Bryant Air Conditioner Reviews and Prices 2023

Bryant makes 17 central air conditioners with efficiency from 13 SEER to 20.5 SEER. It is one of the most complete lineups of any brand.

Bryant AC cost is $4,195 to $9,650 for installed air conditioners based on model, size and installation factors.

Note: If you’re just beginning your research into central ac units, then our Central AC Ultimate Guide is the best place to start. Also, our SEER Savings Calculator can help you find the suitable SEER based on you own location and climate. 

This Bryant central AC review is comprehensive, including model comparisons, costs for the equipment and installation, Bryant air conditioner pros and cons and more.

About Bryant – Are Bryant and Carrier the Same?

Bryant is owned by Carrier – and Carrier is owned by United Technologies Corp. Known as UTC, the company also produces Heil, Day & Night, Payne and several other brands. The residential HVAC industry has consolidated to the point there are only 7 or 8 players. Together, they make close to 30 brands, or 30 pieces of residential AC pie. UTC owns 8 pieces of the pie.

Did you know?

Bryant and Carrier air conditioner models are the same equipment with a different cabinet and name badge and a price difference of 5% to 10%.

Bryant is the more affordable brand. UTC takes this approach to give consumers perceived options and to garner a larger total market share. Local dealers are prohibited from carrying both brands.

Pro Tip: Experience Counts

Should you automatically choose Bryant over Carrier? No, because the quality of installation is so important. Our recommendation is to get estimates on both brands and choose the installer you think will do the best job based on experience and customer reviews. We’d rather spend 10% more and get an AC installed properly. But then again, the Bryant dealer might be just as experienced or more so, and then take the savings!

There’s more below about who to select to install a Bryant AC including a discussion of Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers and dealers with NATE-certified technicians.

Bryant ACs – What’s Available?

The diverse lineup includes single-stage, two-stage, variable capacity and newer, unique 5-stage models.

See Energy Management for details on single-stage and staged AC options and how they affect efficiency and climate control.

WiFi controls, communicating technology and a complete range of accessory equipment such as air cleaners, ventilators and moisture control components are available. Be aware of the equipment accessories – because any Bryant HVAC salesperson will at least mention these upgrades, though most won’t be pushy.

Bryant Air Conditioner Pros & Cons

There is plenty to like from this premium brand. Bryant typically places in the top 10 among brands in consumer satisfaction and durability.

However, there are a few disadvantages, and those are discussed too. Here’s an overview table before getting into details.

Bryant AC Pros & Unique Features

Bryant breaks it down in to 4 categories. In fact, we like the way Bryant organizes it so well, we’ve used the template for other brands.  

1. Energy Management

Homeowners are demanding better efficiency as a means of reducing energy use and cost. It’s good for the environment and for the wallet.

Bryant still makes entry-level units too. The table above shows all models.

The unit’s compressor is the most significant component determining efficiency. It affects indoor temperature balance and dehumidification, and those issues are discussed later in this Bryant AC review and price guide.

Here are Bryant compressor options from lowest to highest performance.

• Single-stage: Bryant makes 11 models with single-stage compressors – 100% capacity whenever running. Equipment cost is low, operating costs are higher, because efficiency is poor, especially in the entry-level models.
• 2-stage: 4 models are built with 2-stage compressors. The stages are 65% and 100% capacity. The purpose is to run at the lower stage whenever possible to be more energy efficient. Unless the outside temperatures climb quickly or you turn down the thermostat by several degrees, the unit should keep up with cooling on the low stage. There’s an impact on humidity too, described below.
• 5-stage: The 180BNV has five capacity levels starting at 25% then about 40/60/75/100%. We first noticed the 5-stage design with Heil, and at this point it is unique to UTC brands. The lower capacity an AC runs at while maintaining the temperature you want, the more efficient it is. There are lower-capacity options with this unit than single-stage and two-stage models.
• Variable capacity: Aka variable speed, the 180C is called the Bryant Evolution Extreme. It has an inverter-driven compressor that functions like cruise control. The compressor can run at almost any capacity from 25% and up, and it will modulate in increments of less than 1% to keep the temperature right where you want it. Little energy is wasted, and the efficiency is Bryant’s best.  

2. Comfort Management

The compressor is also key to indoor climate control and comfort such as temperature balance and humidity control.

Compressors: As with efficiency, single-stage compressors offer the least control over the indoor environment. AC cycles are shorter and “full blast,” and then the unit shuts off. This causes slight temperature swings, which might be noticeable, and less dehumidification.

Two-stage models are better, but not as good as the 5-stage AC.

Neither can match the climate control of the variable speed unit. Inverter-type compressors use long, low-speed cycles when possible to produce the best temperature balance. And they keep air moving nearly continuously over the indoor coil, where moisture from the air is condensed out of the air in your home and drained away. In summer, drier air is more comfortable.

