Bryant Named One of the Best HVAC Companies by U.S. News & World Report for Second Consecutive Year

May 19, 2023
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN. – MAR. 20, 2023

Bryant has been named one of the best HVAC companies of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report’s 360 Reviews team. This is the second consecutive year that Bryant ranked No. 2.

Reviewers found Bryant to have some of the most techno- logically advanced, innovative, reliable, and high-quality products, which are also among the most energy-efficient and quiet. In addition, the number of products and options Bryant offers was viewed as a differentiator.

What Is Bryant?

Bryant dates back to 1904 when Charles Bryant founded the Natural Gas Regulator Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Eventually, the company became Bryant Heater & Manufacturing, which was sold in 1934 to Dresser Industries. After a series of purchases and mergers, Bryant’s then parent company, Affiliated Gas Equipment, merged with Carrier in 1955.

Today, Bryant operates under the umbrella of Carrier Global Corporation. Both companies’ HVAC systems are made in the same factories with the same parts. Although most of their models are identical, you’ll pay slightly less for the Bryant system.

Bryant ratings.

Ranked #2 in Best HVAC Companies of 2023

Best for:

  • Anyone who wants a Carrier-quality HVAC system for less
  • Those looking for an exceptionally quiet system
  • Homeowners concerned about energy efficiency

Not recommended for:

  • Shoppers who prioritize a long warranty
  • Customers who must have the latest innovations

Given that Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems is owned by Carrier Global Corporation, it’s no surprise that Bryant comes in at No. 2 in our rating, just behind Carrier. Both are made in the same factory with the same parts. With the exception of a few models, the only real difference between the lines is the brand name and slightly lower price tag. However, advances and new technologies typically debut in the Carrier line before popping up in Bryant systems.

Bryant’s top-tier air conditioner features an inverter-driven compressor and a sound blanket that reduces its noise to as low as 51 decibels. Its furnaces deliver consistent comfort at a level of up to 98.3% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), just slightly behind Carrier’s top performance of 98.5% AFUE. Reviewers say that if you want Carrier quality but are on a budget, you should consider its Bryant equivalent.

Bryant products come in three series: Evolution, Preferred, and Legacy. The air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces in its Evolution series are the company’s highest-performing models, while those in the Preferred line deliver some of its energy-efficient features at a lower price. The Legacy series consists of the company’s budget-friendly models.

All Bryant air conditioners and heat pumps use either single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed compressors. They also feature Puron, Carrier’s non-ozone depleting R-410a refrigerant. The company’s furnaces all have single-, two-, or modulating-stage gas valves and variable-, multi-, or fixed-speed blowers. In addition to air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces, Bryant sells smart thermostats, geothermal heat pumps, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, CO alarms, and UV lamps. It also has a line of light commercial systems.

Even though the Bryant is less expensive than Carrier, the company’s units can still cost more than some other brands, especially if you opt for a model in the Evolution series. Reviewers say that budget shoppers are getting a good deal with the Legacy series if they don’t mind lower energy efficiency. In fact, Bryant includes wireless thermostat capability in its Legacy series air conditioners and heat pumps, something most of its competitors in this price range do not.

Across the board, reviewers feel that Bryant systems rank among the best in the industry. However, they complain that the warranty should be better given the cost. Most Bryant products come with a 10-year limited warranty on specified parts if you register your unit within 90 days. Some Evolution products have a warranty that will replace the entire unit if the compressor or heat exchanger fails within 10 years.

How Much Does Bryant Cost?

Bryant doesn’t provide pricing information to consumers. This is because the systems are purchased through a Bryant authorized HVAC dealer, which increases the price to cover labor, taxes, and its profit margin. Other factors go into your final price as well, such as the size of your house, whether you need duct added or replaced, and any additional features you decide to add to the system, like an air purifier.

Reviewers say on average you can expect to pay between $6,000 to $9,000 for an installed Bryant air conditioner and $2,700 to $5,000 for an installed natural gas furnace. Most of Bryant’s units qualify for federal tax credits of $300 for air conditioners and heat pumps and $15 for furnaces. Additionally, units may qualify for local tax credits.

Because a new HVAC system is a substantial investment, Bryant offers financing with approved credit from Wells Fargo Bank. Your local Bryant HVAC contractor may also have financing options or offer special financing promotions.

Bryant Products

Like Carrier, Bryant has three levels of products: Evolution, Preferred, and Legacy. The Evolution series features the company’s top-of-the-line models and latest technology. At the other end of the spectrum, the Legacy series offers quality and durability at an affordable price. The Preferred series bridges the gap.

Air conditioners

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

Heat pumps

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

Furnaces

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

Other products

Bryant also sells ductless systems, packaged products, geothermal heat pumps, and other HVAC-related products in addition to air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. You can also add air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and carbon monoxide alarms to your existing system. To help regulate temperature, Bryant sells a wide range of thermostats, from non-programmable units to Wi-Fi enabled ones that continually communicate with your system to maintain comfort and efficiency.