Best Furnace and Air Conditioner Brands 2025

Energy efficiency, reliability, good warranties, and value are the main considerations that homeowners should make when they want the best furnace and air conditioner brands.

The leading HVAC companies in the United States provide high-performance furnaces and AC units that have advanced features and customer satisfaction.

A comparison of the top brands according to efficiency rating, warranty coverage, price range and consumer rating is given below:

*Overall Rating is based on expert and consumer reviews (5 ★ = excellent).

Trane

Trane is considered to be one of the best HVAC brands with a reputation of being durable and performing.

Trane was established in 1913 and since then it has been associated with reliability, with its slogan being, It is hard to stop a Trane, which focuses on durable, hard equipment. Trane is a subsidiary of Trane technologies that manufacture high-quality residential furnaces and air conditioners with superior engineering. (Trane has a sister brand, American Standard, which shares a lot of designs with it.)

• Efficiency: Trane also provides high efficiency models such as variable-speed air conditioners up to ~22 SEER and condensing gas furnaces at approximately 97 percent AFUE to achieve outstanding energy savings . This implies reduced utility bills and outstanding performance both in cooling and heating.
• Reliability: Trane manufactures its own proprietary Climatuff® compressors, and all-aluminum coils (such as the unique Spine Fin coil) to increase durability . Trane is one of the most reliable brands as ranked by many HVAC professionals and consumer surveys. Trane systems are said to have fewer breakdowns and long life by homeowners.
• Innovative Features: The best systems offered by Trane are smart thermostats and humidity control to be comfortable. They also have variable-speed blower motors in their furnaces to provide even heating, and AC units provide two-stage or fully variable compressors to avoid temperature swings. Such technologies guarantee stable comfort and silent work.
• Warranty: Trane offers a strong warranty- usually 10 years on parts with product registration, and 12 years on compressors on premium models . The warranty of the brand includes the most important parts (e.g. compressor, coil, heat exchanger), which means that the company is sure of the quality of its products.
• Cost Consideration: Trane systems are a premium brand, and thus they are relatively expensive (usually one of the most expensive). The initial investment is compensated by the quality and performance of the brand, yet those who are more concerned about the cost should know that Trane has to be installed by a professional and the parts are not interchangeable, which makes them more expensive to replace.

Carrier

Carrier is a very well-known brand in HVAC, which was established by Willis Carrier, the creator of modern air conditioning .

Carrier has been an innovator and a wide product line leader in home cooling and heating since 1902. The brand provides furnaces and air conditioners in various series to suit various requirements all of which are constructed with a reputation of quality and efficiency.

• Product Range: Carrier has its line-up divided into the Infinity (premium), Performance (mid-tier), and Comfort (standard) series. This layered strategy will enable homeowners to select low-cost units to smart systems . The majority of Carrier central AC systems today have SEER ratings of ~17 to 26 SEER at the high end , and their most efficient gas furnaces have 98% AFUE, so Carrier is a leader in efficiency.
• High-tech comfort: Carrier uses technologies to improve home comfort. Even the mid-range models have a tendency to have two-stage or variable-speed compressors to provide more even cooling. The top of the line Infinity models provide outstanding humidity control and very low sound levels – with the Silencer System II design to reduce noise . All these characteristics lead to a more comfortable house with less temperature fluctuation and less HVAC noise.
• Reliability and Reviews: Carrier has been receiving good reviews both by consumers and experts on its reliability. The equipment is said to work well with time provided it is installed properly. A large number of Carrier models are ENERGY STAR qualified, which means that they save energy in real life. Customers like the fact that Carrier units require little maintenance and are well built, but still, annual servicing is advisable.
• Warranty: Carrier provides a broad range of parts under its standard warranty (such as compressors, heat exchangers, and so on) . New Carrier systems are supplied with a 5 year limited parts warranty as standard, and with registration this is normally 10 years on parts on most models . Some of the best Infinity products can come with 10-year parts out of the box. This warranty is not the best in the industry but it is quite okay; however, one should consider registering the product to obtain the maximum coverage.
• Price: The price range of Carrier is all over the board, a simple Comfort series AC or furnace can be quite inexpensive, and an Infinity series system with all the bells and whistles can be very expensive. The cost of a full Carrier HVAC system is usually on the upper side; the average cost of installing an air conditioner is between 3,000 to 15,000 dollars depending on the model and size of the house . Since Carrier is normally distributed by authorized dealers, to obtain precise prices, one needs to contact a local Carrier dealer. The customers are willing to pay a premium price on the brand name and dealer support, and they receive state-of-the-art efficiency and reliable performance.
• Notable Mentions: Carrier also owns a number of other brands, like Bryant, which apply the same technology but with different names . As a matter of fact, Bryant furnaces and air conditioners are virtually the same as Carrier ones, sometimes even cheaper, so Bryant is a good value brand with Carrier quality. Carrier was also one of the first to use the environmentally friendly refrigerant (Puron R-410A) demonstrating its interest in sustainability.

