Top 15+ Best Air Conditioner Brands to Consider in 2026
Summer is in full swing, and that means one thing for homeowners across the country: it’s time to crank up the AC! If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, you’re probably wondering which brands are worth considering.
Well, wonder no more! In this blog post, we will provide an unbiased analysis of some of the most popular air conditioner brands on the market. We’ll tell you which brands to avoid and which ones are worth your consideration. So which air conditioner brands are the best? Read on to learn the Top 15+ Best Air Conditioner Brands!
Related: 10 Popular Types Of Home Air Conditioners (Buying Guide)
What are the best central air conditioner brands? Explore our guide to the best air conditioner brands below to find the perfect air conditioner for your home.
| No. | Brand | Rating | Cost Range | Customer Feedback |
| 1 | Carrier | 4.8/5 | $3,200–$15,000 | Flexicool Technology |
| 2 | Trane | 4.6/5 | $3,000–$15,500 | Variable Speed Systems |
| 3 | American Standard | 4.5/5 | $3,500–$11,000 | Durable |
| 4 | LG | 4.5/5 | $300–$900 | Innovative Features |
| 5 | Rheem | 4/5 | $3,000–$7,000 | Durable, Affordable prices |
| 6 | Lennox | 4.9/5 | $3,000–$10,000 | Noiseless |
| 7 | York | 4.6/5 | $4,500–$9,000 | Superior warranty |
| 8 | Ruud | 4.5/5 | $3,000–$6,000 | Efficient, noiseless, and durable |
| 9 | Amana | 4.4/5 | $3,500–$11,000 | Durable and superior warranty |
| 10 | Goodman | 4/5 | $1,500–$10,000 | Energy efficient |
| 11 | Heil | 3.8/5 | $3,562–$4,465 | Noiseless, efficient cooling products |
| 12 | Whirlpool | 3.8/5 | $3,800- $7,500 | Durability and reliability |
| 13 | Samsung | 3.9/5 | $3,800- $7,500 | Innovative Cooling Technology |
| 14 | Daikin | 3.9/5 | $3,100- $5,300 | Energy Efficiency |
| 15 | Panasonic | 4.2/5 | $3,800- $7,500 | Efficiency and Air Quality Enhancement |
1. Top 15+ Best Central Air Conditioner Brands
Currently, there are plenty of central air conditioner brands with different models, prices, features, configurations, and warranty policies. So, what are the best central air conditioner brands? Let’s scroll down below 15+ best central air conditioner brands for more information.
1. Carrier
- Average selling price: $3,200–$15,000
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Outstanding features: Flexicool Technology, Auto-restart function, copper condenser
- Customer Review: Carrier is one of the top-rated and dependable emblems you could pick at the same time as choosing your Air Conditioner. From one customer’s feedback on Amazon, her final carry lasted for 13 years. (Source: Amazon)
2. Trane
- Average selling price: $3,000–$15,500
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Outstanding features: Variable Speed Systems
- Customer Review: Trane customers rave about the durability of their AC systems, and most see 15 to 20 years of life from them. (Source: Today’s Homeowner)
3. American Standard
- Average selling price: $3,500–$11,000
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Outstanding features: Durable, Quietly and efficiently transfers heat
- Customer Review: Many reviewers feel the limited additional noise from an American Standard is an acceptable trade-off because its products require fewer repairs. When properly maintained, American Standard systems can last as long as 25 years. (Source: US News).
4. LG
- Average selling price: $300–$900
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Outstanding features: Innovative Features for Smart Cooling
- Customer Review: Air Conditioner is ideal in terms of overall performance and efficiency. I have already used the LG twin inverter in view over the years and that is my 2nd purchase. (Source: Amazon)
5. Rheem
- Average selling price: $3,000–$7,000
- Rating: 4/5
- Outstanding features: Durability and are some of the most cost-effective and budget-friendly air conditioners.
- Customer Review: Rheem ACs are less expensive than similar equipment you’ll find from other brands, and they provide outstanding value for the money. (Source: Today’s Home Owner)
6. Lennox
- Average selling price: $3,000–$10,000
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Outstanding features: The quietest and most energy-efficient units on the market.
- Customer Review: The cost, together with the excessive performance and performance, makes Lennox HVACs one of the quality values you may find
ENERGY STAR and Lennox collaborate to produce high-efficiency air conditioners. It provides units with high seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) as high as 28, ranging from big full-size models to tiny split systems.
In addition to AC units, Lennox sells a variety of high-end items. One such item is a smart thermostat, which connects your HVAC system to well-known smart-home services like Google Assistant, AppleHomeKit, and Amazon Alexa. Any Signature Collection unit from Lennox can also have its SunSource technology added to run your air conditioner with solar energy.
