Home Home Improvement Home Maintenance & Repairs The 8 Best HVAC Companies for New Units Find an HVAC system that heats, cools, and ventilates your home. By Maria Masters Maria Masters Maria Masters is a freelance writer who specializes in health, pregnancy, and parenting topics. With more than 10 years of experience, she has written for Prevention, Health, Livestrong, Everyday Health, What to Expect, BabyCenter, and Family Circle. Highlights: * Freelance writer specializing in health, pregnancy, and parenting topics * Published in Prevention, Health, Livestrong, Everyday Health, What to Expect, BabyCenter, and Family Circle * Former associate health editor at Meredith Corporation and senior editor at Hearst Magazines Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on April 13, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. KangeStudio / Getty Images. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but, really, that honor should go to your HVAC system, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit that warms your house in winter, cools it in summer, and filters your indoor air year-round. In many ways, an HVAC system is the unsung hero of the home, but most of us never notice it until it's no longer working properly. Thing is, buying a new HVAC system isn't as easy as, say, picking out a new sofa. You don't get to test one ahead of time, you can't put it anywhere you want, and, visually speaking, it isn't exactly a showstopper. You can feel secure in your pick, though, if you choose a unit from one of the best HVAC companies, which offer long warranties, high energy-efficiency ratings, and good prices. Best HVAC Companies of 2023 Best Overall: Carrier Best Durability (tie): Trane Best Durability (tie): American Standard Most Energy Efficient: Lennox Most Innovative: Rheem Best for Noise Reduction: Bryant Best Basic Warranty: Amana Best Budget Option: Goodman Best Overall: Carrier Carrier HVAC Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: 50 statesWarranty: 5–20 yearsSEER2 Rating: 16–24 Pros & Cons Pros Units generally have good energy efficiency Units are on the quiet side Some products are eligible for tax rebates Cons Prices aren't listed on the website Warranties aren't the strongest Why It Made the List Carrier is one of the top-rated HVAC companies in the U.S. The company stands out for its innovative, energy-efficient products, which it claims can remove up to 400 percent more moisture than other systems. Carrier's air conditioning units are also notably quieter than those of many competitors. Warranties vary by product, but if you're the original owner, your unit will be under warranty for five to 20 years if you register it within 90 days of installation. Even if you don't register it within that time, it may still be covered for five years, which is more generous than some companies' warranties. Subsequent homeowners may also find that their home's unit is covered for a period of time. However, the warranties might not cover the refrigerant, maintenance, or the cost of diagnosing or repairing defective parts. Like some of the other top HVAC companies, Carrier doesn't list prices on its website; it only assigns its products a vague rating of one to three dollar signs. The good news is that some of its units are eligible for rebates and federal tax credits that can help offset the cost of purchase. Best Durability (tie): Trane Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: 50 statesWarranty: 5–10 yearsSEER2 Rating: 13.8–20.5 Pros & Cons Pros Thoroughly tested, durable equipment Offers Energy Star-certified products HVAC units are quiet Cons Can be more expensive than other brands Why It Made the List Trane has been in business for more than 100 years, and in that time it has developed highly durable products. The company puts its heating and cooling units through 16 weeks of testing in extreme temperatures—the units are frozen, boiled, dropped, and shocked. After they're installed, they stand up to years' worth of wear and tear. Some Trane HVAC and air conditioning units still run after having been crushed by a backhoe or partially submerged by floodwaters. Trane doesn't provide prices for all of its HVAC systems online, so if you're interested in purchasing a certain unit, you may have to call and request more information. Given their quality, though, Trane systems tend to cost more than those of other companies. The company offers two warranty plans. One is a base limited warranty, which lasts for five years and covers parts that fail due to manufacturer defect but not the cost of the labor required to fix the unit. The other plan is a registered limited warranty that lasts for 10 years and likewise covers parts but not labor. To be eligible for it, you have to register your product within 60 days of installation. Best Durability (tie): American Standard American Standard Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: UnclearWarranty: 5–10 yearsSEER2 Rating: 13.8–21.5 Pros & Cons Pros Units are rigorously tested One of the oldest makers of heating and cooling systems in the U.S. Some systems are compatible with a smart thermostat Cons Units can be somewhat loud Prices aren't listed on the website Why It Made the List American Standard has been building heating and cooling systems since 1885. The company is owned by the same parent company as Trane (Ingersoll Rand), meaning that its units are similarly tested for durability. At the company's