Lennox

Lennox has a reputation of being on the edge of HVAC efficiency and technology.

Lennox also offers the highest-efficiency models in the residential market, and in some cases, the most energy-efficient models available: the brand has manufactured central air conditioners with up to 26 to 28 SEER and gas furnaces with up to 99 percent AFUE, the highest ratings in the industry. This efficiency has endeared Lennox to the people who want to reduce energy expenses and environmental footprint.

• Energy Efficiency Leader: Lennox has its top-of-the-line Dave Lennox Signature Collection with such innovations as XC25 and SL28 series AC units (up to ~28 SEER) and SLP99V furnace (approximately 99% AFUE). Such units are able to reduce power and gas consumption by a large margin as compared to the older systems. Even the mid-range Elite series of Lennox has good efficiency (e.g. 16-20 SEER ACs, 96-97% AFUE furnaces), so homeowners can have efficient products at several prices.
• Comfort and Technology: Lennox focuses on high-tech climate control. Their high-efficiency systems have variable-capacity compressors and variable-speed blowers that are able to closely match the cooling or heating needs of your home. This prevents most of the temperature variations and enhances comfort indoors. Lennox also incorporates smart thermostats (such as the iComfort S30) which talk to the HVAC system to maximize performance and even be controlled remotely through a smartphone.
• Low Sound: Lennox manufactures most of its AC compressors and furnace blowers with very low sound. As an example, the best AC units are designed with sound-absorbing fan and insulated compressor. Consequently, a Lennox system, particularly the Signature ones, can be very silent both outside and inside, and this is a major advantage to noise-sensitive homeowners.
• Reliability: Lennox equipment once installed correctly provides reliable service. The brand spends in proprietary components and controls to get the best performance. Nevertheless, other HVAC specialists observe that Lennox components are more proprietary and even more expensive; servicing or fixing may require Lennox dealers to obtain the correct parts. Owners should be prudent to maintain these high-performance systems annually (filter changes, tune-ups) so that they are reliable.
• Warranty: Lennox offers competitive warranty coverage: typically 10 years on compressors and covered components, 20 years or lifetime on heat exchangers on furnaces (based on model tier). As an example, a lot of Lennox high-efficiency furnaces come with a restricted lifetime heat exchanger guarantee. Although the warranty terms of Lennox are good, there are other brands that have a little more generous terms of unit replacement which Lennox lacks. However, Lennox is one of the leading furnace and AC brands due to its efficiency and a decent warranty.
• One factor: with Lennox is cost. Its high-end systems are one of the costly ones to purchase. The ultra-efficient Signature series units are usually priced at a premium of 10-20 percent above a similar competitor model by homeowners. The investment can be recouped in long-term energy savings and comfort, although price-conscious consumers can choose Lennox Elite or Merit series, which are more affordable but still have decent efficiency. Quotes of authorized Lennox dealers will, as usual, explain installed costs of a particular home.

American Standard

The sister brand of Trane is American Standard Heating & Cooling, which provides the same quality of builds and designs with a different name.

Since the 1960s American Standard has been engaged in home comfort and today it is a company that is associated with reliable and efficient products that are frequently at the top of consumer satisfaction. A lot of contractors believe that American Standard and Trane are practically the same when it comes to components and performance.

