Whenever there’s a list of the best air conditioning companies, Bryant Heating and Cooling systems are always in the Top 10. From light commercial split systems to air purifiers and gas furnaces, Bryant has a range of products that are perfect for residential use and businesses alike. In our Bryant air conditioner review, we are going to focus on their residential units and tell you everything you need to know about the company, along with their products and policies.
Table of Contents
The History of Bryant
Founded by Charles Bryant in 1904, Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems have been in the business for over 100 years. Over that time, they established a firm foothold in the industry and currently have millions of units in operation across the United States.
Bryant is also a company that falls under United Technologies Corporations banner, along with Heil, Payne, and Carrier. That means you are going to notice more similarities than differences with some brands, especially between Carrier and Bryant.
Unique Features from Bryant
As mentioned, Bryant and Carrier share a lot in common thanks to UTC. That means you’ll find some of the same technologies in use, although under slightly different names.
The Evolution System
Bryant’s Evolution System is comprised of several individual components that allow you to take total control of your home. It’s “smarter” than other AC units, and it all starts with the Evolution Connex Control. This unit acts as the hub for your system and makes use of Wi-Fi. It works in conjunction with the Evolution central air conditioner units along with gas furnaces, heat pumps, humidifiers and air purifiers. There’s even an ultraviolet lamp that will keep your fan or evaporator coil clean.
When it comes to other types of tech, you’ll find features like DuraGuard Plus and the AeroQuiet System, which keeps the decibel levels down. Louvered cabinets, Puron refrigerant and variable speed compressors are other perks you’ll find on top Bryant models. If it’s a feature found on Carrier’s lineup of AC units, there’s a good chance you’ll find something similar from Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems.
Bryant Air Conditioner Reviews
| Unit Model | Efficiency Rating | Capacity(Tons) | Sound(dB) | Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Evolution 189BNV | 19 SEER | 2-4 | 56 | Variable-Speed |
| Bryant Evolution 180B | 21 SEER | 2-5 | 66 | Two-Stage |
| Bryant Evolution 180C | 20.5 SEER | 2-5 | 58 | Variable-Speed |
| Bryant Evolution 187BNC | 17 SEER | 2-4 | 70 | Two-Stage |
| Bryant Evolution 187B | 17 SEER | 2-5 | 70 | Two-Stage |
| Bryant Evolution 186B | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 68 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Preferred 127A | 17 SEER | 2-5 | 72 | Two-Stage |
| Bryant Preferred 126CNA | 17 SEER | 1.5-5 | 68 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Preferred 126B | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Preferred 124ANS | 14 SEER | 1.5-5 | 66 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Preferred 123A | 13 SEER | 1.5-5 | 74 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Legacy 106A | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Legacy 116B | 16 SEER | 1.5-5 | 76 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Legacy 105A | 14 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Legacy 114CNC | 14 SEER | 1.5-5 | 73 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Legacy 114C | 14 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-Stage |
| Bryant Legacy 113A | 13 SEER | 1.5-5 | 72 | Single-Stage |
Currently, Bryant has three series of central AC units available for residential use. There are priced and categorized in a Good, Better, Best fashion as well, which is typical for larger HVAC companies. In this case, their Legacy line is their budget-friendly series, and Evolution is the best while Preferred lies somewhere in the middle.
Bryant Evolution Series Air Conditioners
When you want the best from Bryant, you will want to consider their Evolution series air conditioning units. They are the company’s most powerful air conditioners from a SEER standpoint, and high tech features allow you to control your system through a mobile app.
At this time, there are five Evolution series air conditioners and a “Coastal” variant geared towards harsh, salty climates. The 2-stage Bryant 180B is the strongest with a rating of 21 SEER, but with a decibel level of 66dBA, it’s louder than the Bryant 180C. That model has a SEER rating of 20.5 with a variable speed compressor. The other variable speed system in this series is the Bryant 189BNV with a SEER rating of 19 and a decibel rating of 56.
The company also has a 2-stage 17 SEER unit along with a matching Coastal variant. They are the two loudest units with a decibel level of 70dBA but also less expensive. The Evolution 186B is the only single-stage system from Bryant in this class, and an excellent choice for small to medium homes as it has a maximum SEER rating of up to 16. The Evolution series is basically the equivalent of Carrier’s Infinity line.
Bryant Preferred Series Air Conditioners
The Preferred series is similar to the Performance line from Carrier, which means they are mid-range units. That also means you won’t find any variable speed compressors in this series. The SEER ratings range from 17 to 13 SEER on full-sized units while the compact AC system is rated ate 14 SEER. Again, these are essentially the same units from Carriers lineup, but with different logos and one slightly different system. The Bryant 127A has the best reviews from this series along with the Bryant 126B.
Bryant Legacy Series Air Conditioners
By now, you’ve probably noticed the trend, so you can expect air conditioning units from the Legacy series to be equal to those found in Carrier’s. The Legacy line tops out at around 16 SEER, and there are two units with that rating in the Bryant 106A and 116B. Both are single-stage units, like the rest of the central air conditioners in this series. Two units are rated at 14 SEER along with the Bryant 114CNC, which is another coastal model. Their 13 SEER system in this series is the Bryant 113A.
