- On February 21, 2023
Updated February 21, 2023
As with any other product, each AC manufacturer has its loyal fans. At Howard Air, with more than 30 years of experience installing and repairing air conditioners in one of the hottest climates in the country, we like to think we’ve got a pretty good handle on who builds the best products.
We don’t install or service any air conditioner brands we don’t trust to get the job done, but we’ve found that in our line of work, there really are some superstar manufacturers.
Here are the brands we stand behind for their quality and consistency.
1. Carrier
We’re a certified Carrier installer, and we’ve installed more of these units than we can count. Carrier has been around longer than anyone – their founder, Willis Carrier, is the inventor of the modern air conditioning unit. We like their Infinity series for efficiency and their Comfort series for economy.
2. Trane
We’re certified to install Trane systems as well, and we’re big fans of their corrosion resistance and their expertise in variable-speed airflow. Staying on top of technology is important to us, and Trane has always pushed our industry in the right direction.
3. York
Here’s what we like about York units: their powder-coating holds up exceptionally well in harsh weather, they manufacture units that are designed to deliver efficiency even in our hot Southwest climate, and their features are particularly user-friendly. Like so many of the manufacturer’s air conditioners we service, York has been around for well over 100 years – in fact, they were founded in 1874 as an ice machine manufacturer. We can always get behind that kind of manufacturing history.
4. Goodman
Goodman units are designed to strike that all-important balance between savings and performance, and they strike it nicely – plus, their units are very dependable. Their biggest selling point may be that their HVAC systems are environmentally friendly, a factor that is increasingly important to many of our customers.
5. Rheem
Rheem gets tons of brand recognition, which is because their dependable performance has made them one of the most popular household names in the business. We like their excellent warranties and industry-leading customer service and support, too.
6. Ruud
Once again, Ruud proves that a century in the industry really means something. Offering great warranties and customer support, plus excellent technical assistance for installers, Ruud provides peace of mind for our customers.
7. Lennox
Customers like the Lennox brand because their products are well-reviewed by consumers, and they like the array of Energy Star-qualified products that Lennox manufactures. We like them because they’ve proven their durability and the quality of manufacturing.
FAQ
Do Air Conditioner Brands Really Matter?
The short answer is: yes. Not all brands are necessarily built with the consumer in mind, and there can be a wide difference between the quality, durability, and reliability of various brands. Also, different brands may offer different features at different price points.
However, you shouldn’t necessarily dismiss any brand. A brand that works well for your neighbors’ needs may not offer the features you’re looking for. So, consider thinking about what matters most to you from an air conditioner, then find which brand offers you the most at your preferred price point. You may find that the best AC brands, often known for their high price, may offer more budget-friendly units, or you may find that uncommon brands offer low-cost yet feature-rich units.
What is a Good SEER Rating for an AC Unit?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. As you may expect, it’s a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner works to cool your home. The higher the number, the more efficient the air conditioner operates.
As you shop around for the best air conditioner for your needs, you’ll find that SEER ranges from 13 to 26, with most of the best air conditioner brands sitting somewhere in the 14 to 21 range. For those living in Phoenix or anywhere in the valley, you should try to find a system with a SEER rating of at least 14.
Additionally, while an AC system with a higher SEER2 rating is often more expensive than those with lower ratings, you may end up making the difference in your monthly energy bill. A more efficient system should help reduce your utility bill.
How Do You Find a Reliable Local AC Contractor Fast?
Ideally, you’ll be able to spend the cooler months researching the best air conditioning units and contractors. During the fall and winter, the need for AC isn’t as great, allowing time to be a luxury.
However, if your current system breaks or requires replacement unexpectedly, you may not have time to wait around as temperatures climb into the triple digits. In that situation, you need to quickly find a reliable AC contractor that won’t take advantage of your need.
Often, the best way to find such a contractor is through word-of-mouth. If a friend or neighbor recently went through a similar situation, you can rely on their opinions to see if their contractor would fit your needs.
Of course, you can also search online at Google business ratings and other online reviews to get a general gist of a contractor’s price and level of customer service. While time may be of the essence, don’t hesitate to reach out to several companies to ensure that you’re working with a contractor that will treat you and your home with respect.
What is the Average Lifespan of a New AC Unit?
There’s a lot that goes into how long your new AC unit will last. An improper installation or lack of preventative maintenance can have detrimental effects on your unit’s lifespan and force you to find a replacement unit sooner than expected. Not even the best AC brands last forever, so it’s important to take care of your system to keep it operating efficiently and properly.
However, most new air conditions should last at least 12 years. Ideally, though, it should last at least 15 years and even up to 20. While the best air condition brands should easily hit the 15-year mark, you may also find that those designed to last longer are a little more expensive. Pushing back the need for a new unit, though, may make the extra cost worth it, though. Ideally, try to find the right balance between your ideal price point and a system that will last.
How Do I Know What Size Air Conditioning Unit My House Needs?
This may be a question that a licensed and insured HVAC technician can only answer after they’ve inspected your home. That’s because there are a variety of factors that will determine how big of an air conditioning unit your home needs:
- Your home’s square footage
- Your home’s layout
- The number of windows in your home
- The type of insulation used in your home
- Where your home is located and how much shade it receives
Generally, a larger home will need a bigger system, but houses with unique layouts or uninsulated windows may need one, too. Of course, finding the ideal size is important, as you don’t want to spend too much on a system you don’t need or spend too little on an underpowered system that fails to keep your home cool.
Choose Howard Air for Your Phoenix Area A/C Needs
At Howard Air, we’re happy to help you select the right brand for your needs if you’re shopping for a new unit. We’ll listen to your concerns and priorities and then make a recommendation based on your individual customer needs – no two homes are exactly alike.
Choose from any of these air conditioner brands and you can expect top quality, and, paired with our proven record of 30 years of satisfied customers, that’s an unbeatable combination! Simply click here or call (623) 201-5153 to contact us.
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