• Shared Engineering with Trane: American Standard shares the same innovative technologies with Trane such as the all-aluminum coils and the proprietary compressors that are manufactured in-house. Similar efficiency is to be expected by buyers, e.g., the best central AC unit of American Standard is rated up to approximately 22 SEER, and the best furnaces of this company are rated at approximately 97% AFUE. These specifications make American Standard one of the leaders in energy efficiency (the same as Trane line).
• Product Line: The brand has seven central AC models as its main central ACs and several furnace models, which are classified as Basic, Better, and Best . This tier system assists the homeowners in making decisions according to efficiency and comfort features. As an example, the entry-level units are single-stage, standard efficiency, whereas the top-of-the-line, or the so-called Best, has variable-speed compressors and blowers to achieve better climate control. This provides flexibility in terms of budget and performance desired.
• Cost and Value: American Standard units are typically a little cheaper than comparable Trane branded units, and are thus a good value. The cost of a new American Standard AC (unit plus installation) may be about 2400-4500 dollars (common sizes) that is competitive considering the quality. Homeowners also discover that they can achieve Trane-level performance with American Standard at a slight discount, much due to branding differences as opposed to hardware.
• Reliability: American Standard equipment in the field has a long history of reliability, which is equal to that of Trane. A lot of users claim that they work without problems over ten years. The durability is also very good since the parts are the same as those of Trane. Maintenance is still necessary but the American Standard systems are said to have low failure rates as reported by the HVAC technicians.
• Warranty: American Standard provides powerful warranties to its products. The majority of the models have a 10-year limited warranty on parts (with registration), and the top-end systems have 12-year warranties on compressors . Other components such as AC coils are also covered with 10 years coverage. This is basically the same as the warranty program of Trane. It provides home owners with the satisfaction that key parts are insured over an extended duration. Please take note that to have the longest warranty, it is necessary to register the product after installation.
• Other Factors: In order to receive the most efficient American Standard products (such as a two-stage or variable-capacity unit), you will probably be considering their high-end products, which are more expensive . Also, certain American Standard units have been observed to be slightly louder than some of the models of competitors when at full blast, but are otherwise quiet when running at low speed. On the whole, American Standard is a very balanced brand in terms of price, quality, and efficiency, which is why it is one of the best furnace and AC brands in the U.S.

Goodman

Goodman is a massively popular brand among the people who want to find a reliable performance at a low price.

Goodman was established in 1975 and it was known to make home heating and cooling affordable. It is now owned by Daikin Industries the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world following its acquisition in 2012. Goodman specializes in offering quality, no-frills furnaces and air conditioners that offer comfort at a price that does not burn a hole in the pocket.

• Value: Value is the greatest selling point of Goodman. Goodman furnace or AC purchase price is usually much cheaper than the competitors. As an example, a new central AC unit of Goodman may cost between 1,500 and 4,000 dollars (equipment only) on common sizes, which is thousands cheaper than the high-end brands. Goodman is typically the least expensive option to purchase a complete HVAC system even when considering installation.
• Solid Efficiency Options: Although Goodman has been more of a mid-efficiency company (the majority of its units are in the 14 to 19 SEER range of AC, and 80 to 96 percent AFUE range of furnaces), it has enhanced its best products. Goodman has recently added inverter technology to a few of their models – pushing SEER up to the low 20s – but their most popular installed units are still standard-efficiency. This implies that homeowners will be able to achieve decent energy efficiency with Goodman, although the absolute best-SEER models of other brands will be superior to them. All Goodman high-efficiency furnaces are ENERGY STAR 14 certified and their AC units frequently are also.
• Quality and Components: Goodman was not very good in the past concerning reliability, but it has been much better in recent years. They employ most of the quality parts as the more expensive brands. As an example, Goodman AC compressors are supplied by Copeland (a reputable producer) – even these won an innovation award in the industry in 2021 . Goodman also has aluminum evaporator coils to prevent corrosion and leaking of refrigerants . Daikin has contributed to the manufacturing of the brand and has increased the quality of the build.
• Excellent Warranty: Goodman has one of the best warranties in the industry and that is a big attraction. A large number of Goodman models have a lifetime limited warranty on the compressor or heat exchanger (the heart of the AC or furnace). In addition, Goodman will replace the entire condensing unit and not just the compressor in case of failure of a compressor on some of the AC models within the first 10 years. Likewise, the best furnaces can provide lifetime replacement of heat exchangers. The rest of the registered parts are normally under a 10-year warranty. This is a wide coverage and it demonstrates that Goodman is confident in its products and it gives the customers peace of mind.
• Technology and Features: Goodman has been incorporating more features to match the larger brands. Their latest models are compatible with the CoolCloud HVAC app, which enables technicians to connect to it using Bluetooth to diagnose it faster. This may result in less service calls. Most smart thermostats also work with Goodman systems (Goodman does not have its own smart control, like Carrier or Lennox). Goodman units are pretty average in terms of noise levels, neither as quiet as the ultra-premium units nor a major issue in homes.
• Installation and Support: Goodman does not need a factory-authorized installer program like some of the premium brands. This implies that any HVAC contractor licensed to work can install Goodman system and you can even purchase units online directly. The advantage is that it is more flexible and it may be cheaper to install. The negative is that quality of installation may vary, there is no exclusive dealer network so homeowners need to be selective in their choice of a reputable and experienced installer. Reliability is very important, particularly in budget brands, and this depends on a good installation. Goodman furnace or AC can go 15-20 years with proper installation and maintenance, which is really good value of money.

