Sustainability goals, refrigerant regulations and efficiency standards
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To help operators comply with environmental regulations and meet their sustainability initiatives, OCU equipment manufacturers are integrating lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that contractors and end-users will need to adapt to completely new servicing and operating procedures. Many OCUs are designed to use a newer generation of lower-GWP A1 hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants — such as R-448A and R-449A — which represent minimal changes in terms of safety protocols or servicing.
But since these lower-GWP A1 refrigerants have degrees of glide, contractors need to be aware of how the sizing and selection process may be impacted. Refrigerants with glide may have a diminishing impact upon system capacity, which might require you to select a slightly larger-horsepower OCU — and unit cooler/evaporator — to meet your refrigeration load requirements.
As safety standards and building codes evolve over the next few years, mildly flammable A2Ls will likely be added to the list of refrigerant alternatives used in OCUs. Today, Emerson is actively qualifying our OCUs for use with A2Ls and will be ready to support operators seeking even lower-GWP A2L options when they are approved.
When it comes to OCU use in WICFs, refrigerants are only part of the sustainability equation. Per the Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2020 rule, WICFs must meet 20–40 percent energy reductions on new and retrofit systems below 3,000 square feet. To calculate the energy efficiency of a complete WICF system, the DOE uses a metric created by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) called the Annual Walk-In Energy Factor (AWEF).
If you are a contractor installing a condensing unit and/or unit cooler, you must ensure this equipment meets or exceeds the minimum AWEF ratings based on capacity and application — such as medium- (MT) or low-temperature (LT); indoor or outdoor; and refrigerant type. To comply with the DOE standard, simply combine a Copeland™ AWEF-rated condensing unit with an AWEF-rated unit cooler.
Copeland outdoor refrigeration units
Copeland outdoor refrigeration units are designed to comply with regulations and provide sustainable refrigeration for a wide variety of modern operator requirements. Combining the reliable efficiency of Copeland scroll compressor technology with variable speed fans, large condenser coils and smart electronic controls, Copeland X-Line Series outdoor refrigeration units provide whisper-quiet performance in compact enclosures, delivering maximum installation flexibility.
Copeland outdoor refrigeration unit, X-Line Series — available in a horsepower range from ¾ to 6 HP, the X-Line is designed for LT and MT applications, such as WICFs and display cases commonly found in convenience stores (c-stores), restaurants, supermarkets and cold storage facilities. It delivers best-in-class energy efficiencies, a slim profile, ultra-low sound levels, superior diagnostics and built-in compressor protection. Offering AWEF-rated efficiencies and lower-GWP (R-448A and R-449A) refrigerant options, the X-Line supports reliable refrigeration while solving many of today’s operational challenges.
Copeland digital outdoor refrigeration unit, X-Line Series — The digital X-Line Series builds upon the field-proven Copeland scroll and X-Line OCU platforms to deliver superior cooling and energy efficiency in MT applications. Providing variable-speed fan motor control, the digital X-Line Series enables variable-capacity modulation to deliver more precise, reliable refrigeration, longer-lasting equipment and lower energy bills. Available in 3, 4, 5 and 6 HP models, the digital X-Line Series also supports multiplex refrigeration architectures — where one OCU provides cooling for multiple fixtures — to meet a variety of modern refrigeration challenges:
Calculate the capacity of your OCU
At Emerson, we are committed to helping contractors calculate refrigeration loads and select OCUs to meet a diverse range of LT and MT refrigeration requirements. By selecting the correct OCUs for your customers’ WICF applications, you can ensure reliable, efficient system performance throughout their lifecycles. To simplify this process, Emerson has created a free online Box Load Calculator tool to assist manufacturers and operators to select, purchase and identify the appropriate equipment for their application. Simply navigate to the Equipment Selection tab, enter your application parameters and estimated refrigeration load, and review your optimal equipment options as you evaluate your specific refrigeration requirements.
