HVAC brands compared by price
Installed central AC prices range from about $2,300 to $7,000 for value brands like Bryant and Goodman to $3,000 to $15,000 for Carrier and Lennox, which offer premium variable-speed lines. Within each brand, the model line and efficiency matter more than the name.
Installed AC price range by brand
$2,300 – $15,000across major brands
Most brand-name central ACs cost $3,000 to $8,000 installed. Value models start near $2,300; premium variable-speed lines from Carrier and Lennox reach $10,000 to $15,000.
Installed AC prices by brand
| Brand | Installed price | Top SEER2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bryant | $2,300 – $7,000 | Up to 24.0 |
| Amana | $2,800 – $7,500 | Up to 22.5 |
| Heil | $3,000 – $9,000+ | Up to 19.0 |
| Carrier | $3,000 – $15,000 | Up to 24.0 |
| Goodman | $3,200 – $6,500 | Up to 24.5 |
| American Standard | $3,500 – $8,000 | Up to 21.5 |
| Lennox | $3,500 – $10,000 | Up to 25.8 |
Equipment prices by brand
| Brand | AC unit | Gas furnace | Heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman | $1,200 – $3,000 | $600 – $3,200 | $1,100 – $3,900 |
| Amana | $1,300 – $4,500 | $900 – $2,900 | $1,000 – $4,800 |
| Coleman | $1,300 – $3,500 | $800 – $2,000 | $1,300 – $4,700 |
| York | $1,400 – $4,700 | $800 – $2,000 | $1,400 – $3,600 |
| Bryant | $1,400 – $3,500 | $800 – $3,400 | $1,600 – $4,500 |
| Heil | $1,400 – $3,000 | $1,700 – $2,200 | $1,200 – $4,700 |
| American Standard | $1,500 – $4,300 | $850 – $3,000 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Trane | $1,600 – $5,800 | $1,200 – $3,400 | $1,800 – $4,200 |
| Lennox | $1,600 – $5,600 | $1,400 – $7,500 | $2,200 – $5,700 |
| Rheem / Ruud | $1,800 – $5,500 | $800 – $3,900 | $1,400 – $3,800 |
| Carrier | $2,500 – $5,800 | $1,000 – $2,800 | $2,100 – $4,900 |
Sister brands
Many brands share factories and parts: Carrier, Bryant, Payne and Heil (Carrier family); Trane and American Standard; Goodman, Amana and Daikin; Rheem and Ruud; York and Coleman. A sister brand can offer similar equipment for less.
How to choose a brand
- Installer first: a well-installed mid-range unit beats a poorly installed premium one.
- Warranty: compare parts (often 10 years when registered) and labor coverage.
- Local support: pick a brand your contractor services often, so parts are easy to get.
- Efficiency tier: compare models at the same SEER2 and stages, not just brand names.
Brand guides: Trane air conditioner cost, Carrier air conditioner cost, Rheem air conditioner cost, Goodman air conditioner cost.
How to get a fair quote
- Get at least three written quotes that list the brand, model number, size (tons or BTU) and efficiency rating.
- Ask whether the price includes permits, removal of the old unit, refrigerant, a new thermostat and any duct or electrical work.
- Ask for a load calculation (Manual J) instead of matching the old unit's size by default.
- Compare labor warranties (1 to 10 years) as well as the manufacturer's parts warranty, and register the equipment.
- Schedule non-urgent work in spring or fall, when contractors are less busy and more willing to discount.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most affordable HVAC brand?
Goodman, Amana, Bryant and Rheem are among the most affordable major brands.
Which HVAC brand is the most reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on installation and maintenance. Major brands use similar components; pick a trusted installer and a strong warranty.
Are Trane and American Standard the same?
They're made by the same company and share many components, with American Standard often priced a bit lower.
Sources
Prices are national averages and typical ranges from published cost data. Your price depends on your home, region, equipment and contractor, so get several written quotes. Heat & Air Costs is not an HVAC contractor; read our disclaimer.