Quality is good, warranties are one of the best in the industry and competitively their prices are lower than any brand I have talked about.
In the end, no matter what brand you decide on or how much money you spend or save; the life of your HVAC unit will ultimately depend on the quality of the installation as well as proper upkeep.
Make sure you use a certified licensed HVAC company to install your HVAC system as well as maintain it to keep your unit in tip top shape to last for years to come!