SL28XCV AC model is a great seller. This AC from the company’s Signature Collection is ENERGY STAR-licensed and has a SEER rating of 28. It comes with a 10-year confined warranty on included components, such as the compressor. You can strengthen it through sun panels if desired.
7. York
- Average selling price: $4,500–$9,000
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Outstanding features: Superior warranty, which offers a minimum of 10 years of limited coverage on parts, plus labor costs within the first year
- Customer Review: Compared to other pinnacle air conditioner brands, York ranks across the center of the lineup– not the best, but far from the worst.
York is a well-established business that has existed since the beginning of air conditioning.
The company manufactures premium air conditioners that are quiet, energy-efficient, and have low noise levels. It prolongs the lifespan of the device with additional guardrails to safeguard the compressor and coil in addition to limited warranties.
York equips its luxury air conditioning units with variable control options as well. With their help, your HVAC system will operate more efficiently, drawing only the energy required to keep your house at a constant temperature.
8. Ruud
- Average selling price: $3,000–$6,000
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Outstanding features: Efficient, noiseless, and durable
- Customer Review: Ruud Air Conditioner won’t be as efficient if compared with the top air conditioner brands in the industry, however, their low costs lead them to a contender for house owners on a budget.
Compared to comparable units on the market today, Rheem Manufacturing, the company’s owner and operator, provides split systems with air handlers, heat pumps, and condenser units at an excellent value.
Concerning its HVAC equipment, Ruud also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, offering choices like solar-powered water heaters.
Ruud provides its Econet brand of best air conditioners, which includes the Econet Smart Thermostat. With the seven-day programmable and vacation scheduling features of this thermostat, you can save money and energy while you’re gone and come home to a cozy house after work or a trip.
9. Amana
- Average selling price: $3,500–$11,000
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Outstanding features: Durability and superior warranty
- Customer Review: Most of the feedback on all the units Amana offers is positive. This remains consistent across third-party review platforms like the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews.
Amana air conditioning units are among the most popular systems used in the United States. The company is pleased to highlight its exclusive “American Pride” range, which is entirely designed and constructed in the United States, and produces its air conditioning systems in Houston, Texas.
Amana offers a wide range of products and air conditioners that are more efficient than many models made by rival companies. You’re sure to discover something that suits your needs and budget among the many options of the best air conditioner brands available. In addition, Amana provides one of the best warranties available.
10. Goodman
- Average selling price: $1,500–$10,000
- Rating: 4/5
- Outstanding features: Energy efficient
- Customer Review: Goodman will be a good brand of air conditioner for your home if you’re looking for affordable prices but don’t necessarily want to compromise on energy efficiency
Since 1982, Goodman has been in the HVAC industry. The company, which is based in Houston, Texas, is well-known for keeping its equipment prices below average, which makes it a well-liked choice for homes searching for inexpensive HVAC equipment.
If you don’t want to sacrifice energy efficiency in favor of lower upfront expenditures, Goodman air conditioners can be an excellent choice for the best quality air conditioner brands. The company’s pricing is far lower than typical, sometimes half or even a third of what similar models from better AC manufacturers would cost.
Your Goodman air conditioner won’t last as long as you may expect from those more expensive brands, and there have been some customer complaints over the quality of Goodman’s equipment overall as well as the procedure for filing warranty claims.
11. Heil
- Average selling price: $3,562–$4,465
- Rating: 3.8/5
- Outstanding features: Quiet, efficient cooling products
- Customer Review: If you’re looking for a more affordable and reliable option, a higher-end model, or something energy-efficient, HEIL AC suits your needs.
HEIL AC gadgets allow diverse heating and cooling additives to talk and synchronize, improving each power performance and average reliability. While they may not be the best home air conditioner brands, their overall performance and tech-ahead technique cause them to be a noteworthy choice.
The standout characteristic of HEIL AC gadgets is their superior tech that lets in extraordinary additives to ship facts and synchronize their overall performance. Coupled with a complete 10-year warranty, HEIL guarantees peace of thought for its users.
12. Whirlpool
- Average selling price: $3,800- $7,500
- Rating: 3.8/5
- Outstanding features: Durability and reliability
- Customer Review: Value for money at this price. Moreover, a quick response from Whirlpool’s service
Whirlpool focuses on energy efficiency and quality features and offers a variety of models designed to provide comfort and convenience. Whether you want to renovate a small home or a large space, Whirlpool air conditioners are a trusted choice for most homes.
