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HVAC

Bryant Air Conditioner Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 3/5

Average Cost: $6,000 - $9,000

Bryant air conditioners, with a legacy dating back to 1904, offer homeowners high-quality cooling solutions. They boast durable construction, energy efficiency across all models, and a range of products catering to different needs and budgets, although they tend to have higher upfront costs. Bryant provides a 10-year warranty for its units, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind for homeowners, making it an appealing choice for those looking to upgrade or replace their AC unit.

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Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Bryant’s reputation for providing quality air conditioners stretches back more than a century — the company was founded in 1904 by Charles Bryant in Cleveland. Bryant merged with Carrier in 1955.

Bryant air conditioners are an excellent option for homeowners considering an AC unit upgrade or replacement. Bryant’s heating and cooling products are manufactured by a leading air conditioning company that’s a sister company to other top-tier names in the HVAC industry, such as HEIL, Payne, and Carrier. In fact, Bryant’s AC units are nearly identical to those offered by Carrier, which means homeowners can rest easy knowing they are purchasing one of the highest-quality air conditioning units for their homes.

byrant air conditioners buying guide

 

Bryant Air Conditioner Pros and Cons

Bryant air conditioners are among the best products available for both heating and cooling your home. Like all products, though, they have their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Pros

    • Durability
    • Efficiency
    • Value
    • Warranty
  • Cons

    • Cost

Pros

  • Air conditioners that carry the Bryant name can withstand rugged winter weather conditions and operate seamlessly throughout the dog days of summer.
  • Bryant provides a wide range of air conditioners. Its base Legacy models deliver up to a 16.2 SEER2 efficiency rating, while its premium Evolution models have a cooling efficiency up to 24 SEER2.
  • Bryant air conditioners represent excellent value without ultra-premium pricing associated with other premium brands.
  • Bryant AC units come with a 10-year warranty if properly registered within 90 days. Bryant also will do a one-time replacement of major components (compressor, evaporator coil, heat exchanger) should they fail.

Cons

  • Cost-conscious homeowners seeking to replace or upgrade their AC units may have to opt for a less-expensive brand.

Types of Bryant Air Conditioners

Bryant offers three models of air conditioners — Legacy, Preferred, and their top-tier Evolution series. Here’s a quick glance at each model:

Legacy

Singles-stage Legacy models offer increased energy efficiency and operating noise levels as low as 72 decibels.

Preferred

Homeowners can enjoy enhanced energy efficiency with Bryant’s mid-range Preferred lineup of air conditioning units. Noise levels drop slightly to 71 dBA, and added features include two-stage compressors on certain units.

Evolution

Bryant’s premium line of AC units operate as low as 51 dBA and come with variable-speed compressors, enhanced humidity management, and smartphone control of features like temperature, humidity, fan speed and air quality.

Cost Ranges for Bryant AC Units

Bryant, like other HVAC product manufacturers, doesn’t provide exact pricing on its website. Big-box home improvements stores also don’t list exact product pricing.

The price you’ll pay for a new air conditioning unit by Bryant depends on a wide range of factors, but homeowners may pay an average of $6,000 and $9,000 for a new Bryant air conditioner. Costs could be much higher if homeowners opt for an AC unit in Bryant’s Evolution product line, or they could be lower if they purchase a more basic model from the Legacy lineup. Keep in mind that entry-level units don’t function as efficiently as top-of-the line units, so any additional up-front costs spent on a higher-quality unit will be offset over time through lower utility bills.

Factors Affecting Total Cost of Bryant Air Conditioners

The total price to purchase and install a new Bryant air conditioning unit is largely determined by the size of your home — larger homes require larger air conditioning units, which are more expensive than small units.

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Additional factors that affect the total cost of Bryant air conditioners include product lineup — Preferred and Evolution models are typically more expensive than Bryant’s Legacy products — as well as features such as two-stage or variable-speed compressors, sound dampening options, need for any additional ductwork or electrical wiring, and contractor labor rates.

Benefits of Investing in a Bryant Air Conditioner

The benefits of investing in a Bryant air conditioner can be reaped for years to come.

Bryant is a well-regarded name in the HVAC industry. Its products enjoy a strong brand reputation that stems from trouble-free operation years after the unit is installed. Bryant’s authorized product representatives are trained and authorized by the company to help homeowners choose the AC unit that best fits their budget while still meeting the optimal cooling requirements of their residences.

Bryant products also come with a 10-year warranty, and the company will replace major parts such as the compressor or evaporator coils if they fail within that time frame.

Bryant air conditioners also have earned a reputation for cutting edge technology on their premium Evolution lineup — you can regulate air temperature, humidity, and air quality with a few taps on a smartphone.

Brand Comparison: Bryant Vs. Competitors

Bryant is considered a mid-tier priced air conditioning brand — Carrier, Heil, Payne, and Lennox may cost slightly more for a comparable AC unit. However, Bryant produces reliable HVAC units across the board, so there’s really no noticeable dip in quality or functionality if you choose Bryant over a different HVAC manufacturer. In fact, as part of the Carrier family of HVAC products, Bryant AC units often use the same quality of parts as Carrier, yet Bryant products typically cost slightly less than its sister brand.

Is a Bryant Air Conditioner Right for Me?

Bryant is a more affordable central AC unit than several of the top-tier brands, yet homeowners aren’t sacrificing quality to save a few bucks.

Bryant products feature expert engineering with high-quality parts and components. The company’s AC units are durable and designed to withstand rugged weather conditions. Advanced products from Bryant’s Evolution product lineup come with smart technology, quiet operation, and industry-leading energy efficiency up to 24 SEER2. Lastly, Bryant’s excellent warranty means you are covered for a full decade in the event that something goes amiss with your new Bryant air conditioner.

An authorized Bryant air conditioning HVAC contractor can help you choose a model that meets your home’s cooling needs and determine which features and SEER2 rating fall within your air conditioning unit replacement budget.

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