Note: Before you dive into the specific brand review, we highly recommend you to read our elaborate Heat Pump Buying Guide in advance, there are several crucial steps you need to take before you even start to think about the brand.
Brand Introduction
The Bryant Company is one of the oldest companies to deal in HVAC systems in America. UTC now owns the company, founded almost a century ago.
The company has a number of product lines under the Bryant heat pumps. These are the Legacy, which is the value brand, Preferred Compact, Preferred, and Evolution. The Evolution is Bryant’s premium heat pump line and has the highest level of efficiency
The company is renowned for having one of the highest rates of customer satisfaction. This is partly due to its Factory Approved Dealers program. In addition, the high dependability of its systems plays a big role in customer approval. While the FADs benefit from free marketing, customers benefit from the highest level of assured quality, theoretically. In addition, it is one of the few companies known to give regular training to its dealers. All this is done free of charge to the dealer.
What’s Unique?
With an HSPF rating of 13, the company’s top line heat pump is the most efficient for heating in the market. For those of you who lived in the northern part of United States, this is a really good feature. There is no need to install an extra backup heating system.
In terms of noise levels, these heat pumps are among the quietest in the industry. The heat pumps have a recorded noise level of just 58db. This noise level is quite close to the noise produced by a refrigerator. Consequently, this is a great heat pump for those who love some, quiet and comfort.
Another great feature worth noting about the Bryant heat pumps is their warranty terms. Unlike most other heat pump manufacturer, they offer the option to extend the warranty. This feature is especially useful for people who plan to live in an area for many years to come.
Another feature of the Bryant heat that has won them accolades is the Factory Authorized Dealer (FAD) program. Under this program, Bryant selects a number of dealers, who are only allowed to sell Bryant products under the agreement. The company then offers training on how to install its heat pumps. Consequently, customers who deal with a FAD certified dealer know they are getting the best in vetted quality. Vetting dealers are critical in any quality HVAC installation.
What’s Difference Between Bryant and Carrier?
Just like Ruud and Rheem, 95% models are identical between Bryant and Carrier, the only difference is the logo.
Carrier and Bryant both make 17 models, and 16 are exactly the same. They each make an entry-level (cheap) model the other doesn’t produce.
You may notice that the price is different for the same Bryant and Carrier Model, and Bryant is usually the cheaper one. That’s because UTC(parent company) is using different marketing strategy to increase the Bryant market share.
For more details, read this post:
Model Analysis
Series | Model | SEER | HSPF | Compressor | Other |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Evolution | 280A | 20.5 | 13 | Variable | Greenspeed |
Evolution | 289B | 19 | 10 | Two-Stage | |
Evolution | 285BNH | 15.5 | 9.5 | Single-Stage | Recommend For Inland |
Preferred | 226A | 17.5 | 9.5 | Two-Stage | Recommend For Coastal |
Preferred | 225B | 16 | 9 | Single-Stage | |
Preferred | 223A | 13 | 7.7 | Single-Stage | |
Legacy | 25HCD3 | 13 | 7.7 | Single-Stage | |
Legacy | 213C | 13 | 7.7 | Single-Stage |
Take Away For Models
When you’re looking for the most cost-effective heating, the strategy is to find the balance between furnace cost and energy costs. Let’s use the zone map to identify efficiency levels for each that strike that balance:
Zone
|
Suggested SEER and HPSF
|
Cost-effective Models
|
Zone 1 & 2 (hot) | 18-19 SEER/9.5-10 HSPF |
226A, 289B, 280A
|
Zone 3 & 4 (moderate) | 14-15 SEER/8.5 HSPF |
223A, 225B
|
Zone 5 (cool) | 15-17 SEER/8.5-9.5 HSPF |
225B
|
Zone 6 (cold) | (18 SEER/9.5 HSPF) or (AC + Furnace) | 280A or (AC + Furnace) |
Zone 7 (very cold) | (18 SEER/9.5 HSPF) or (AC + Furnace) | 280A or (AC + Furnace) |
Plan to move in the next few years | 13-14 SEER/8 HSPF | 213C, 25HCD3 |
Note: In Zones 6 and 7, the coldest zones, a system with an efficient gas furnace and small central air conditioner is also a good option.
Selected Contractor Feedback
Great Technical Support
The HVAC business can be hard to make it in when one does not have the support of the manufacturer. However, Bryant has come up with a great program, which ensures an open line of communication between dealers and the factory. Consequently, dealers who work with the brand can quickly resolve any issues they have with the units. This is because they have direct access to the manufacturer. This is definitely one of the greatest innovations in the HVAC industry. It has helped Bryant dominate the market for so long.
Bryant Heat Pump Prices By Model
In order to offer an objective and equal comparison, we set the baseline below:
Each system includes: 3-ton outdoor condenser, 1300-1500 CFM air handler, programmable heat pump thermostat.