Moreover, the Whirlpool air-conditioner is designed to chill even in severe heat, with a cooling potential of 52°. That’s right, regardless of how warm it is outside, you can rely on our AC to hold you cool indoors.
13. Samsung
- Average selling price: $3,800- $7,500
- Rating: 3.9/5
- Outstanding features: Innovative Cooling Technology
- Customer Review: Comfortable and effective cooling even at temperatures as low as 18 degrees. Installation was professional and the remote is easy to use. Also, power consumption is saved by the convertible 5-in-1 Cooling Mode. This is truly a worthwhile investment for an air conditioner
Samsung air conditioners are not only efficient but also offer smart features that can be controlled directly from your smartphone.
Samsung created a distinctive “Triangle” design specifically for their split systems. Large air intake and broad air output are the results of this. These chic devices are not only incredibly silent but also energy-efficient.
The split systems are simple to use; they can be controlled using an app. An auto clean feature turns on the fan at low speed for a certain amount of time when the unit is turned off, keeping the inside unit dry to reduce the growth of bacteria.
14. Daikin
- Average selling price: $3,100- $5,300
- Rating: 3.9/5
- Outstanding features: Energy Efficiency and Advanced Inverter Technology
- Customer Review: Very fine performance. It has a horizontal and vertical spin. So air reaches each nook of the room 360°. Soundless machine. (Source: Amazon)
Daikin is the biggest HVAC producer in the world! Throughout its 95 years in business, they have constructed a vast array of heating and air conditioning systems. They have the experience and tenacity we seek for the best air conditioner brands.
Leading the way in inverter technology is Daikin. Even though the heating and air conditioning sector isn’t exactly famed for its innovation, Daikin is making a lot of effort to change that!
Your air conditioning and heating system’s inverter is a central component, determining its lifespan and efficiency. Both benefit from Daikin’s cutting-edge inverter technology.
15. Panasonic
- Average selling price: $3,800- $7,500
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Outstanding features: Efficiency and Air Quality Enhancement
- Customer Review: Panasonic ACs are a number of the most electricity green on the market. This can prevent cash to your electricity bills, particularly if you stay in a warm climate.
Since 1958, when it unveiled its first “home air conditioner,” Panasonic, one of the largest producers of consumer electronics in the world and in Japan, has been creating and marketing air conditioners.
With a remote Wi-Fi control, Panasonic’s ducted air conditioning systems can service and manage up to eight rooms simultaneously. Panasonic’s IoT solutions are fully integrated with the wired remote controller series.Panasonic has invested time and resources into creating the best brands for air conditioners, proving that the company was correct to predict that air conditioners would grow to be extremely significant appliances. Given features like cooling technology, timers, and clever sensors, it’s no wonder Panasonic is always the best option for the best air conditioner brands for the home.
2. Factors to consider when purchasing an air conditioner
2.1. Size and Capacity
Choosing the right size air conditioner is crucial for effective cooling and energy efficiency. A unit that is too small may not cool the space adequately, while one that is too large will consume more energy.
2.2. Energy Efficiency
When purchasing an air conditioner, consider its energy efficiency rating to lower electricity bills. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models known for their energy efficiency.
2.3. Installation Costs
Consider the installation costs of your air conditioner before purchasing, as they can vary significantly between models. Ensure you are aware of the exact cost beforehand.
2.4. Maintenance Costs
Regular maintenance is necessary for air conditioners to function well and save energy. It is important to consider the maintenance costs before buying a unit.
2.5. Warranty
When choosing the air conditioner best brands, the option for one with a reliable warranty of at least 5 years for parts and labor to ensure coverage in case of any issues or breakdowns.
2.6. Features
Different models of a product offer a range of features like adjustable temperature settings, timer functions, and remote control access. To ensure a satisfactory purchase, consider your needs and make sure the chosen model has the desired features.
2.7. Brand Reputation
When purchasing an air conditioner, it is important to consider the brand reputation and read reviews from previous customers to gauge its reliability and efficiency. This will help you find the best air conditioner brands for your needs.
2.8. Customer reviews and experiences
Before purchasing, it is recommended to read these reviews to have a better understanding of what to expect from the product. This will facilitate an informed decision regarding the purchase of an air conditioner
2.9. Cost
It is important to consider the cost of the air conditioner. Compare models of different prices, taking into account features and energy efficiency ratings, to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
After thoroughly examining and evaluating the top 15+ best air conditioner brands, it is evident that the market offers a wide range of reliable options for consumers. It is essential to consider factors such as room size, cooling capacity, and energy efficiency when selecting an air conditioner brand. Additionally, it is advisable to consult with professionals or experts in the field to ensure the perfect fit for your specific requirements.