Blower fans: Another aspect of comfort control is the blower motor in your furnace or air handler. You’ll get the best comfort management with a variable-speed blower. It will match the speed or stage of the compressor, working with it to maintain temperature balance and maximize dehumidification.

Bryant thermostat options: It is the thermostat that controls the functionality of the system.

The Evolution Connex thermostat is the top of the line. It is a full-color, LCD touchscreen thermostat in black or white.

Connex and Housewise thermostats control all system components – AC or heat pump, furnace or air handler, humidifier or dehumidifier, air purifier and ventilator.

What about WiFi? As we’ve seen in the table above, there are three series or tiers of Bryant ACs. And there is a WiFi thermostat for each.

The Evolution Connex, Preferred Series Housewise and some Côr thermostats for the Legacy Line have WiFi. Using WiFi with the app and a smartphone helps comfort control and saves money.

While programming a thermostat is great when you’re home and want the house at a specific temperature when you get up, when away, WiFi is a better option.

Let’s say you typically get home at 6pm, so the thermostat is programmed to start boosting cooling at 5:15, lowering the indoor temperature from money-saving 80F when nobody is home to a cooler 74F when you arrive. Well, if you decide to go out with friends for dinner and won’t be home until 8 or 9, use the app to reprogram the thermostat to keep the house at 80F while out and use it again to lower the thermostat setting a while before you expect to get home.

Do you have to use a Bryant thermostat? If you want to use Bryant’s communicating technology on an Evolution AC, then yes you do. The Connex is the only communicating model. In standard systems, the thermostat controls each component without feedback. In a communicating system, the AC sends temperature and humidity control data back to the thermostat. The result is more precise comfort control.

Pro Tip: Be cautious about communicating technology. On Evolution and some Preferred Series models, communicating technology is an option. We’re not sold on it and have written more about it here.

The user comments at the bottom of the page are worth reading too. For example, a reader named Jason shared this view:

“I have a Bryant Evolution which I hate. I replaced the main thermostat with an Emerson Sensi and planned to do the same upstairs until I found out it was an ABCD communicating thermostat. So now I’m trying to figure out how to replace the upstairs thermostat and lose the ‘communicating’ nonsense once and for all. No clue how to do this.”

Communicating technology is expensive. It’s value is modest – you likely would not notice any climate control improvement using a variable capacity or two-stage AC with a communicating thermostat compared with a non-communicating thermostat.

And the technology can be quirky, as Jason and others have discovered. If there are communication issues, the system might not work. Salespeople love the commission on communicating equipment and thermostats. Repair people are not so happy with it when they have to figure out what is wrong with the system and how to get the units “talking” again.

Final word on thermostats: Other than when a communicating system is installed, you can use any thermostat you want. Just make sure it is wired to handle the system type you have, for example two-stage cooling.

3. Humidity Management

It’s not just the heat – it is also the humidity, right?

Perfect Humidity technology is available for Evolution and Preferred Series with more than one stage of air conditioning. It uses multi-stage ACs and variable speed blower fans to maximize dehumidifying.

Even when the AC cycle is over and the outdoor unit shuts down, the fan will continue to run – continue to pull humid air over the still-cold indoor coil to condense additional moisture out of the air.

If you live in AZ or other dry area, this won’t make much difference. But in the muggy South and Southeast, it is well worth considering.

Regardless of the thermostat, a 2-stage or variable capacity AC will always remove more humidity than a single-stage model.

4. Sound Management

The best way to reduce AC sound is to buy a 2-stage or variable speed Bryant air conditioner. It will run at a lower speed most of the time, and of course, that’s quieter than 100% capacity.

Bryant also uses what it calls the AeroQuiet System II in Evolution models. The fan design is quieter. The energy efficient ECM (vs PSC) motor is quieter. And the compressor is better insulated for sound than in lower-tier models.

5. Other Bryant Air Conditioner Pros

There are two other benefits to note that don’t fall into the categories above.

• Coastal models – the 187BNC 2-stage AC and 114CNC single-stage unit have a baked-on powder paint finish coated in epoxy (Bryant calls it TuffCoat). All metal parts are painted on all sides. However, the warranty in coastal applications is just 5 years.
• Compact model – If space in your yard is limited, the 16 SEER, single-stage Preferred Compact 124ANS AC is worth a look. In fact, it looks something like a mini split AC. It’s less than half as deep as a standard condensing unit and about as wide.

Cons – Problems with Bryant ACs

As one of the better brands, there are no glaring problems, though we’ve mentioned concerns with the Evolution communicating system.

