Choosing the Right HVAC Brand

With dozens of HVAC brands on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Our brand comparisons break down the key differences in efficiency, reliability, price, and features to help you make an informed decision.

Unbiased comparisons
Real efficiency data
Price comparisons
Updated for 2024

All Brand Comparisons

Carrier vs Trane

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Both Carrier and Trane are top-tier premium brands with excellent reliability and efficiency. Carrier edges ahead on maximum efficiency (26 SEER), whi...

Carrier
Up to 26 SEER
Trane
Up to 22 SEER
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Lennox vs Carrier

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Lennox and Carrier are both premium brands with impressive efficiency ratings. Lennox offers the highest SEER ratings in the industry (up to 28), whil...

Lennox
Up to 28 SEER
Carrier
Up to 26 SEER
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Goodman vs Carrier

Depends on needs

Goodman offers solid reliability at a budget-friendly price, while Carrier delivers premium efficiency and features. Your choice depends on budget vs....

Goodman
Up to 19 SEER
Carrier
Up to 26 SEER
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Daikin vs Mitsubishi

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Daikin and Mitsubishi are the two leading premium ductless/mini-split brands. Mitsubishi has a slight edge in maximum efficiency and cold-climate perf...

Daikin
Up to 24.5 SEER
Mitsubishi
Up to 30.5 SEER
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Rheem vs Trane

Depends on needs

Rheem offers premium features at a more accessible price point, while Trane delivers legendary durability at a premium cost. Both are excellent choice...

Rheem
Up to 20 SEER
Trane
Up to 22 SEER
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Bryant vs Carrier

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Bryant and Carrier are sister brands under the same parent company (Carrier Global). Bryant offers similar technology at lower price points, while Car...

Bryant
Up to 20 SEER
Carrier
Up to 26 SEER
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American Standard vs Trane

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American Standard and Trane are manufactured by the same company. They share technology and components, but Trane commands a premium price for its bra...

American-standard
Trane
Up to 22 SEER
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Goodman vs Rheem

Depends on needs

Goodman is the budget king with solid reliability, while Rheem offers more premium features at a moderate price increase. Both deliver good value but ...

Goodman
Up to 19 SEER
Rheem
Up to 20 SEER
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Fujitsu vs Mitsubishi

Depends on needs

Both are excellent Japanese mini-split brands. Fujitsu offers higher efficiency ratings and better value, while Mitsubishi has stronger brand recognit...

Fujitsu
Up to 33 SEER
Mitsubishi
Up to 30.5 SEER
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Lennox vs Trane

Depends on needs

Lennox leads in maximum efficiency (28 SEER) and innovation, while Trane is known for legendary durability. Both are premium choices with different st...

Lennox
Up to 28 SEER
Trane
Up to 22 SEER
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York vs Carrier

Carrier

Carrier generally outperforms York on efficiency and innovation, though York offers good mid-range value. Carrier is the safer choice for residential ...

York
Up to 20 SEER
Carrier
Up to 26 SEER
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Ruud vs Rheem

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Ruud and Rheem are manufactured by the same company with virtually identical products. The main difference is dealer network and local availability....

Ruud
Up to 20 SEER
Rheem
Up to 20 SEER
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How We Compare Brands

Efficiency

SEER ratings determine cooling efficiency. Higher SEER means lower energy bills. We compare maximum available efficiency for each brand.

Reliability

Based on industry data, customer reviews, and our experience servicing these brands in the Bay Area over many years.

Value

We consider upfront cost, long-term energy savings, warranty coverage, and typical repair costs to determine overall value.

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