The best air conditioner brands offer reliable cooling, durability, energy efficiency, and good value. After reviewing dozens of top brands, we recommend Carrier, Amana, and Goodman. Each caters to different budget levels and offers several models to meet unique efficiency requirements.

Premium AC brands can cost up to $21,900 including installation, while a comparable top-tier offering from a budget brand might cost $6,500. In addition to cost, you’ll want to consider factors such as your home’s size, your climate, and your interest in advanced technological features.

Below, we break down our top brands by tier — premium, midrange, and budget — to help you find the best air conditioning brand that closely aligns with your needs and budget.

## Our Air Conditioner Picks by Cost and Quality

We evaluated features and compiled data to help you compare efficiency ratings, sound ratings, cost data, warranties, and sustainability among the most popular air conditioning brands. Based on our findings, we organized our list into three categories: premium, midrange, and budget.

## Top Premium AC Brands

Our premium brands list includes Carrier, Trane, and Lennox. While these companies command top-tier prices, averaging **$3,000 to $21,900**, they’re a good choice for those who value advanced features, smart controls, quiet operation, and long-term utility bill savings.

### Best for Noise Level
#### Carrier
4.9

[Carrier](https://staging.todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/carrier-air-conditioner/) is known for its high-efficiency air conditioners, which offer excellent energy savings and quiet operation. Its advanced features help provide reliable cooling for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills over the long term.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 13–24 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 51–73 decibels (dB)
- **Price Range:** $3,000–$15,000

### Best for Efficiency
#### Trane
4.4

[Trane](https://todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/trane-air-conditioner/) is known for its durable builds and high efficiency, even in extreme climates. While it’s the most expensive brand on our list, it makes three air conditioning lines to suit different budget needs.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 14.5–22 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 55–75 dB
- **Price Range:** $7,000–$21,900

### Best For SEER
#### Lennox
4.3

[Lennox](https://staging.todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/lennox-air-conditioner/) offers the most energy-efficient air conditioners on the market, with some models boasting SEER ratings of up to 28.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 13–28 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 59–76 dB
- **Price Range:** $5,000–$10,500

## Top Midrange AC Brands

Our favorite midrange brands include Rheem, American Standard, and Amana. These companies have offerings that combine the best of both worlds, providing energy efficiency at a more affordable price point of around **$3,000 to $6,500**.

### Best A/C Model Variety
#### Amana
4.5

[Amana](https://staging.todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/amana-air-conditioner/) provides a standard 10-year limited warranty covering system and workmanship defects.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 14–24.5 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 59–75 dB
- **Price Range:** $3,500–$6,500

### Best for Sustainability
#### Rheem
4.4

[Rheem](https://staging.todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/rheem-air-conditioner/) offers affordable units starting at $3,000, making air conditioning units with SEER ratings up to 20.5.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 13–20.5 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 57–76 dB
- **Price Range:** $3,000–$4,800

### Best for Warranty
#### American Standard
4.3

[American Standard](https://staging.todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/american-standard-air-conditioner/) is known for its solid warranties and for responding quickly to warranty claims.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 13–21.5 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 57–75 dB
- **Price Range:** $3,500–$6,100

## Best Budget AC Brands

Our top picks for budget brands are Goodman, Frigidaire, and York. Air conditioning units from our budget brands cost about **$2,500 to $6,500**.

### Best Value
#### Goodman
5.0

[Goodman](https://staging.todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/goodman-air-conditioner/) delivers reliable cooling power without breaking the bank.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 13–24.5 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 57–75 dB
- **Price Range:** $3,500–$5,500

### Best for Affordability
#### Frigidaire
4.5

Frigidaire is a well-known name in the appliance and HVAC industries, offering affordable residential central air conditioning units.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 14–20 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 57–76 dB
- **Price Range:** $2,500–$6,500

### Best for Easy Maintenance
#### York
4.7

York’s budget-friendly air conditioning units start at $3,000.

- **Efficiency Rating:** 13–20 SEER
- **Sound Rating:** 53–73 dB
- **Price Range:** $3,000–$5,500

## Compare AC Brands by Features and Price

| Brand | Price Range | Best For |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Carrier | $4,800–$11,000 | Best for Noise Level |
| Trane | $7,000-$21,900 | Best for Efficiency |
| Lennox | $5,000–$10,500 | Best For SEER |
| Amana | $3,500–$6,500 | Best A/C Model Variety |
| Rheem | $3,000–$4,800 | Best for Sustainability |
| American Standard | $3,500–$6,100 | Best for Warranty |
| Goodman | $3,500–$5,500 | Best Unit Replacement Warranty |
| Frigidaire | $2,000–$7,000 | Best for Affordability |
| York | $2,500–$6,000 | Best Extended Warranty |

## How To Choose the Right AC Brand for Your Home

When it comes to choosing the right air conditioner for your home, you should consider factors specific to your circumstances. Large homes with high cooling demands often benefit from premium brands such as **Lennox** and **Carrier**.