Seasonal Extreme Environmental Test lab, they're subjected to both the high heat, humidity, and moisture levels that you might find on the Gulf Coast and the blizzard conditions you might find in New York. American Standard units' SEER2 ratings range from 13.8 to 21.5—pretty average for the industry—and the company does offer energy-efficient models. However, some of the units are on the loud side, reaching 73 decibels. For units that aren't registered or weren't registered within 60 days, American Standard offers a base five-year limited warranty to cover failures owing to manufacturer defect. If you register the unit within 60 days, the limited warranty is extended to 10 years. Neither warranty covers labor repair costs. American Standard does offer an optional extended warranty, which replaces parts and may cover the costs of labor, though this requires you to contact your local dealer for more details. Most Energy Efficient: Lennox Lennox Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: 50 statesWarranty: 5–20 yearsSEER2 Rating: 13.4–25.8 Pros & Cons Pros Wide range of energy-efficient products Wide availability Flexible warranty plans Cons Prices aren't listed on the website Units are on the loud side Why It Made the List Founded in 1895, Lennox has an impressive history at the forefront of green design and innovation. The company's air conditioners, gas furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps have been chosen as Energy Star Most Efficient products by the Environmental Protection Agency and have received other environmental awards. Its most efficient air conditioning unit has a SEER2 rating (a measure of efficiency) of up to 25.8, about five points higher than the highest-rated units from some other leading brands. Lennox also offers an impressive range of warranty plans, although these can vary from product to product. Some products have five-year, parts-only plans or three-year labor coverage; others offer 20-year or limited lifetime warranties. One downside to Lennox is its opaque pricing. The company doesn't list prices on its website; rather, like Carrier, it uses a vague rating system of one to four dollar signs. The units also tend to be relatively noisy; even Lennox's quietest air conditioners register 59 dB, which is about 8 dB louder than some of its competitors' units. Most Innovative: Rheem Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: 50 statesWarranty: 5–10 yearsSEER2 Rating: 13–20 Pros & Cons Pros Carries Energy Star-certified products Offers smart thermostats compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant Good for sustainability Cons Lack of customer service help Prices aren't listed on the website Why It Made the List Rheem stands out for its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company was awarded the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for 2023 (the third year in a row) and has claimed other eco-friendly and green industry awards. It also offers smart thermostats for certain heating and cooling systems. The company's EcoNet Smart Thermostat is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and allows you to "zone" certain areas of your home to have different temperatures. You can control the temperature on your smartphone with Rheem's EcoNet app. Rheem offers several Energy Star-certified products, some of which may be eligible for rebates. Many units come with a five- to 10-year limited parts warranty, though the specifics vary from product to product and aren't always easy to find on the website. Best for Noise Reduction: Bryant Bryant HVAC Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: 50 statesWarranty: 5–10 yearsSEER2 Rating: 16–24 Pros & Cons Pros Units are quiet compared to other brands Has units with higher-than-average SEER2 ratings Some of the products are eligible for tax rebates Cons Prices aren't listed on the website Not the strongest warranties Why It Made the List Like some of the other top heating and air conditioning companies, Bryant has been around for more than 100 years, manufacturing everything from furnaces and air conditioners to geothermal heat pumps. What you'll notice about Bryant's units is how quiet they are. Many air conditioning units reach 75 dB, or about as loud as a vacuum cleaner. Bryant's units are easier on the ears; one can even run at an ultra-quiet 51 dB. That's quieter than a refrigerator. Some of Bryant's units have also been named Energy Star Most Efficient Products and may earn you a federal tax credit or rebate. Typically, Bryant products come with a 10-year standard parts warranty if the unit is registered within 90 days; if it isn't registered within that time period, the warranty usually drops to five years. This is fairly standard for the industry, but some HVAC companies offer more comprehensive options. One upside is that you have the option of purchasing a labor warranty, since the cost of labor repairs can run into the hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Best Basic Warranty: Amana Amana Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: 50 statesWarranty: 10 years to lifetimeSEER2 Rating: 13.4–24.5 Pros & Cons Pros Strong warranty offerings Offers Energy Star-certified units Carried by popular home improvement retailers Cons Prices aren't listed on the website Lower-end models have lower SEER2 ratings Why It Made the List Amana has been in operation for nearly 90 years, and in that time it has established