Best HVAC Companies of 2022 | HVAC Companies

We often don’t think about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems – at least until they break. It then becomes clear how vital these systems are for keeping indoor spaces comfortable. Your HVAC system is probably the most expensive system in your home, so if you need a new one, it’s important to choose the right company.

We’ve done the research for you and rated the Best HVAC Companies of 2022, including Carrier, Bryant, Goodman, Lennox, Rheem, and others. Use our rating and the information we’ve gathered to better understand how HVAC systems work and find the right HVAC company for your needs.

Carrier: Carrier is our Best HVAC Company of 2022 with a score of 4.2 out of 5. It offers 16 HVAC systems that professional reviewers say are some of the quietest and most energy-efficient available. Its furnaces and heat pumps also get high marks for their innovative technology and reliability. You can purchase a packaged system, ductless mini-split system, air handler, air purifier, humidifier, and more. Carrier systems aren’t the cheapest available, so if you’re on a budget, you might want to look at other companies. But you can’t go wrong with Carrier if you’re willing to pay a little more for a high-quality unit that will last.

Bryant: Our No. 2 HVAC company with a score of 4.1 out of 5, Bryant sells some of the best HVAC systems on the market. The company is owned by Carrier and offers very similar equipment that’s made in the same factory with the same parts. In fact, most Bryant models are identical to the corresponding Carrier units but sell for slightly less. Bryant’s top-tier air conditioner stands out for its especially quiet operation, and its furnaces are some of the most efficient available. In addition to air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces, it sells ductless systems, geothermal heat pumps, air purifiers, and other heating and cooling products.

Goodman: Coming in at No. 3 with a score of 4 out of 5, Goodman is a budget-friendly alternative to its sister company Amana. Goodman is known for its excellent warranties and extensive quality control process for each unit that leaves the factory. While Goodman systems aren’t the most technologically advanced or energy-efficient, they are some of the most reliable, according to professional reviews. They’re also relatively affordable and backed by a 10-year limited warranty on parts, as well as either a two- or 10-year replacement warranty. Features that make Goodman’s units especially durable include galvanized steel cases and furnaces with heat exchangers made of aluminum and steel.

Lennox: Scoring 3.9 out of 5, Lennox has some of the most energy-efficient HVAC products available with higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. This makes it a good choice for anyone who wants to save money on their monthly utility bill. Reviewers say its units are reliable, and because the company has three tiers of products, it offers something for every budget. You can use a Lennox furnace with a heat pump, allowing you to switch from gas to electricity depending on which is the cheapest at the time. In addition, features like the company’s Precise Comfort Technology and iComfort smart thermostat help regulate temperature to maximize efficiency. However, the company does charge more than some of its competitors.

Trane: Professional reviewers credit Trane, which comes in at No. 5 and scores 3.8 out of 5, with producing high-quality, reliable HVAC units. The company is owned by American Standard but makes its own equipment. Trane’s quality-testing regime is extensive and includes exposing every unit to the equivalent of about five years of use. To take advantage of the 10-year limited warranty on parts and extended 12-year warranty on some units’ compressors, your system must be installed by a company-certified technician. Trane’s quality comes at a price, as its air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and furnaces are some of the most expensive on the market. In addition, its SEER ratings aren’t as high and they aren’t as quiet as competing units from some other manufacturers.

Rheem: This company, scoring 3.8 out of 5, makes budget-friendly, durable HVAC equipment. Rheem has been in business for about 70 years and has become known as a cheaper alternative to companies like Carrier and Trane. Reviewers say Rheem offers decent performance, and its units have higher SEER ratings and are quieter than some alternatives. Note that although Rheem doesn’t require a company-certified technician to install its equipment, quality and durability can vary depending on the quality of the installation. The company’s warranties are about average, and professional reviewers say repairs can be expensive because Rheem uses proprietary parts.

American Standard: With a score of 3.7 out of 5, American Standard has been in the HVAC industry since 1929. The company’s equipment is nearly identical to that of its sister company Trane, but it costs a bit less upfront. Like Trane, American Standard rigorously tests every unit by simulating harsh environments to ensure high performance. As a result, reviewers say American Standard is well-suited to people living in extreme-weather areas. Its units are also smaller than most, making them popular with owners of smaller homes. The company doesn’t offer the most energy-efficient models on the market, but its equipment is considered well-built and dependable.

York: York, tying for No. 8 on our list with a score of 3.6 out of 5, is well-known for producing air conditioning systems, heat pumps, furnaces, and other HVAC equipment. According to professional reviewers, the company makes high-quality equipment that’s relatively affordable. Its premium models have high SEER ratings and are relatively quiet. York units feature innovative technologies, including variable-speed motors that produce more efficient airflow. There’s a relatively generous 10-year limited warranty on parts, a one-year warranty on labor, and a five-year limited warranty on thermostats. The company’s premium Affinity products come with a lifetime compressor or heat exchanger warranty.