Air conditioners are the epitome of home comfort, keeping our homes cool during the hot summer. However, choosing the right air conditioner is not an easy task, as the performance and reliability of an HVAC system depend on complex characteristics.
The Today’s Homeowner Reviews team took an in-depth look at the best air conditioner brands and evaluated them based on their energy efficiency, cost, reliability, noise performance, and more. After reading this article, you will have all the information you need to choose the right AC unit for your home. For the most accurate information, it’s best to contact one of the best HVAC installers for a free quote.
Best for Noise Level
4.9
Products with up to 24 SEER
Up to $1,000 in rebates available
Impressive sound ratings as low as 51 decibels
Best for Affordability
4.5
Below-average pricing
10-year parts and quality warranty
Rigorous manufacturer inspection process
Best A/C Model Variety
4.5
Offers over a dozen AC models
SEER ratings of up to 24.5
Multiple size options ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons
Best for Sustainability
4.4
A+ Better Business Bureau rating
Zero-waste design process for optimal sustainability
Impressive affordability
The experts at Today's Homeowner have researched dozens of air conditioner brands to find the ones we believe are the best options for homeowners like you. We consider air conditioner ratings like energy efficiency ratings, sound ratings, cost data, warranties, sustainability, and more by researching each company, reading technical specifications, and reviewing customer reviews.
Carrier: Best for Noise LevelBest for Noise Level
Frigidaire:Best for Affordability
Amana: Best for AC OptionsBest for AC Options
Rheem:Best for Sustainability
Trane: Best for EfficiencyBest for Efficiency
Lennox: Best for SEERBest for SEER
American Standard: Best for WarrantyBest for Warranty
HVAC Installation
In general, you can expect to pay between $5,540 to $10,980 per HVAC unit, installation costs, and removal of your old unit.
GET ESTIMATESFurnace Replacement
In general, you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000, including installation, old furnace removal, and labor.
GET ESTIMATESHeat Pump Installation
In general, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $35,000, but most homeowners spend between $5,800 and $7,500.
GET ESTIMATESThe table below compares the best air conditioner brands in terms of our rating, SEER, noise level, and price range.
Best for Noise Level
4.9
Our Rating
Get EstimateCarrier has been improving home comfort for more than 100 years and continues to develop new and innovative HVAC products that keep our homes at the perfect temperature. With high-efficiency units that reach up to 24 on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), a Carrier Infinity, Performance, or Comfort AC unit can save you money while keeping you cool.
Carrier offers a wide range of high-quality air conditioning systems, including split systems, ductless air conditioning systems, geothermal heat pumps, and more. From variable-speed compressors to two-stage systems, Carrier has an energy-efficient system for your home. Plus, you can receive up to $1,000 in rebates when you combine local programs with federal tax credits.
Some Carrier air conditioners are among the quietest systems on the market at just 51 decibels A (dBA). So if you are sensitive to noise levels, a Carrier AC system should be at the top of your list. Every Carrier air conditioning system comes with a 10-year limited parts and replacement warranty, so you are protected if something goes wrong with your AC system.
Today's Homeowner Tips
When choosing air conditioners, it is important to determine your home’s requirements for noise level, SEER rating, or cost. Units with higher efficiency and lower noise levels tend to be more expensive, but if you use them regularly, you’ll save more money over time.
Not every Carrier model is Energy Star-rated. So if you want the most efficient unit installed, you'll have to pay more for a high-end Carrier model with Energy Star certification. Also, remember that the required SEER rating is 15 for southern regions and 14 for northern regions. Some Carrier models only have SEER 13, which does not meet 2023 efficiency requirements.
Read our full Carrier AC reviewBest for Affordability
4.5
Our Rating
Get EstimateFrigidaire is a common household brand for all your home comfort needs. From gas furnaces to high-efficiency air conditioners, this 100-year-old company has the experience and the quality HVAC products for your home.
If you are looking for an affordable air conditioner that produces minimal noise and has a good SEER rating, Frigidaire is a good choice. This company's air conditioners have a long lifespan and are reliable, and you get a 10-year warranty on parts and comfort quality.
