① American Standard Air Conditioners

American Standard air conditioners are one of the best central air conditioning brands in the business. The average cost to install a 14 SEER American Standard AC unit would be around $3,575 to $6,178. The company gets far fewer repair calls for its AC systems than most of the other AC units in the business. You can feel good about paying a premium for this AC unit, because you’ll be getting a whole lot of value with the purchase.

② Carrier Air Conditioners

There’s a reason that many people refer to Carrier AC units as a top air conditioner brand. Their HVAC systems are built with strict quality standards in mind. Installation of a 14 SEER Carrier Comfort Series air conditioner would cost $4,892 to $7,224 to install. Because this brand offers more options than most manufacturers, you’re sure to find the exact central air unit you need for your home’s heating and cooling needs. They offer up to a 21 SEER rating, which is the highest on the market. Carrier repairs are usually fairly affordable in comparison to the rest of the HVAC industry. Carrier is also known for having highly qualified installers who are trained specifically in how to install a Carrier air conditioner. The company also offers heat pumps, gas furnaces, and other HVAC system types.

③ AirStow Air Conditioners

Airstow air conditioner is the most popular brand in the western United States and also the designated supporting product in Irvine, Los Angeles, the United States. The main engine of airstow brand uses a full DC variable-frequency compressor and a DC brushless constant air volume fan. The technology of 18 SEER performs better in heating and cooling performance, and becomes more energy-saving and reliable as a whole. It is recognized as the air conditioner brand with the best performance and the most stable operation in the western United States, Airstow's products can achieve efficiency levels of up to 98% and SEER data of 16-22. They also offer a comprehensive 6-year warranty.

④ Goodman Central Air Conditioners

Goodman air conditioners are another of the top HVAC AC units on this list that isn’t quite as revered as Trane or Carrier. They are known for being cheaper in price range, but still being a good brand to rely on. If you wanted to install a Goodman GSX 14 SEER AC unit you could expect to pay $3,188 to $4,275 in total installation costs. The company’s products have a solid build and quality, along with warranty programs you can count on. Best of all, they’re a real value overall for one of the best ac units from this list.

⑤ Trane Central AC Units

Trane central air conditioners are known for upholding warranties and offer a standard 10-year warranty that covers both parts and labor. A Trane XR14 that has a 14 SEER rating in energy efficiency would cost anywhere from $3,267 to $6,100 to install. Trane products are often pricier than other HVAC brands, but as the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Trane is considered a premium brand that offers outstanding air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas furnaces.

⑥ Rheem Air Conditioners

Rheem central AC units are a good option if you are looking for something within a smaller budget. When installed correctly and maintained, Rheem units can be just as durable as other higher priced brands. A replacement Rheem air conditioner such as the Rheem Classic RA14 model would cost from $3,150 to $4,000 total installed. Many homeowners have heard of Rheem, but they are not always considered a premier HVAC brand. However, for the price they are definitely worth considering.

⑦ Lennox HVAC Units

Out of all the top brands on this list, Lennox air conditioners are the ones known most for energy efficiency. You can pick up models with remarkably high SEER levels like 23.5. The company can offer equipment with efficiency levels up above 98%. A 14 to 16 SEER rating Lennox air conditioner such as the Lennox 14ACX series model would cost $3,100 to $7,340 to install in your home.

⑧ York AC Units

York HVAC systems are considered one of the best brands particularly because they are known for their value pricing. The average cost to install a YORK air conditioner with a 16 SEER rating would cost $3,067 to $5,200 to install. The more efficient models such as the York YXV which boasts a 20 SEER would price out at on the higher end. York AC units are also known for being extremely quiet and are a great option when noise is a real concern.

⑨ Ruud Central Air Conditioners

Ruud air conditioners are affordable HVAC systems that offer a full lineup of heating and cooling products. The Ruud Achiever RA16 which has a 16 SEER energy efficiency would cost anywhere between $3,125 to $3,879 to install. There’s plenty of testing and customer reviews that credit Ruud AC units as being long-lasting. They also have available parts throughout the U.S. so their warranties and replacements are very time efficient. The warranties themselves are not always as comprehensive as some of the more expensive brands on the list. However, you will pay far less in initial installation costs or outright purchase price of a new AC unit with Ruud.

⑩ Amana HVAC Systems

Amana air conditioners are a solid mid-range HVAC unit offering for the homeowner looking for products in the 13 to 18 SEER range. Amana is known for offering one of the best HVAC warranties in the business, and their compressors come with a Limited Lifetime Replacement warranty that’s good for the expected operating life of the AC unit. An Amana AC unit will cost $3,854 to $6,345 to install if you want a 14 SEER air conditioner installed by them such as the Amana ASX14 model. Amana HVAC also offers replacement furnaces and heat pumps.

⑪ HEIL Air Conditioners

HEIL AC units are another one of the best air conditioner brands that doesn’t get as much love as they should. This AC brand’s tech allows different heating and cooling components to send information and synchronize performance, becoming more energy efficient and reliable overall. A HEIL air conditioner installation would cost $3,562 to $4,465 for their 14 SEER model from their Quiet Comfort series. Heil AC products can achieve up to a 97% efficiency rating and SEER figures of 19. They also come with comprehensive 10 year warranties.

⑫ Bryant Air Conditioning Units

Bryant air conditioning brand is another great brand that needs to be considered when discussing options for HVAC replacement. Bryant is a well known brand that offers AC units, heat pumps, and gas furnaces. It is reasonably priced and is a sister company to some of the other top brands on our list. Bryant air conditioners are often made with the same quality parts as a Carrier brand HVAC system. If you want to install a mid tier AC replacement with a 14 SEER Bryant Preferred 124ANS air conditioner, it would cost $3,285 to $5,432 in installation costs.