Bryant Models | System Only | System Installed |
---|---|---|
Evolution 280A | $4,540 | $10,500 |
Evolution 289B | $3,865 | $9,150 |
Evolution 286B | $3,550 | $7,700 |
Evolution 285B | $2,790 | $6,350 |
Preferred 226A | $2,850 | $7,800 |
Preferred 225B | $2,350 | $6,150 |
Preferred 223A | $2,260 | $5,890 |
Legacy 215B | $2,120 | $5,505 |
Legacy 214D | $1,825 | $5,350 |
Legacy 213C | $1,725 | $5,170 |
Bryant Heat Pump Prices By Size
Before installing your heat pump, an HVAC contractor needs to size your system by “Manual J” calculation. This will take into accounts factors like where you live, how much insulation you have, windows types and directions, and everything else. Then you will get a right-sized heat pump unit ranging from 1.5-ton to 5-ton.
Each Unit includes: Bryant Preferred 15 SEER 3-ton outdoor condenser, 1300-1400 CFM air handler, programmable thermostat.
Heat Pump Size | Home Size | System Only | System Installed |
---|---|---|---|
1.5 ton | 600 - 1000 sf | $1,850 | $6,560 |
2 ton | 1001 - 1300 sf | $2,080 | $7,250 |
2.5 ton | 1301 - 1600 sf | $2,155 | $7,660 |
3 ton | 1601 - 1900 sf | $2,350 | $7,955 |
3.5 ton | 1901 - 2200 sf | $2,765 | $8,290 |
4 ton | 2201 - 2600 sf | $3,050 | $8,675 |
5 ton | 2601 - 3200 sf | $3,505 | $9,090 |
Reader Shared Prices and Reviews
Brand & Model & SizePriceHome LocationHome Size |
---|
2 ton Bryant Evolution$4,999Scranton, PA1850 sqft |
I installed this Evolution unit. It is splendid when running and makes a slight noise. Its performance is excellent, and I have not done many replacements. I truly got value for my money. I have seen my electricity bill drop drastically through the years, and the air is more comfortable. Nothing but fantastic performance. The price is nothing compared to the exceptional performance, durability and efficiency of this heat pump. The size is average, and only takes a small portion of my living room, and the warrant is comprehensive enough to make you buy this again. This is the best brand and I would recommend it to any person who wants a good heat pump. |
9.75 HSPF Bryant 286B$7,600Idaho3300 sqft |
I have worked in the commercial and residential HVAC field for some time. Many heat pumps failures are due to cheap equipment, and the Bryant Evolution has proven to be a quality-built piece of equipment. I have installed this one model for eight years, and I have not had major failures. You truly get what you pay for. |
Bryant 226ACA$5,700Port Williams Canada2300 sqft |
We moved to Canada, and we decided to replace the heat pump unit in the house. We decided to buy the 2 ton Bryant Preferred unit, and it has been perfect for us. It has been working correctly and also. It is soundless which is great because we cannot hear it when it is working. It is very efficient on energy as we have noticed a subtle drop in bills ever since we bought this unit. |
4 ton Bryant 223A$5,800Unknown2800 sqft |
I had the 4 ton Bryant Preferred installed in the year 2014. So far, the heat pump has continued to operate efficiently and smoothly, and it is such a quiet heat pump. Additionally, the warranty is quite comprehensive. This is in addition to the high efficiency that the system offers. |
Bryant Legacy 215B$4,100Louisiana2100 sqft |
I have owned this heat pump for two months and am impressed. It is quite affordable as compared to others in the market, and also, it operates quietly. It works so well for cooling and heating as well. I hope that there will be no repairs or replacements shortly and would recommend this brand and model to a friend who wants a reliable heat pump at an affordable price. |
15 SEER Bryant 213B$4,850Naples, FL1900 sqft |
We installed a 5 SEER 3-ton Evolution system six years ago. It operates without any noise, and it is energy efficient. The only issue I had was the compressor starting to make an odd noise after about two years, but Bryant replaced it under the warranty. The systems heating and cooling is unbelievably excellent, especially in very high or very low temperatures. It is so quiet that I can barely tell when it’s running. I Would buy this again! |
How to Get the Best Bryant Heat Pump Prices?
- Firstly, keep in mind that installation quality is always the most important thing for heat pump 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.
What rating does a Bryant 2.5 ton 14 seer R-410A have? Is this model preferred or legacy?
I recently added a 3 ton Bryant Evolution Extreme with 5 ton air handler for a system HSPF 13. It was professionally installed by Climate Control in southeast PA to replace a forced air oil furnace on a 2000 sqft home. Tested by the coldest 2 week stretch since the early 1980s, it has exceeded my expectations and cut winter heating bill in half vs oil. It can be a bit loud on very cold days when defrosting but is well worth it form an energy efficiency standpoint. Highly Recommended!
JP
We are looking to install AC so looking into heat pump. We too are in Southeast PA.
How large is your house for a 5 ton air handler?
worried about noise.
Thanks,
Tracy in PA