Lennox manufactures nine central air conditioners, ranging from its flagship SL28XCV with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 28, to its basic Merit model with a SEER rating of 13. However, while it gets high marks for energy efficiency on its high-end models, Lennox air conditioners are known for being louder than other brands’ AC units, averaging 70 decibels compared to the industry average of 40 to 60 decibels. Lennox air conditioners feature:

• SEER ratings up to 28
• Proprietary coil designed to withstand harsh elements
• Compatibility with iComfort smart thermostats
• Substantial savings on utility bills

All 10 of Lennox’s heat pumps are Energy Star-qualified, and even its basic, single-stage Merit unit earns a SEER rating of 16. At the other end of the spectrum, the top-of-the-line SL25XPV has a SEER rating of 24 and comes with Precise Comfort technology to adjust heating and cooling for minimal energy output. For even more energy savings, Lennox’s heat pumps can be paired with a Lennox gas furnace, so you can switch back and forth, depending on which fuel is the most cost-efficient at the time. Lennox’s heat pumps features:

• SEER ratings up to 24
• Proprietary coil designed to withstand harsh elements
• Dual-fuel compatibility
• Substantial savings on utility bills

Dave Lennox invented the riveted-steel furnace, so it’s no surprise Lennox is one of the premier furnace makers on the market. Although some of the gas furnaces are only available regionally, Lennox offers 15 gas models and two oil models. All four of the Lennox heating units in the Signature series have variable-capacity gas furnaces, allowing them to perform continuously at the most energy efficient speed. Lennox furnaces feature:

• Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings up to 99%
• Compatibility with iComfort smart thermostats on most models
• Single-, two-, and variable-capacity options

According to professional Carrier air conditioner reviews, the company’s AC units are among the quietest and most efficient in the industry. Its flagship 24VNA model has a SEER rating of 26 thanks to its inverter-driven, variable-speed compressor that is designed to operate nearly continuously. As a result, it maintains a more consistent temperature. Additionally, its superior sound blanket allows it to do so while running at a sound level as low as 51 decibels. Carrier’s AC units feature:

• Single-, two-, and variable speed Copeland compressors
• SEER ratings up to 26
• Sound level ratings as low as 51 decibels
• Air purification included on some models

While Carrier only has 11 heat pumps (versus 16 air conditioners), the lines are comparable. Like its top-of-the-line air conditioner, the Carrier’s premier 25VNA4 heat pump has Greenspeed Intelligence that helps maintain the home’s temperature and a sound rating as low as 51 decibels. It has models available for every budget, including the more economical 25HCE4 that offers Carrier quality with standard comfort features. Carrier’s heat pumps feature:

• Single-, two-, and variable speed Copeland compressors
• SEER ratings up to 24
• Sound level ratings as low as 51 decibels
• HSPF rating of up to 13

Carrier has a wide range of furnaces with options available in its Infinity, Performance, and Comfort series. Its most advanced furnace, the 59MN7, boasts an AFUE rating of 98.5 percent, meaning that 98.5 percent of the fuel used is converted into heat. While most of Carrier’s furnaces use natural gas only, some have the ability to convert to liquid propane and others are fueled by oil. Carrier’s furnaces feature:

• Single-stage, two-stage, and modulating gas valves
• Fixed-, multi-, and variable-speed blowers
• AFUE ratings of up to 98.5 percent with most above 90 percent
• Models designed to meet California regulations

Bryant’s flagship air conditioner, the 186CNV earns a SEER rating of 26 thanks to its inverter-driven, variable-speed compressor which is able to maintain a more consistent temperature. This model also has a sound blanket that reduces its sound level to 51 decibels, the equivalent of a refrigerator’s hum. Bryant air conditioners feature:

• Single-, two-, and variable speed Copeland compressors
• SEER ratings up to 26
• Sound level ratings as low as 51 decibels
• Wireless thermostat capabilities in all models