Amana

Amana is another brand that is frequently discussed along with Goodman, and there is a reason why it is so: both brands are produced by the same parent company (Daikin) .

As a matter of fact, an Amana furnace or air conditioner will be quite similar to a similar Goodman model, but Amana is the high-end brand in that line. Amana brand is an old brand (previously associated with appliances and HVAC since the middle of the 20th century) with a reputation of quality. In the modern world, Amana-branded products are marketed as a premium product with additional features and warranty benefits to differentiate them with Goodman.

• Premium Warranty: Amana is particularly recognized to have the best warranty programs that are the best in the industry (and the same as the best warranties offered by Goodman). As an example, Amana will replace the unit with a lifetime warranty on some of their higher-end models, that is, in the first 10 years should the compressor in your high-end Amana air conditioner fail, they will supply you with a brand new air conditioner. Similarly, their high-end furnaces are accompanied by a lifetime replacement of the heat exchanger to the original owner. Such a strategy of providing so-called premium coverage is one of the main reasons why homeowners prefer Amana since it can almost ensure that they will enjoy peace of mind in the long-term.
• Efficiency and Performance: Amana furnaces and air conditioners are generally equal to the Goodman specifications in terms of efficiency. Amana AC units are available with SEER ratings of 17-24 (the highest is an inverter-driven model with a SEER rating of about 24.5) and furnaces up to 98% AFUE. Basically, Amana provides you with the identical technology as Goodman two-stage and variable-speed compressors, efficient scroll compressors by Copeland, etc. The distinction is that Amana is frequently more sound-dampening or minor design adjustments to operate a little more quietly and a little more polished than the entry-level Goodman line.
• Price: You will have to pay slightly higher price to get the Amana brand. The initial cost of Amana units is usually higher than Goodman, the premium may be 10-15 percent higher cost. This higher cost includes the extended warranty and any enhanced features or materials. Nevertheless, Amana is quite affordable in comparison with other high-end brands. Amana may be a pleasant compromise in the case of a person who is torn between Goodman and a premium brand such as Carrier: you will have the best warranty and a good build quality, but not the highest price.
• Reliability and Satisfaction: Amana system owners have been known to be very satisfied with their systems and the brand has been known to rate highly in consumer surveys of HVAC equipment. The hardware is proven (it is also used by Goodman/Daikin) and is supported by those good warranties, so most Amana buyers feel they made a safe purchase. Installation is also important in this case, the equipment will be reliable when it is installed and maintained well. Most of the contractors who sell Goodman will also sell Amana as an upgrade, and the improved warranty will be one of their selling points. Amana is among the finest brands of furnace and air conditioners to use in case long-term support and low risk are the main priorities.

Rheem

Rheem is a long-established American HVAC manufacturer that, together with its sister brand Ruud, enjoys a good reputation of reliable heating and cooling equipment.

Rheem has almost a century of experience in the business and are also known to produce water heaters, but their furnaces and air conditioners are distinguished by the combination of reliability and innovation. Rheem is usually regarded as a good mid- to high-range brand, not the best in terms of price, but with a very good quality and performance at the price.