itself as one of the top HVAC brands in the U.S. Some Amana units feature the company's patented ComfortBridge smart technology, which collects data to keep your heating and cooling system operating at maximum energy efficiency. Its air conditioning units have average SEER2 ratings for the industry, but some are Energy Star-certified and eligible for federal tax credits. The company's lower-end models tend to have lower SEER2 ratings, though; out of the 16 air conditioning units Amana offered at the time of publication, eight had a SEER2 rating of 15 or lower. Amana offers flexible warranty plans for its units. All of its products have a 10-year warranty for parts, as well as lifetime limited warranty protection for the compressor or heat exchanger. Just note that in both cases, you'll need to register the unit within 60 days of installation. Best Budget Option: Goodman Goodman HVAC Get a Quote Key Specs Nationwide Availability: 50 statesWarranty: 10 years to lifetimeSEER2 Rating: 13.4–24.5 Pros & Cons Pros Offers low monthly payments and good interest rates Strong warranty options Offers Energy Star-certified products Cons No prices available online Doesn't manufacture oil furnaces Why It Made the List Goodman prioritizes consumer financing, which makes it a good option if you're on a budget. The company offers low monthly payments and competitive interest rates, and it doesn't require down payments on its units. And since Goodman is owned by Daikin, the same parent company as Amana, it offers a similarly strong warranty plan: a lifetime limited compressor warranty and a 10-year warranty for parts. Its units also have similar SEER2 ratings to Amana's units, ranging from 13.4 to 24.5. As with many of the other leading HVAC brands, Goodman doesn't offer pricing information online. Instead, you'll need to contact a Goodman representative, who will take the specifics of your home and local weather conditions and provide you with an estimate of what it might cost to install a heating and cooling system. The company also doesn't manufacture oil furnaces (only gas), so if you want an oil unit, you'll have to look elsewhere. Compare the Best HVAC Companies Company Nationwide Availability Warranty SEER2 Ratings Energy Star-Certified Products? Noise Level Carrier Best Overall 50 states 5–20 years 16–24 Yes Air conditioner: 51 dB Trane Best Durability (tie) 50 states 5–10 years 13.8–20.5 Yes Air conditioner: 55–75 dB American Standard Best Durability (tie) Unclear 5–10 years 13.8–21.5 Yes Air conditioner: 55–75 dB Lennox Most Energy Efficient 50 states 5–20 years 13.4–25.8 Yes Air conditioner: 59–76 dB Rheem Most Innovative 50 states 5–10 years 13–20 Yes Unclear Bryant Best for Noise Reduction 50 states 5–10 years 16–24 Yes Air conditioner: 51–73 dB Amana Best Basic Warranty 50 states 10 years to lifetime 13.4–24.5 Yes Unclear Goodman Best Budget Option 50 states 10 years to lifetime 13.4–24.5 Yes Unclear Repairing an HVAC System vs. Buying a New One Whether you should repair your broken HVAC system or just buy a new one may come down to its age. You may want to replace your heat pump or air conditioner if it's more than 10 years old, and your furnace or boiler if it's more than 15 years old. At that point, your unit is probably nearing the end of its lifespan and may require more frequent (and costly) repairs. It's likely also losing some of its energy efficiency, increasing your utility bills. If your HVAC system is less than 10 years old, consider calling a local dealer to repair it. Many HVAC companies offer five- to 10-year warranties, so there's a good chance that the cost of parts will be covered, especially if you registered your unit after it was installed. (Labor costs aren't covered in most basic warranty plans.) Either way, repairing a newer unit will be considerably cheaper than replacing it. How Do You Know What Type of HVAC System to Buy? There are four main types of HVAC systems: Split Systems A split HVAC system is a heating and air conditioning system that has both an indoor and outdoor unit. In many cases, this consists of a separate air conditioning unit installed outside the home and a gas furnace installed inside the home. Split systems are among the most common HVAC systems but tend to be a little more expensive to install. Hybrid Systems Hybrid systems—also called dual fuel heat pumps—consist of a heat pump and a furnace. In warm temperatures, the heat pump kicks in; in colder temperatures, the furnace starts up. They're particularly efficient and long-lasting HVAC systems. Ductless Systems A ductless system, also called a mini split, consists of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit, which is usually mounted on a wall and delivers heated or cooled air directly into a room, as opposed to through a series of ducts. As its name suggests, a ductless system has no ductwork, which makes it easy to install. Packaged Systems A packaged system is an all-in-one heating and cooling unit that's usually installed on the first floor or on the roof. These units can be powered solely by electricity or gas for heating and electricity for cooling. Given their compact size, they're particularly good for smaller homes. Why Don't Most Company Websites List the Price of New HVAC Systems? Companies generally don't list the cost of HVAC systems on their websites because prices vary considerably from home to home. One big reason for this is the weather. Houses in the northern U.S. will need