The 13 and 14 SEER models are inefficient. If you live in a cool climate, they are a good choice. You’ll pay high cooling costs in warm-to-hot climates.

The 116B 16 SEER model is an affordable single-stage AC, but it is loud. If your AC is installed near a deck or patio that’s often used while the air conditioning is running, you’ll appreciate a quieter AC.

Legacy Series warranties – 5 years or 10? Bryant’s site shows 10-year warranties on the Legacy Series. But we’ve heard from contractors that they are 5-year warranties. We haven’t heard back from Bryant, but will update this when we do. For now, ask about the warranty if you’re considering a Bryant Legacy Series AC.

Bryant Air Conditioner Prices

The AC Unit Cost Range is for the contractor cost for the condensing unit, indoor coil and refrigerant line set plus profit.

The Total Cost Range includes installation but no changes to the ductwork. Local rates might be slightly outside these ranges due to variables such as labor cost, taxes and local competition among dealers. This is one reason it is a good idea to get several estimates from dealers that know they are competing for your business.

There’s more information in or HVAC Installation Cost Ultimate Guide about installation variables including dealer profit.

Bryant Air Conditioner Prices By Size

Properly sizing an air conditioning system – the condensing unit, indoor coil and blower (if that’s being changed too), is one of the most critical steps in optimizing efficiency and indoor comfort. Models start either at 1.5 or 2.0 tons and range to 5.0 tons.

Your dealer should complete a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the size equipment you need. It factors house size and layout, number and type of windows, insulation value, your climate and much more. If you’ve upgraded your windows, doors or insulation or have Energy Star roofing, then your new AC might be smaller than the old one.

If you don’t konw what size you need, our Central AC Btu Calculator can help you get an more accurate size in a minute. It takes more factors like insulation and climate into consideration.

Bryant Warranties

Warranties are a new arena of competition among brands, and that is good for consumers.

Bryant’s warranties are average, at best. Goodman, Amana, Heil and American Standard are among brands with better warranties.

All Bryant models show 10-year parts warranties. As noted, be sure to check on Legacy AC warranties if you’re considering a model in that series. Some claim the warranties are still 5 years.

Labor warranties are getting longer.  

The Evolution Extreme 180C is backed with a 3-year labor warranty

Pro Tip: Be sure to register your Bryant warranty within 90 days of installation. If you don’t, it becomes a 5-year parts warranty regardless of the model. This is true with all brands. California and a few other states don’t allow companies to get away with reducing the warranty if the product isn’t registered in a timely fashion.

Who Installs Bryant?

This is an important consideration because the quality of the installation will impact efficiency, performance and durability. The quality of the installation is widely regarded to be as important as the quality of the air conditioner.

With Bryant, you have two options:

• Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers are local installers that have gone through a Bryant training program to ensure they are competent and that they understand the specifics of installing Bryant equipment.
• Other local dealers that have not been through Bryant’s program – though they might have been through a similar program from another brand and/or be certified by NATE, the North American Technician Excellence program. Many Bryant Authorized Dealers have NATE certification too.

About 1/3 or less of Bryant dealers are Factory Authorized. For example, in the 60120 Elgin, IL list, 17 of the 49 dealers are authorized – 35%.

In 75217, one of several Dallas, TX zip codes, just 2 or 11 local Bryant dealers are authorized.

By comparison, 4 of the 11 Dallas companies use NATE-certified installers, the 2 authorized dealers and 2 others.

Getting a Good AC Properly Installed

The bottom line is that you might be safest choosing a Factory Authorized Dealer, but there are quality installers that haven’t gone through the Bryant program.

Those certifications are important – but also look at reviews of the companies you are considering and compare costs. Find out how long the crew that will install your AC has been on the job.

Choose a balance of experience and cost, if possible. If not, go with the installer with the most proven track record of quality installation and outstanding customer service. 

Submitted Prices by Visitors 2020-2021

How to Get the Best Bryant Air Conditioner Prices?

Firstly, When you looking for the best deals for Trane AC, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for residential HVAC project.

• So never sacrifice contractor quality for lower price.
• Secondly, remember to look up the latest tax credit and rebates.
• Thirdly, ask for at least 3 bids before you make the decision. You can click here to get 3 free estimates from your local contractors, and this estimate already takes rebates and tax credit into consideration and filter unqualified contractors automatically.

Lastly, once you chose the right contractor, remember to use the tactics from this guide: Homeowners Tactics When Negotiating with HVAC Dealer to get the final best price.

Other Related Articles:

Bryant Central Air Conditioner Prices and Installation Factors

Written by Rene Langer

Rene has worked 10 years in the HVAC field and now is the Senior Comfort Specialist for PICKHVAC. He holds an HVAC associate degree from Lone Star College and EPA & R-410A Certifications.