Top Central AC Brands for Ultimate Cool Comfort

When considering a central air conditioning system, choosing the right brand is essential for ensuring comfort, efficiency, and longevity in your home. Top brands in the market offer a range of features to meet various cooling needs, including innovative technology, energy-saving capabilities, and reliable customer service. Leading names like Carrier, Trane, and Lennox are frequently recommended by experts due to their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. For a comprehensive list of the best central AC brands currently available and a detailed evaluation of each, read below.

Illustration of central ac

Best brands of central ac in 2025

Carrier

Carrier is renowned as one of the best producers of central air conditioning systems, having been named the best HVAC company by U.S. News & World Report for the second consecutive year in 2023. The company, founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, offers highly technologically advanced, innovative, reliable, and energy-efficient products, with SEER ratings up to 26 and sound levels as low as 51 decibels. Carrier holds a significant market share in North America, with 16.7% of the market in 2023, and its products are recognized for their high efficiency and smart home compatibility. The company's flagship 24VNA model features an inverter-driven, variable-speed compressor, and its furnaces boast AFUE ratings of up to 98.5%. Carrier's commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction has earned it multiple awards, including being recognized as the best air conditioner brand by USA Today.

Trane

Trane Technologies is a leading producer of central air conditioning systems, holding a 21.1% market share in the North American HVAC market as of 2023. Known for its reliable and innovative products, Trane has been manufacturing air conditioners since 1931 and is recognized for its spine fin coil design. The company saw a 21% year-over-year increase in bookings to $5 billion in the first quarter of 2024, with significant growth in its commercial HVAC segment. Trane's commercial HVAC revenue in the Americas grew nearly 20% year over year in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strength in applied solutions and a growing installed base. The company's backlog has also increased to $7.2 billion, indicating strong future revenue visibility.

Lennox

Lennox is a leading manufacturer of central air conditioning systems, known for its energy-efficient climate-control solutions. In 2020, Lennox held a significant 16.5% market share in the North American HVAC equipment market, positioning it as the second-largest player after Trane. Despite a decline in market share to 7.8% in 2023, Lennox continues to deliver record revenues and profits, with a 13% increase in residential revenue and an 8% rise in segment profit in the fourth quarter of 2022. Lennox's commitment to innovation and execution has enabled it to navigate challenging residential markets effectively. The company's focus on pricing excellence and supply chain resiliency has contributed to its financial successes. For more detailed insights, visit their official website.

Rheem

Rheem Manufacturing Company is a leading producer of central air conditioners, known for its high-quality and innovative HVAC solutions. In the 1980s, Rheem held a significant market share of 16% in the central air conditioner market, and by 2008, it maintained a 12% market share in the US central air conditioner and heat pump market. The company is recognized for its efficient products, such as the Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater introduced in 2009, which was more than twice as efficient as similar electric water heaters. Rheem's central air conditioners have also been noted for their reliability, with the fewest percentage of units requiring repair among major HVAC brands according to Consumer Reports in 2009. With a global presence and products distributed in 75 countries, Rheem continues to be a major player in the HVAC industry. For more information on their central air conditioners, visit Rheem's residential air conditioners page.

Goodman

Goodman is a leading producer of central air conditioners, renowned for its high-quality and affordable products. In 2011, Goodman achieved a significant market share of approximately 25% in the North American residential AC market, underscoring its dominance in the volume zone with over 30% share. The brand is recognized for its robust nationwide distribution network, low-cost production, and lean management, which makes it a preferred choice for many homeowners. Goodman air conditioners expertly balance affordability and performance, offering budget-friendly options without sacrificing reliability, and they are proudly made in the USA. They provide a range of AC units suitable for various needs, with longer and more comprehensive warranties compared to some competitors. For more information, read this comparison between Goodman and American Standard.

American Standard

American Standard is a prominent player in the North American HVAC market, known for its high-quality central air conditioning systems. With a market share of 4.1% in 2020, American Standard is among the top manufacturers, although it trails behind leaders like Trane Technologies, which holds a 21.1% market share as of 2023. American Standard's products are valued for their efficiency and reliability, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial applications. The company's serial number system helps users easily determine the manufacture date of their units, which is crucial for maintenance and warranty purposes. Despite the competitive landscape, American Standard remains a significant contributor to the HVAC industry.

York

While York is a well-known brand in the HVAC industry, it does not stand out as one of the best producers for central air conditioners in terms of energy efficiency and quality. York AC units generally meet the minimum energy efficiency standards, with most models having a SEER2 rating of 14.3, which is the current minimum requirement. The brand holds a market share of around 7.6% in the North American HVAC equipment market as of 2020. However, York units have been criticized for their quality, maintainability, and noise levels, and there have been reports of refrigerant leaks and other issues. Despite this, York offers various models and technologies like the QuietDrive system and ClimaTrak, which can improve performance and comfort. For a detailed overview, you can explore York brand air conditioner reviews.

Bryant

Bryant, a renowned brand in the HVAC industry, is known for its high-quality central air conditioning systems, although it is not listed among the top market share holders in recent years. Bryant is part of the Carrier Global group, which holds a significant market share in the North American HVAC market, with Carrier Global having about 16.7% market share in 2023. Bryant's products, such as the Evolution™ System and the Bryant Smart Thermostat, are designed to provide superior comfort and performance. Despite not being a market leader in terms of overall market share, Bryant's products are highly regarded for their advanced technology and user-friendly features. However, specific market share data for Bryant itself is not readily available in the provided sources.

Amana

Amana brand, part of Daikin Industries LTD, is a leading producer of central air conditioners, known for its innovative and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Founded in 1934 by George Foerstner, Amana has a rich history of technological developments, including the introduction of the first self-defrost refrigerator in 1954 and the first consumer-friendly countertop microwave in 1967. Acquired by Goodman Manufacturing Company in 1997 and later by Daikin in 2014, Amana continues to offer high-quality, durable products with outstanding warranty coverage. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has positioned it as a significant player in the global HVAC market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region which is expected to account for over 47% of the air conditioners market by 2024.

Ruud

Ruud, a brand under Rheem Manufacturing Company, is renowned for its high-efficiency and reliable central air conditioners. In 2009, Ruud and Rheem were the first to introduce a Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater, showcasing their innovative approach to HVAC solutions. Ruud air conditioners offer efficiencies up to 20.5 SEER and 14.5 EER, making them a budget-friendly yet durable option. They are known for their quiet operation, optimized fan orifice, and variable speed motor. Despite being less expensive than luxury brands like Trane, Ruud systems are built to last with a 10-year warranty on parts and compressor. For a detailed comparison, you can read this Trane AC vs Ruud guide.