more from a heating unit (like a furnace), whereas houses in the southern U.S. will need more from a cooling unit (like an air conditioner). Bigger homes may also need bigger HVAC systems, as will those with less insulation and ductwork. How Much Does It Cost to Install a New HVAC System? The cost of a new HVAC system can vary considerably, based on which type of products you buy (air conditioning units alone can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000), but the average cost to install a new HVAC system, including the removal of the old unit, the new unit, and installation, typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a SEER Rating? SEER stands for "seasonal energy efficiency ratio." A SEER rating is a measure of how well an air conditioner cools a space based on the amount of energy it uses. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is. In 2023, the Department of Energy updated the SEER rating to the SEER2 rating, which is now standard.All residential air conditioners sold since 2006 must have a SEER rating of at least 13. Many units today have higher ratings, and upgrading to a unit with a higher SEER can save you money over the long run, as more efficient products cost less to operate. For example, upgrading to a SEER 14 unit from a SEER 9 unit can reduce your energy consumption by more than 35 percent. Translation: If you pay $100 in cooling costs on your utility bill, you could save $35 a month. How Many Years Does an HVAC System Last? HVAC systems typically last for 10 to 20 years. Twenty years is also the maximum amount of time a unit is under warranty. While an HVAC system may last longer than 20 years, it will lose efficiency with time. What Is the Best Time of Year to Buy a New HVAC System? The best time to buy a new HVAC system is in the spring or fall. HVAC dealers tend to be busier in the summer and winter, so you may have longer wait times if you buy a new system then.It's also a good idea to have your air conditioner inspected in the spring and your furnace inspected in the winter, to make sure both are working properly. What HVAC Models Are the Most Energy Efficient? In general, the higher the SEER or SEER2 rating, the more energy efficient the unit. Some units also feature Energy Star certification from the EPA, which is another sign of good energy efficiency. What HVAC Manufacturer Has the Best Warranty? We like Goodman and Amana's warranty plans. Both offer a lifetime limited compressor warranty that lasts as long as you own the home and a 10-year warranty for parts. Many other companies only offer a standard five-year warranty for parts.American Standard offers a strong warranty, too, especially for people who forget to register their units. Many HVAC brands don't cover units that weren't registered within 60 days, but American Standard will still cover unregistered units for five years. It also offers an optional extended warranty that, unlike those of other brands, may cover the cost of labor. How Long Does It Take to Replace an Entire HVAC System? A technician can probably replace your HVAC system within a day, although this depends on how big your home is and how well your air ducts are working. Installation at a bigger home with more ductwork or at a home with faulty ductwork or poor installation can take longer, perhaps up to two days. If you have a smaller home, and the ductwork is in good shape, your technician may be able to finish the job within a few hours. Methodology To choose the best HVAC companies, we researched more than a dozen nationwide brands and evaluated each one based on the following criteria: SEER2 ratingsAvailabilityYears in the businessNoise levelsWarrantiesTypes of systems We also took into account customer reviews and ratings, as well as financing options. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Yale Environmental Health & Safety. "Decibel Level Comparison Chart." https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/decibel-level-chart.pdf Energy Star. "When is it time to replace?" https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling/replace HomeAdvisor. "How Much Does It Cost To Install Or Replace An HVAC System?" https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/ U.S. Department of Energy. "Guide to Home Heating and Cooling." https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_home_heating_cooling.pdf Related Articles Make a Smooth Transition to Green Energy With These Florida Solar Companies The 7 Best Companies to Call If You're Moving a Piano Turn Texas Sun Into Green Energy With These Solar Companies 8 Solar Companies That'll Help You Make the Transition to Green Energy Get a Jump on Green Energy With These California Solar Companies The Best Moving Container Companies for Partial- and Self-Service Moves The 8 Best Toilets of 2023 8 Professional Packing Services to Help With Your Move 8 Pest Control Companies That'll Get Rid of Uninvited Rodent & Insect Guests The 10 Best Places to Sign Up for Online Drawing Classes The Best Car Shipping Companies for Relocating Your Vehicle 6 Pest Control Companies That Can Help Keep Mosquitoes at Bay These 12 Sites Offer the Best Online Classes for Adults The 11 Best Inflatable Pools of 2023 5 Termite Control Companies That Can Help Protect Against Further Damage The Best Moving Companies to Use If You're in the Military Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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