Bryant’s most efficient model, the 284ANV, has a SEER rating of 24 and sound level ratings as low as 51 decibels, just like Carrier’s 25VNA4 heat pump. At the lower end of the line, both companies offer three nearly identical single-stage units. The Preferred series has a mix of mid-level units with single- and two-stage compressors and a SEER rating up to 17. Bryant heat pumps feature:

• Single-, two-, and variable speed Copeland compressors
• SEER ratings up to 24
• Sound level ratings as low as 51 decibels
• HSPF rating of up to 13

Bryant offers both natural gas (convertible to liquid propane with an accessory kit) and oil furnaces. While Bryant’s natural gas furnaces come in all three series (Evolution, Preferred, and Legacy), its oil furnaces are available only in the Preferred and Legacy lines. Bryant furnaces feature:

• Single-stage, two-stage, and modulating gas valves on natural gas units
• Fixed-, multi-, and variable-speed blowers
• Beckett or Riello burners on oil furnaces
• AFUE ratings of up to 98.5 percent with most above 90 percent

There are six different Goodman air conditioner units, including three that can adjust their cooling power to minimize the amount of energy they use. These AC units earn respectable SEER ratings from 24.5 to 17. The other three AC units are basic but durable and come with a two-year unit replacement limited warranty. Goodman air conditioners feature:

• Single-, two-, and variable-speed Copeland compressors
• SEER ratings up to 24.5
• Minimum two-year unit replacement and 10-year parts limited warranties    
• 500-hour spray-salt tested cabinet finish

Goodman offers a heat pump lineup similar to that of its air conditioners. Its top three models also have proprietary ComfortBridge technology that allows for better energy efficiency, and they’re enclosed in a galvanized steel case. As with its air conditioners, Goodman’s heat pumps run somewhat louder than similar models from other brands, with sound levels of 72 to 76 decibels. However, the higher decibels may be worth its strong warranty. Goodman heat pumps feature:

• Single-, two-, and variable-speed Copeland compressors
• SEER ratings up to 24.5
• Minimum two-year unit replacement and 10-year parts limited warranties    
• 500-hour spray-salt tested cabinet finish

Goodman sells gas furnaces (not oil furnaces) and divides its 27 models into those with Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 90% and higher and those with AFUE ratings between 80% and 90%. Its top-of-the-line furnace is comparable to high-efficiency furnaces from other major brands with an AFUE rating of 98% and built-in energy-saving technologies, but it sells for less. Goodman furnaces feature:

• Multi- and variable-speed blowers
• Aluminized-steel heat exchanger for optimum durability 
• Up to 10-year unit replacement and 10-year parts limited warranties
• 20-year or lifetime limited warranty on the heat exchanger

Mitsubishi’s M-Series indoor units offer versatile solutions for both residential and light commercial applications. These units provide efficient and customizable cooling options for various room sizes. Key features include:

• SEER ratings vary depending on the model, typically ranging from 18 to 26 
• Warranty coverage typically includes a limited warranty on parts for a specified period, varying by model and installation
• Available models from 9,000 to 48,000 BTU/H
• Mini- and multi-split systems for flexible installation options

Mitsubishi’s M-Series outdoor units complement their indoor counterparts, providing efficient and reliable heat pump solutions. These outdoor units are designed to work seamlessly with Mitsubishi’s indoor units, offering enhanced comfort and energy efficiency. Key features include:

• Reliable performance for residential and light commercial applications
• SEER ratings vary depending on the model, typically ranging from 18 to 26
• Warranty coverage typically includes a limited warranty on parts for a specified period, varying by model and installation

While Mitsubishi primarily focuses on ductless systems, they offer innovative furnace solutions for specific applications. These furnaces are designed to deliver efficient heating performance and come with features such as:

• High AFUE ratings for energy efficiency 
• Multi-speed blowers for consistent airflow 
• Quality construction for durability and reliability
• Limited information available on SEER ratings as Mitsubishi focuses primarily on ductless systems
• Warranty coverage typically includes a limited warranty on parts for a specified period, varying by model and installation