Frigidaire air conditioners are incredibly reliable, and that reliability is due to the company’s rigorous manufacturing process. Every unit at Frigidaire goes through the “check, check, and recheck process,” meaning each split air conditioner is inspected 144 times, and each packaged air conditioner is inspected 72 times.
Frigidaire AC units have lower efficiency than other air conditioners on our list. These lower ratings mean that Frigidaire air conditioners are more affordable than other brands, but you may not save as much money on your energy bills.
Read our Frigidaire buying guide.Best A/C Model Variety
4.5
Our Rating
Get EstimateAmana is part of the Daikin brand with more than 90 years of experience in the home comfort industry. Leading the HVAC industry in innovation and high-efficiency systems, Amana offers excellent HVAC units for your home.
Amana offers more than a dozen air conditioning systems, from high-quality split-system air conditioners to high-efficiency packaged units.
Each of Amana’s air conditioners has a high SEER rating, with some of the most efficient units on the market having a SEER rating of up to 24.5. An Amana air conditioner will effectively cool your home and save you money regardless of where you live in the United States.
Amana’s AC units come in various sizes and range from 1.5 tons to 5 tons, meaning these systems average 17,800 to 56,500 BTU/h and can easily cool homes up to 3,000 square feet or more. Plus, you get a 10-year limited warranty covering system and workmanship defects.
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Amana air conditioners tend to be more expensive than other units on the market. This is largely due to the expensive, high-efficiency systems, but you should know that these efficient systems will save you more money over time because they use less energy.
Read our Amana Air Conditioner review.Best for Sustainability
4.4
Our Rating
Get EstimateRheem has nearly 100 years of experience in the HVAC industry and holds a highly regarded A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). With its excellent reputation and affordable air conditioners, Rheem is the perfect AC brand choice for homeowners on a budget.
Rheem has some of the most affordable air conditioning on the market, with up-front costs as low as $3,000. But just because Rheem is affordable does not mean it lacks in other categories. This manufacturer offers a 10-year limited warranty on its products, high efficiency ratings, and rebates of up to $1,000.
Rheem is also known for its commitment to sustainability. The company strives for zero-waste design and plans to bring heating, cooling and water heating products to market that reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2025.
Rheem air conditioners meet energy efficiency requirements, but their SEER ratings are lower than some of the other brands on our list of the best AC brands. Compared to the 24 or more SEER we have seen from Amana, Carrier and Lennox, 20.5 SEER is a bit lower. However, this lower efficiency makes Rheem's units more affordable.
Read our Rheem Air Conditioner review.Best for Efficiency
4.4
Our Rating
Get EstimateTrane has been in the HVAC business for more than 100 years and has installed more than 10 million HVAC units in homes across the United States. With 10,000 dealers across the country, Trane has quickly become a household name in American homes.
Trane combines high-efficiency 22 SEER air conditioners with quiet noise levels as low as 55 dB. As a company that cares about its environmental impact, Trane has completely phased out the harmful refrigerant R-22. That means you’ll save money and protect the environment simultaneously with a Trane AC system.
Trane prides itself on designing reliable air conditioners. The company holds more than 1,500 heating and cooling patents and puts every type of system — from outdoor units to ductless air conditioners — through rigorous testing that lasts 2,600 hours. Trane offers a 10-year limited parts warranty and a 12-year compressor warranty to support its quality systems.
Although some Trane air conditioners are affordable, others are among the most expensive on the market. The more expensive units are more efficient and larger, so you may not need the most expensive unit if you only use your air conditioner a few months out of the year or have a smaller home.
Read our Trane Air Conditioner review.Best For SEER
4.3
Our Rating
Get EstimateLennox air conditioners are among the best ACs available today, both in terms of efficiency and appearance. Lennox received the Most Efficient of Energy Star award to validate its high-quality innovations in 2021. So if you’re looking for efficiency, Lennox is the air conditioning brand for you.