Frigidaire: Also tying for No. 8 with a score of 3.6 out of 5, Frigidaire is best known for refrigerators but also sells central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and other HVAC equipment made by Nortek Global. Frigidaire says it rigorously checks every HVAC unit it ships, although some reviewers say quality has slipped a bit since Nortek Global began manufacturing the equipment. Frigidaire’s product line isn’t as extensive as some of the other companies on our list, and its equipment isn’t the quietest and doesn’t have the highest SEER ratings. However, professional reviewers say Frigidaire’s prices are quite reasonable, so if you’re looking for a recognizable HVAC brand without breaking the bank, Frigidaire should be on your short list.

Amana: Tying for No. 10 with Coleman with a score of 3.5 out of five, Amana sells high-quality, efficient HVAC equipment. Professional reviewers say Amana units are some of the best around but cost more to install. Still, Amana’s quality and superior warranty arguably compensate for those higher upfront costs. Lower-end models come with at least a 10-year limited warranty on parts, plus a two-year unit replacement warranty on the compressor or heat exchanger. Premium units feature a lifetime replacement warranty if the compressor or heat exchanger fails. You’re unlikely to need those warranties, however, as Amana’s equipment is known for its durability.

Coleman: Coleman is a good option for homeowners who want reasonably priced, durable equipment, even if it lacks the cutting-edge technology of some of its competitors. Reviewers also say Coleman units are relatively compact, making them a good option for smaller homes. The company’s warranty is excellent as well. There’s a 10-year limited warranty on parts and one year of free labor for repairs if you register your equipment within 90 days of installation. Additionally, some units have a lifetime limited warranty on the compressor or heat exchanger. Coleman also will remove equipment that doesn’t meet expectations and provide a full refund.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC systems include central air conditioning units, furnaces, and other equipment. Although they can be configured in a variety of ways, all HVAC systems have the same essential function, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers: They take in fresh air and use a mechanical ventilation system to heat or cool it as required, and then distribute the air throughout a building. Both commercial and residential buildings have HVAC systems, although commercial versions are often larger.

HVAC systems can also include air purifiers and whole-home humidifiers. According to Rick Bohdel with Ductz, air purifiers remove dust, bacteria, spores, airborne particles, viruses, and other impurities to keep them out of people’s lungs. Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers add or remove moisture in the air to keep a home or commercial building comfortable and reduce the need to run an air conditioning unit.

You can connect all of these components to a thermostat. This can be a conventional thermostat or a smart thermostat connected to your home Wi-Fi network along with a security system or smart appliances like a refrigerator, washer, or dryer. Some HVAC control systems let you program your equipment through an app to make small changes that improve overall efficiency. Smart thermostats can also reduce the overall cost of heating and cooling your home by adjusting the temperature on a schedule that you set based on your lifestyle.

There are several types of HVAC systems, each of which is appropriate for different applications. They include:

Air conditioners receive an efficiency rating called a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This measures the ratio of a system’s cooling output over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. An air conditioner must have a SEER of at least 14 to receive the U.S. government’s Energy Star certification.

Furnace efficiency is measured by its Annual Fuel Efficiency Rating (AFUE), which measures the unit’s heat output compared to its total energy input. Energy.gov says a high-efficiency heating system has an AFUE rating of 90% to 98.5%.

The table below compares the efficiency of our Best HVAC Companies of 2022.

All HVAC systems make noise when they operate, but some are louder than others. The table below compares the noise levels of our Best HVAC Companies of 2022.

According to Conditioned Air Inc., an HVAC system typically lasts 15-25 years. The exact lifespan depends on a number of factors, including unit quality, installation quality, and whether proper maintenance and repairs are performed.

Different types of HVAC units also have different lifespans, Conditioned Air says. Here are some examples.

Central air conditioners need to be replaced periodically, especially as they get older and repair costs begin to add up. You also might want to replace your unit with a more efficient one even if it still works. A central AC system can cost anywhere from about $3,000 to $10,000. Factors that affect the final cost include:

That said, don’t just consider cost when choosing a central air conditioner. Other important factors include the climate where you live, the size of your home, and your preferred temperature range. You want to be comfortable in your home, so skimping on installation costs may not be worth it in the long run.

The good news is that there are ways to cut the cost of central air conditioner installation. They include:

You also can save money when operating your central air conditioner by:

At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 17 HVAC companies and analyzed 9 reviews. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review. In addition, we maintain a separate business team that has no influence over our methodology or recommendations.

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing HVAC companies to guide prospective consumers.

U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which HVAC companies Americans are most interested in. We found 11 companies that stand out in terms of volume of searches and research among consumers, as well as across the different rating sources.

We then compared our top HVAC companies across several criteria, including cost, heating and cooling products available, unique warranty features offered, and customer satisfaction. Research shows that these are the most important criteria for people when selecting an HVAC company.

U.S. News’ 360 Reviews team applied an unbiased methodology that includes opinions from professional reviews as well as consumer reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on personal opinions or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:

Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.
(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations, and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company’s score compared to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.
We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than two was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each company, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.