The central air conditioner brands mentioned here are currently the most preferred. They have received excellent ratings, good reviews and an impressive SEER and Energy Star ranking. Take your pick.
Nowadays the most common form of central air conditioning is the split AC system. In split air conditioners, the condenser is installed outside the house and the conditioning unit is placed inside. Both are connected by pipes that carry the refrigerant (cooling agent). However, not every house can occupy a split air conditioner due to the amount of duct-work involved. Such houses can settle down with a split ductless system. Another important feature to remember while purchasing a central air conditioner unit is; SEER rating. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings display the efficiency of the AC system. A higher SEER rating means more cooling and efficiency, less power wastage and low electricity bills.
Popular Central Air Conditioners
Consumers do find reputed and popular brands of air conditioners expensive. Such brands cost more but they do give a high warranty and maintenance period. With so many good brands around, it would be unfair to point on a single name and call it the best. Here are some good options to choose from.
* All the brands mentioned are Energy Star Rated.
* They all possess a 10 year warranty on their parts.
Maytag M1200 Series
PSA4BI iQ Drive
- Has a SEER rating of 25.4.
- iQ Drive ensures that the dehumidification mode helps maintain humidity levels and make surroundings more comfortable.
- Has a strong galvanized steel body which resists corrosion 50% more than other air-conditioners in the market.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the Maytag M1200 PSA4BI iQ Drive starts from $3500.
PSA4BF
- Has a SEER rating of 16.
- The Two-stage cooling mode maintains balanced temperature in the interiors and enhances dehumidification.
- The compressor sound blanket reduces unwanted noise to the maximum.
- ComfortAlert module detects system problems and helps the technician solve them.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the Maytag M1200 PSA4F starts from $2500.
Lennox XC Series
XC17
- Has a SEER Rating of 18.
- The Solar-Ready option adds solar modules which helps to create a solar system that powers the conditioner and lowers electricity bills.
- The SilentComfort minimizes unwanted noise without hampering the cooling.
- The Whole-Home dehumidification system balances the moisture and improves the indoor air quality.
- Has a strong galvanized steel body which resists corrosion and other pollutants.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the Lennox XC17 starts from $2500.
XC21
- Has a SEER Rating of 21.20.
- The Solar-Ready option adds solar modules which helps to create a solar system that powers the conditioner and lowers electricity bills.
- The SilentComfort minimizes unwanted noise without hampering the cooling.
- The Whole-Home dehumidification system balances the moisture and improves the indoor air quality.
- Has a strong galvanized steel body which resists corrosion and other pollutants.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the Lennox XC21 starts from $2600.
American Standard Platinum and Gold Series
Platinum ZM
- Has a SEER rating of 20.
- Communicates with other system components via the AccuLink Communicating System.
- Superior efficiency saves almost 60% energy and reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
- The super-quiet fan motor ensures 360º cooling with almost no noise.
- Rust resistant overall body coating that protects the unit from pollutants and rust.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the American Standard Platinum ZM starts from $2,300.
Gold XI
- Has a SEER rating of 18.
- Operates with minimum noise even on the hottest days.
- Ensures a reliable and efficient cooling with its Spine Fin coil and Durable Duration compressor.
- The super-quiet fan motor ensures 360º cooling with almost no noise.
- Rust resistant overall body coating that protects the unit from pollutants and rust.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the American Standard Gold XI starts from $1,000.
Trane XL and XR Series
XL20i
- Has a SEER rating of 20.
- The Comfort-R feature enhances airflow and controls humidity in the surroundings.
- The XL20i has two compressors; one for the winter and one for the hotter days.
- The ClearEffects air filtration system removes dust and other irritants which makes indoor air clean and healthy.
- WeatherGuard and DuraTuff protect the unit from rust, corrosion and other pollutants.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the Trane XL20i starts from $2600.
XR15
- Has a SEER rating of 17.
- The Comfort-R feature enhances airflow and controls humidity in the surroundings.
- The ClearEffects air filtration system removes dust and other irritants which makes indoor air clean and healthy.
- WeatherGuard and DuraTuff protect the unit from rust, corrosion and other pollutants.
- The upgraded fan motor ensures total cooling with minimum noise.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the Trane XR15 starts from $2100.
Amana ASX Series
ASXC18
- Has a SEER rating of 18.
- The ASXC18 is fitted with ComfortNet communication system that provides in-depth information to the user.
- ComfortAlert diagnostic technology alerts the user regarding any mechanical issues.
- A high-density foam and an enhanced compressor is used to minimize sound issues.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- The price of the ASXC18 starts from $2600.
ASX13
- Has a SEER rating of 13.
- A PVC-coated wire grill is used to protect the fan and motor and the body is made from galvanized steel to resist corrosion.
- ComfortAlert diagnostic technology alerts the user regarding any mechanical issues.
- Uses environment-friendly non-ozone-depleting SmartCool 410 (R-410A) refrigerant.
- A high-density foam and an enhanced compressor is used to minimize sound issues.
- The price of the ASX13 starts from $1500.
The latest technological developments have helped these air conditioning units come a long way in terms of efficiency and power. Before making a purchase, it is important to check if the preferred model is Energy STAR certified. A central air conditioner is an expensive investment, hence it is advised to browse through various names before selecting one.