Lennox air conditioners are the most efficient systems currently available. The most expensive model from this company boasts a SEER rating of up to 28, which is virtually unheard of on this efficiency scale. You can complete your Lennox air conditioning system with the Ultimate Comfort System, combining the most efficient furnace, Wi-Fi smart thermostat, and Lennox air quality systems.
Lennox has been in business for nearly 130 years and has an A+ rating from the BBB. In addition to their high efficiency, Lennox air conditioners are also very quiet at only 59 dB. Plus, you get a 10-year warranty that covers all components of your new air conditioner.
Lennox’s extremely efficient systems do come with a higher price tag. These air conditioners are among the most expensive on the market, so if you have a tighter budget, you may want to consider a lower-efficiency model from Lennox or explore other brand options.
Read our full Lennox AC reviewBest for Warranty
4.3
Our Rating
Get EstimateAmerican Standard has installed more than 5 million HVAC units in the United States and continues to develop quality air conditioners. With more than 6,000 authorized dealers, you can easily access the resources to install one of these efficient air conditioners in your home.
With air conditioners that reach up to 21.5 SEER and are quieter than a vacuum cleaner, American Standard offers an excellent selection of air conditioners for your home. The Platinum, Silver, and Gold Series AC units are available in two-stage, single-stage, and variable-speed models.
These energy-efficient systems can be equipped with precision AccuComfort technology that constantly adjusts your system to run at a more efficient speed. American Standard offers excellent product and parts warranties that cover your system for up to 10 years after installation. You also have the option to extend your warranty, but this extension depends on your location.
American Standard is available nationwide, but this company operates by selling through dealers. Since these dealers cannot be found in every major city in the United States, the company's reach may be limited. However, all you need to do is contact American Standard's customer service department, and they will put you in touch with an authorized dealer.
Read our American Standard review.When it's time to purchase a new heating or cooling system, the brand you choose matters. HVAC equipment represents a major home investment, so you want products from manufacturers known for quality, performance, and reliability. We carefully evaluate leading brands like Trane, Carrier, Lennox, and Goodman based on real-world testing and feedback from homeowners. Our in-depth air conditioner, furnace, and heat pump reviews compare the pros and cons of top manufacturers. We break down key features, efficiency ratings, warranties, pricing, and what actual customers think after installing HVAC equipment from these companies. Whether you need a new central air conditioner or a replacement gas furnace, read our brand reviews to determine which is right for your home and budget.
As you research air conditioning units, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind. There are several great AC brands, so make sure to consider the following as you narrow down your search:
Air conditioner price depends on several factors: type of system, efficiency rating, labor, and whether or not you need to add ductwork. On average, most central AC units cost between $2,500 and $7,500, but this price may vary depending on the needs of your home.
Below you will find the average price of the most common types of air conditioning units. The most affordable type of AC is window units because the homeowner often installs these. The most expensive type of air conditioning system is a geothermal heat pump because of its high installation costs.
Type of AC UnitLow CostHigh CostWindow AC$150$750Ductless Mini Split$1,500$8,000Central AC$2,500$7,500Geothermal$10,000$35,000The British Thermal Unit (BTU) measures how much energy your air conditioning system uses to remove heat from your home in one hour. This number tells you how large of a system you need for your home.
Square FeetBTUs600 square feet12,000 BTU800 square feet16,000 BTU1,000 square feet20,000 BTU1,200 square feet24,000 BTU1,400 square feet28,000 BTU1,600 square feet32,000 BTU1,800 square feet36,000 BTU2,000 square feet40,000 BTU2,500 square feet50,000 BTU3,000 square feet60,000 BTUTo measure how many BTUs you need to heat and cool your home efficiently, you can multiply your home’s square footage by 20. This will give you an approximate BTU, but the size you need may depend on your geographic location. Use the numbers below to get a general estimate, but for the most accurate information, it’s best to contact a local installer for a free quote.
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) describes how effectively an air conditioner cools your home. An EER value of 8.5 is considered average, and buying an AC unit with a lower EER value is not advisable, as it consumes considerable energy.