• Dependable Performance: Rheem units are valued because of their no-nonsense performance. Rheem has received high praise among many HVAC professionals who say that the company has created equipment that simply works with fewer surprises. The company focuses on quality control and testing. Rheem furnaces and ACs are often reported by the homeowners to run smoothly year after year. This dependability is the reason why Rheem is a common suggestion to people who desire peace of mind.
• Efficiency and Innovation: Rheem provides high efficiency models that can compete with other leading brands. Their Prestige series gas furnaces go to 98 percent AFUE, so nearly all the fuel is converted to heat. Rheem offers the best central air units with a cooling capacity of about 20 SEER, with some of the new variable-speed units possibly exceeding it a bit. Although Rheem may not reach the high SEER levels of Lennox, it is well above the federal efficiency requirements, and homeowners will save a lot of energy costs. Rheem has also integrated intelligent capabilities such as the EcoNet system which enables various home comfort products (furnace, AC, water heater) to talk to each other and be controlled through a single interface or phone app that offers sophisticated energy management and diagnostics.
• Special Features: Rheem is recognized to have some special engineering practices. As an example, Rheem high-efficiency furnaces have a patented condensate management system that minimizes moisture and corrosion problems that afflict condensing furnaces. Their air conditioners are usually equipped with scroll compressors and new coil designs to enhance reliability and performance. Also, Rheem has worked on ensuring that their units are smaller and simpler to maintain, which is an added advantage when installing them in a small area or when repair is required.
• Noise Level: The newer models of Rheem are made to operate in a low noise level. Most Rheem air conditioners have compressor sound blankets and fan designs that are quieter to maintain noise levels. Although ultra-premium brands may still be a step ahead in terms of absolute silence, Rheem systems are quite affordable in the sound department, and in most cases, they are not heard within the house during operation.
• Warranty and Support: Rheem offers competitive warranty coverage. Rheem furnaces and air conditioners are also covered by a 10-year limited warranty on parts with registration as other brands. They also usually offer a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger to the best furnaces, and a conditional unit replacement warranty (e.g. in case the compressor breaks down in the first few years of some high-end AC models, they will replace the whole unit). Such policies may be model specific, but in general Rheem supports its products with warranties that are at least average in the industry. The customer service and dealer base of Rheem is also strong, as the brand is old and has extensive application.
• Pricing: Rheem is typically a mid-range/upper-mid-range brand when it comes to price. Rheem is a high-value brand because the prices are slightly cheaper than Carrier or Trane when it comes to similar efficiency units. Rheem is also competitively priced when compared to other brands in terms of features provided by the homeowners who request quotes. Its sister brand Ruud has basically the same products and prices and the decision between Rheem and Ruud is mainly based on dealer or installer preference. In any case, you are getting a stable system that is well balanced in terms of cost and performance.

York

Another large HVAC brand that has been in the industry for long is York.

York is now a subsidiary of Johnson Controls and offers heating and cooling products to residential and commercial use. York furnaces and air conditioners are considered to perform fairly well in homes at a slightly more affordable cost, but the history of the brand has not been very smooth as far as reputation is concerned. York has been able to enhance its product line in the recent years to match the other leading brands.

• Brand Legacy: York has more than a century of experience in the production of HVAC equipment and even provided systems to such well-known objects as the U.S. Capitol and the Sydney Opera House. In the case of residential customers, this legacy is in the form of a wide experience in the field of cooling and heating technology. The existing residential lines of York are the high-end Affinity line and the value-added LX line, which span the spectrum of basic 14 SEER air conditioners to advanced 20+ SEER units, and 80 percent AFUE single-stage furnaces to 98 percent AFUE modulating furnaces. Essentially, York can offer most of the needs, be it budget or high-performance.
• Comfort and Features: The York Affinity line (the high-end model) is loaded with the latest features like other high-end brands. This encompasses variable-speed compressors that are able to adjust to the cooling requirements and this results in improved efficiency and consistent temperatures. Many of York AC units also have a QuietDrive system, an insulated compressor compartment and swept-wing fan design to minimize noise. Consequently, the sound levels of the best models of York are rather low, which is similar to most of the rivals. Also, York is compatible with smart thermostats and has begun incorporating more sophisticated diagnostics into its newer products, which makes it simpler to service by contractors.
• Reliability Enhancements: Previous models of York equipment (particularly those made in the early 2000s) were known to have certain reliability problems, including coil leaks or compressor problems, that hurt the reputation of the brand. Nevertheless, Johnson Controls has been investing in quality. The newer York models have been using heavy duty copper/aluminum coils or microchannel coils that are resistant to corrosion and they have enhanced the overall build quality. Recent years field data indicates that York reliability has now matched the other mid-to-upper-tier brands. With regular filter changes, annual check-ups, homeowners with York systems can have long service life. Nevertheless, York might not be at the same level of reliability perception as Trane or Carrier, yet the difference has been reduced significantly.
• Warranty: York backs its products with warranties that give homeowners confidence. Most York AC units and heat pumps carry 10-year limited parts warranties when registered, and York furnaces typically have a lifetime heat exchanger warranty for the original owner on higher-end models. York also offers a “Peace of Mind” plan on select premium products – for instance, some Affinity series air conditioners come with a 1-year unit replacement warranty (if the compressor fails in the first year, they replace the whole unit) and 10-year compressor warranty, which is a nice perk. It’s i