Top 5 HVAC companies of 2024

An HVAC system helps regulate heating and cooling, making it one of the most critical systems in a home. Whether you’re looking to install a new HVAC system or maintain your existing one, the best HVAC companies can help you get the best systems and services for your money.

Fortunately, the best HVAC system brands and HVAC service companies are often the same. We break down the best HVAC companies below.

Why we picked Carrier

Carrier is one of the most well-known names in the HVAC industry for good reason. Founded in 1915 by Willis Carrier, who designed the first modern air conditioning system, the company has long been devoted to providing home comfort. Its Healthy Homes Program focuses on building products that improve air quality and prioritize safety, ensuring customers feel comfortable and secure in their homes.

With 25 Energy Star-certified air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps, Carrier has an outstanding range of efficient products that can save homeowners money on their energy bills. The company’s heat pumps are also some of the most efficient on the market, reaching up to 23 SEER2 and 10.5 HSP2.

Who should use Carrier

Customers who prioritize energy efficiency and air quality will find that Carrier’s products help them regulate their home’s temperature, breathe easier, and save on their energy bills — especially if they’re shopping for heat pumps.

Pros and cons of Carrier

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Lennox

Since building the first riveted steel furnace in 1895, Lennox has been a major name in heating and HVAC services. Like Carrier, Lennox today has its own Healthy Climate Solutions program that focuses on improving home air quality and regulating temperature.

Lennox has an extensive collection of products, from air purifiers to combat allergens to many Energy Star-certified central ACs, furnaces and heat pumps. The company’s heat pumps achieve excellent SEER2 ratings of up to 23 and HSPF2 ratings of 10.3 — just a touch below Carrier. The industry-leading central ACs, however, hit SEER ratings of up to 28.

Many of Lennox’s products have less exhaustive warranties, with the top-tier 10-year parts and compressor warranties reserved for the high-end products.

Who should use Lennox

Lennox offers some of the most efficient heat pumps on the market, but its central air conditioners excel. If you’re looking for a central AC unit to round out your HVAC system, Lennox is a great choice.

Pros and cons of Lennox

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Trane

Another HVAC company with 19th-century roots, Trane began as a plumbing business in 1885. Today, it’s much more.

Although Trane doesn’t offer quite the same efficiency ratings as competitors like Lennox and Carrier, it does offer an outstanding warranty program. Most products come with a 10-year parts and compressor standard warranty and can be extended up to 12 years. That can save you money on maintenance in the long run, especially considering all of Trane’s technicians are North American Technician Excellence? (NATE) certified, so you know you’re getting excellent service.

Trane also earns points for its smart-home app, which allows you to manage all your Trane products remotely.

Who should use Trane

Trane’s products are more expensive than those of its competitors. However, if durability and longevity are your core concerns, Trane’s excellent warranties and highly qualified technicians will help keep your HVAC system in good shape.

Pros and cons of Trane

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Bryant

A subsidiary of Carrier, Bryant is a slightly more budget-friendly alternative to the best HVAC company on our list. Bryant makes its own products, offers even more Energy Star-certified products than Carrier and features the same competitive warranty on many products.

Though Bryant benefits from Carrier’s dealer network and a tradition of durable, well-made products, it is a more budget brand, so it doesn’t offer the same level of innovation as Carrier with its Healthy Homes Program. Nonetheless, with a wide range of heat pumps, ACs and furnaces available, it’s a good choice for those on a budget.

Who should use Bryant

Customers who want high-quality products at a more affordable price will find Bryant their best bet.

Pros and cons of Bryant

Pros

Cons

Why we picked Frigidaire

Frigidaire may be more well-known for its kitchen appliances, but it also makes many HVAC products. With a handy product selector tool, the company’s website helps you find the right HVAC solution for your home based on region, fuel type and system type. That’s very useful because Frigidaire offers dozens of options.

Frigidaire doesn’t exactly excel in efficiency ratings, with a max SEER2 rating of 19 on its central air conditioners and 18.8 SEER2 and 8.5 HSPF2 on heat pumps. That said, it still offers 22 Energy Star-certified products and a 10-year parts and compressor warranty on many of them, which will help you save money on maintenance.

Who should use Frigidaire

If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, Frigidaire can help you make an informed choice and give you options at several price points.

Pros and cons of Frigidaire

Pros

Cons

Our picks at a glance

Honorable mentions

HVAC efficiency

A more efficient HVAC system may cost more, but that’s because it will also save you money on your electric bills in the long run. Understanding HVAC efficiency will help you make a more informed choice for your home.

Energy efficiency terms to know

The three most essential terms in HVAC efficiency are SEER, AFUE, HSPF and Energy Star. Here’s what to know:

Do you need the most efficient HVAC unit?

A more efficient HVAC unit will use less energy to heat and cool your home, saving you money on heating and cooling bills. However, more efficient systems often cost more.

Since many federal and state rebate programs incentivize homeowners to install more efficient systems, rebates may offset the increased cost. In such instances, it makes sense to spring for a more efficient, more expensive unit because you will save on the unit and installation and energy bills going forward.

If your home doesn’t have the necessary ductwork for a highly efficient HVAC system and your state doesn’t offer competitive rebates, a less efficient unit that is easier to install within your home’s existing layout may be a better choice.

HVAC system buying guide: 6 factors you should consider

When shopping for an HVAC system from one of our best HVAC companies, keep a few things in mind.

Cost

HVAC installation costs vary considerably based on the size and complexity of the system. (Some brands are also more expensive than others.) An HVAC system may cost anywhere from $1,000 to add just one heating or cooling unit to $35,000 for a state-of-the-art system with heat pumps. Make sure to shop around and determine what’s right for your home.

Efficiency

Look for the Energy Star label. The top-rated HVAC systems meet energy standards and will help you save money on heating bills in the long term.

Maintenance

HVAC systems have many intricate parts, especially if you have ductwork and both central air conditioning and furnace units. The more intricate the system, the more you’ll have to worry about maintenance. That said, some companies — like Carrier and Lennox — rate better for reliable HVAC maintenance than others.

Noise range

Nobody wants to have a dull hum in the back of their heads when trying to sleep every night. HVAC systems can be noisy, so it’s worth looking at the decibel (dB) output before purchasing. 50dB to 60dB is a good target number for an outdoor unit, while 20dB is suitable for indoor units.

Size

The size of your HVAC system should depend on the size of your home. Larger homes need larger units. For instance, a 1,000- to 1,500-square-foot home needs a 2-ton air conditioner, but a 2,500-square-foot home may need a 5-ton unit.

Warranty

Virtually every HVAC company offers a warranty for parts and labor. Sometimes, the warranty comes standard, but you may have to opt into it or pay to extend beyond the initial period. An HVAC warranty can save you money on maintenance, so it’s worth looking into when shopping for a particular brand or product.

Maintenance tips for HVAC systems

Reliable HVAC maintenance is the best way to avoid costly HVAC repairs. Get your HVAC system inspected every year. An annual inspection is often included in the standard warranty you get when you purchase a unit, but you should continue to get yearly inspections after the warranty expires to prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system.

You don’t need a professional for everything. Simple HVAC repairs and maintenance, like replacing the thermostat or changing the air filter, can help keep your HVAC system in good shape.

How to choose the best HVAC service provider

Shopping for an HVAC service company can feel overwhelming. There are many options on the market and many considerations for your home. Plus, installing an HVAC system is an expensive project. Here are a few tips to help you save:

Methodology

FAQs