With so many choices, choosing the right HVAC system can be daunting. We have evaluated quality, performance, and efficiency to identify to bet HVAC. Please note that many of these models have several options when it comes to efficiency and equipment. For example, in the Lennox Signature Collection, there are two furnaces (98 and 80 percent) and three heat pumps.
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1. Lennox Signature Collection HVAC Systems
Lennox has some of the most efficient HVAC products on the market. The Lennox Signature SLP98V offers 98.2 percent efficiency. It also features the comfort of a modulating gas valve and a variable-speed fan.The Lennox Signature XP25 is a top heat pump that uses modulating performance. It is highly efficient with a 23.5 SEER/10.2 HSPF. Similarly, the Lennox Signature XC25 air conditioner has a 25 SEER, the best on the market. It uses a variable speed fan.It’s important to know that most Lennox Signature Series models are dual-fuel compatible, meaning they can be installed in systems with both a heat pump and a gas furnace.
This arrangement is more expensive up front but will reduce energy costs in the long-run. Also, Lennox has developed SunSource Solar-Ready technology. Most Signature Collection models are wired to use this technology to use solar modules to reduce energy use. In sunny climates, enough solar energy can be accumulated to run the entire HVAC system.It’s no surprise that the Lennox Signature Collection HVAC models rate high in customer satisfaction and reliability.
2. Carrier Infinity Series HVAC Systems
Largely considered to be the gold-standard for HVAC products, the Carrier Infinity Series has unsurpassed quality and excellent efficiency. Carrier offers a unit for almost every home, with three gas furnaces, five heat pumps, and four central air conditioners in their lineup. These models, all Energy Star-rated, give you many options. When it comes to efficiency and performance, the modulating Carrier Infinity 98 59MN7 gas furnace offers outstanding climate control and 98.5 percent AFUE efficiency. The Infinity 25VNAO Greenspeed heat pump delivers modulated heating and cooling with a 20.5 SEER and an industry-leading 13.0 HSPF.
3. Bryant Evolution System HVAC Systems
Carrier and Bryant are sister companies so their product lineup is very similar. Bryant doesn’t offer as many models as Carrier. Its top gas furnace is a 98 percent model with variable-capacity heating and variable-speed blower. The top AC, the 180B, delivers cooling with a 20 SEER. Bryant’s best heat pump, the Evolution Extreme, achieves the same 20.5 SEER/13 HSPF as the Carrier 25VNAO Greenspeed heat pump.
4. Heil Observer HVAC Systems
Heil has made outstanding innovations with Observer Technology. This technology enables HVAC components to share information to synchronize performance. Communications technology like this increases efficiency and indoor comfort. Heil does very well in terms of performance and efficiency. The QuietComfort EC97 variable-speed, modulating gas furnace delivers 97 percent efficiency and comes with a great warranty. Two-stage heat pumps and central air conditioners both offer SEER ratings of 19, well above Energy Star minimums and among the most efficient in the industry. Heil offers unit replacement warranties on its top models. If the compressor or outdoor coil on the DXT+19 heat pump fails in the first ten years, Heil will replace the entire heat pump.
5. Maytag iQ Series HVAC Systems
The Maytag iQ Series is also sold under the brands Broan, Tappan, and Westinghouse. It is highly efficient and the best performing in the industry. The Maytag PSA4BI iQ Drive M1200 AC delivers AC with an extraordinary 25.5 SEER. The PHH4BI iQ Drive heat pump is equally impressive with a 22 SEER air conditioning and 10 HSPF heating. These are modulating models that produce precise performance. Maytag offers very good warranties on its top models. Its models come with a 12-year compressor and parts warranties. There is also a 12-year labor warranty on some installations. Maytag’s best furnace, the PGC2MQ iQ Drive M1200, delivers modulating heat at 97 percent efficiency. It runs with a variable-speed blower to maximize indoor comfort.
6. Trane XL and XV Series HVAC Systems
Trane has stagnated in the last few years, but has picked up the pace with the introduction of the Trane XV20i variable-capacity heat pump. This quiet model (54db) offers precise climate control and has a 19.75 SEER/10 HSPF. The XL series offers two-stage heating and air conditioning in quality gas furnaces, heat pumps, and ACs.
7. Rheem Prestige HVAC Systems
Rheem has a reputation for solid heating and air conditioning products. Its units aren’t on the cutting edge of technology, but provide reliability and durability. Prestige models feature two-stage heating and air conditioning in most models. All are Energy Star-rated but do not modulate.
8. Goodman Communicating System HVAC Systems
Goodman is regarded as a budget brand that makes quality units. Its best units are wired for the Goodman ComfortNet Technology to coordinate heating and air conditioning to maximize comfort and efficiency. Models like the Goodman 96 percent GMVM96 gas furnace offer modulating heat for precise climate control. The heat exchanger comes with a lifetime guarantee, standard among top-shelf furnaces. If the heat exchanger fails in the first ten years, Goodman will replace the entire furnace. Similar warranties are available on the Goodman 18 SEER DSZC18. It includes a lifetime compressor warranty and a 10-year unit replacement warranty. The Goodman DSXC18 air conditioner has the same warranty.