The higher the EER value, the more efficient your air conditioner; the most efficient air conditioners on the market have an EER value of 11.5 to 12. Since more efficient HVAC systems are more effective at heating and cooling your home, systems with higher EER values will save you money on your electric bill.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) indicates how much energy an AC system consumes in a year. The higher the SEER value, the more efficient the system is and the more money you can save each month. SEER ratings range from 13 to 28 SEER, but most air conditioners have a value of 15 to 18 SEER.
As of January 2024, air conditioners in northern parts of the United States must have a SEER rating of 14 or higher, and AC units in southern states must have a rating of 15 SEER or higher.
The type of air conditioning system you install in your home may depend on the current systems installed in your home and your budget. For example, if you do not have a central AC, installing this system will be more expensive because you will also have to install the ductwork.
The most common types of air conditioning systems include:
Your air conditioner’s compressor is an essential component of the entire system. The compressor is responsible for converting refrigerant from liquid to gas to cool your home. There are a few different types of air conditioner compressors, and the most common types you will see from our top AC brands include:
The best air conditioning brands offer a five- to 10-year limited warranty that covers the cost of repairing air conditioner components and parts that do not work properly. Along with this parts warranty, the best HVAC companies have at least a one-year labor warranty covering repairs if your unit was installed incorrectly.
You should consider a home warranty plan if you want even more warranty coverage. Unlike the manufacturer’s and labor warranties, the best home warranties cover the cost of repairing your air conditioner if it breaks down due to normal wear and tear.
Every one of these air conditioning brands is an excellent choice for your home. Lennox, Trane, or Amana are the brands to consider if you want the most efficient option. If cost is your biggest concern, Frigidaire or Rheem may be the best choice. If you want a quiet air conditioner that barely makes a sound, you may purchase a system from Carrier or Trane.
Best for Noise Level
4.9
Products with up to 24 SEER
Up to $1,000 in rebates available
Impressive sound ratings as low as 51 decibels
Best for Affordability
4.5
Below-average pricing
10-year parts and quality warranty
Rigorous manufacturer inspection process
Best A/C Model Variety
4.5
Offers over a dozen AC models
SEER ratings of up to 24.5
Multiple size options ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons
Best for Sustainability
4.4
A+ Better Business Bureau rating
Zero-waste design process for optimal sustainability
Impressive affordability
The best HVAC companies are approved vendors of the best air conditioner brands. Some of the best HVAC installation companies are ARS, Service Experts and Service Champions because each of these companies offers a wide selection of air conditioners, flexible financing options, and great warranties for air conditioning work.
Which air conditioner is best for your home depends on your individual needs. If you live in a warm climate, consider purchasing a high-efficiency air conditioner from Lennox or Trane. However, if you live in a colder climate and do not use your air conditioner as often, you can purchase a less expensive air conditioner from Rheem or Frigidaire.
To determine the right size air conditioner for your home, you must first determine the exact square footage of your home. Then, look for air conditioners with BTU that are appropriate for the size of your home. For example, a 2,000-square-foot home requires about 50,000 to 60,000 BTU.
Lennox offers the most energy-efficient air conditioner with a SEER rating of 28. The minimum recommended rating for SEER is between 14 and 15, and this high-efficiency air conditioner doubles that. Amana, Carrier, and Trane also have high-efficiency air conditioners with SEER ratings between 22 and 24.5.
The experts at Today’s Homeowner provide only the most transparent and accurate information for all your home improvement projects and needs. Our reviews of HVAC companies, which include air conditioner brands, focus on what matters most to homeowners — including efficiency, sound ratings, cost, and more.
To gather our information on the best air conditioner brands, our experts reviewed publicly available information, gathered quotes, spoke with HVAC contractors, and analyzed consumer reviews.
An air conditioner company can score a total of 100 points across five categories. This score is then converted into a five-star scale. We studied dozens of the best air conditioner brands to develop the following rating methodology:
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of air cooled condensing units exporter. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.