They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but, really, that honor should go to your HVAC system, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit that warms your house in winter, cools it in summer, and filters your indoor air year-round. In many ways, an HVAC system is the unsung hero of the home, but most of us never notice it until it's no longer working properly.
Thing is, buying a new HVAC system isn't as easy as, say, picking out a new sofa. You don't get to test one ahead of time, you can't put it anywhere you want, and, visually speaking, it isn't exactly a showstopper. You can feel secure in your pick, though, if you choose a unit from one of the best HVAC companies, which offer long warranties, high energy-efficiency ratings, and good prices.
1.TRANE
TRANE has been in business for more than 100 years, and in that time it has developed highly durable products. The company puts its heating and cooling units through 16 weeks of testing in extreme temperatures—the units are frozen, boiled, dropped, and shocked. After they're installed, they stand up to years' worth of wear and tear. Some Trane HVAC and air conditioning units still run after having been crushed by a backhoe or partially submerged by floodwaters.
Trane doesn't provide prices for all of its HVAC systems online, so if you're interested in purchasing a certain unit, you may have to call and request more information. Given their quality, though, Trane systems tend to cost more than those of other companies.
The company offers two warranty plans. One is a base limited warranty, which lasts for five years and covers parts that fail due to manufacturer defect but not the cost of the labor required to fix the unit. The other plan is a registered limited warranty that lasts for 10 years and likewise covers parts but not labor. To be eligible for it, you have to register your product within 60 days of installation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Thoroughly tested, durable equipment
- Offers Energy Star-certified products
- HVAC units are quiet
Cons:
Can be more expensive than other brands
2.Carrier
Pros & Cons
Units generally have good energy efficiency
Units are on the quiet side
Some products are eligible for tax rebates
Prices aren't listed on the website
Warranties aren't the strongest
Why It Made the List
Carrier is one of the top-rated HVAC companies in the U.S. The company stands out for its innovative, energy-efficient products, which it claims can remove up to 400 percent more moisture than other systems. Carrier's air conditioning units are also notably quieter than those of many competitors.
Warranties vary by product, but if you're the original owner, your unit will be under warranty for five to 20 years if you register it within 90 days of installation. Even if you don't register it within that time, it may still be covered for five years, which is more generous than some companies' warranties. Subsequent homeowners may also find that their home's unit is covered for a period of time. However, the warranties might not cover the refrigerant, maintenance, or the cost of diagnosing or repairing defective parts.
Like some of the other top HVAC companies, Carrier doesn't list prices on its website; it only assigns its products a vague rating of one to three dollar signs. The good news is that some of its units are eligible for rebates and federal tax credits that can help offset the cost of purchase.
3.LENNOX
Pros & Cons
Wide range of energy-efficient products
Wide availability
Flexible warranty plans
Prices aren't listed on the website
Units are on the loud side
Why It Made the List
Founded in 1895, Lennox has an impressive history at the forefront of green design and innovation. The company's air conditioners, gas furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps have been chosen as Energy Star Most Efficient products by the Environmental Protection Agency and have received other environmental awards. Its most efficient air conditioning unit has a SEER2 rating (a measure of efficiency) of up to 25.8, about five points higher than the highest-rated units from some other leading brands.
Lennox also offers an impressive range of warranty plans, although these can vary from product to product. Some products have five-year, parts-only plans or three-year labor coverage; others offer 20-year or limited lifetime warranties. One downside to Lennox is its opaque pricing. The company doesn't list prices on its website; rather, like Carrier, it uses a vague rating system of one to four dollar signs. The units also tend to be relatively noisy; even Lennox's quietest air conditioners register 59 dB, which is about 8 dB louder than some of its competitors' units.
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