What size Bryant AC unit do I need for my home?
Finding the right size AC unit for your home is just as important as choosing the right brand. Thankfully, it’s something easy to understand, although it’s crucial to know that bigger is not always better. Buying an oversized unit for a small home will definitely keep you cool, but you are wasting money and energy efficiency in the long run.
The simplest way to find the correct SEER rating for your home is to call a professional HVAC contractor or technician. They can give you an accurate reading based on your home and the conditions around it. That includes the climate in the area where you live, as well. If you want to learn more about SEER ratings in order to get a general number to price units by, check out this guide.
Bryant Air Conditioner Pricing
| Unit Model | Unit Only Cost | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bryant Evolution 189BNV | $2,920 | $4,640 |
| Bryant Evolution 180B | $3,300 | $5,260 |
| Bryant Evolution 180C | $3,210 | $5,100 |
| Bryant Evolution 187BNC | $2,530 | $4,030 |
| Bryant Evolution 187B | $2,520 | $4,010 |
| Bryant Evolution 186B | $2,340 | $3,720 |
| Bryant Preferred 127A | $2,510 | $4,020 |
| Bryant Preferred 126CNA | $2,490 | $3,900 |
| Bryant Preferred 126B | $2,310 | $3,710 |
| Bryant Preferred 124ANS | $1,950 | $3,110 |
| Bryant Preferred 123A | $1,760 | $2,800 |
| Bryant Legacy 106A | $2,300 | $3,510 |
| Bryant Legacy 116B | $2,280 | $3,450 |
| Bryant Legacy 105A | $1,935 | $3,080 |
| Bryant Legacy 114CNC | $1,880 | $3,050 |
| Bryant Legacy 114C | $1,930 | $3,110 |
| Bryant Legacy 113A | $1,680 | $2,600 |
| Note: The cost is based on a 2.5 ton outdoor condenser, with a matching evaporator coils. The cost doesn't include an air handler, heating system, or installation of the ductwork. | ||
While choosing an AC unit is only half of purchasing a new system, getting an idea of the price of a unit itself is always important. With that in mind, our chart lists the price by system and a rough estimate of what you can expect to have the unit installed.
It’s also important to remember that just because Carrier and Bryant share a parent company, you won’t find them under the same roof. Dealers that sell Bryant HVAC systems cannot sell Carrier and vice versa. While there may be a few exceptions to this rule, that’s typically how it’s handled in most states. It’s also interesting considering that Bryant AC systems can be up to 10% cheaper than units sold by Carrier.
Bryant AC Size & Cost Calculator
Which Bryant Model Can Offer The Best ROI for Your Home?
As you can see, most central air conditioning units have a lot in common. Dropping from a 19 SEER unit to one that’s only 16 SEER can save you a considerable amount of money, but it may not be the best move. If you want to find out which Bryant unit offers the best return on investment for your home, there are a number of factors to consider.
You will have to consider the size of the area that needs cooled, where you live, and how many cooling hours your current unit handles each year. Once you have those figures, you can start comparing units using our air conditioner savings calculator below.
Bryant AC Models Savings Calculator
Bryant Savings Programs & Tax Credits
Consumer’s opinions vary when it comes to Bryant air conditioner reviews, and the same goes for all the major brands like Trane, Goodman, and Lennox. One thing every homeowner can agree on is saving money, however. Bryant has a number of ways you can save money if you plan on buying one of their air conditioning systems, including tax credits, financing, and rebate programs.
Financing is handled from Wells Fargo, where you can get flexible financing terms and handle your account online. If you want to save money instead of finance, you’ll want to take a look at their rebate section. From here, you can enter your zip code to locate rebates in your area. We saw discounts that range from around $100 up to $600, depending on the model.
Bryant Air Conditioner Warranties
As with most manufacturers, Bryant’s warranties vary by model and series. That said, all products generally get a limited 10-year standard parts warranty as long as you register it within 90 days. It could drop to 5 years sans registration, so it’s always important to register your new unit immediately. With that in mind, all Bryant air conditioners that use Puron refrigerant are good for 10 years with registration, and subsequent owners can get coverage for 5 years. Extended warranties are available as well.
How to find the Installer for your Bryant System
You can find Bryant AC units from authorized dealers all across the U.S. Given the size of the company, rest assured there should be one within driving distance in most regions of the United States. From the company’s site, you can use their locator tool and narrow down the options to include award-winning dealers in your area or those who offer financing.
It can also be a good way to find an HVAC contractor if you prefer to go with the companies recommendations. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a reputable HVAC contractor to install your new air conditioning unit, which can be easier said than done. If you want to look for a professional in your area, our HVAC contractor tool will point you in the right direction.
Contractor Tool
Conclusion
Bryant has a small lineup of variable stage systems, but their top of the line units are well worth a look if you want something high-tech. alternatively, they have a much larger selection of 2-stage systems if you need something affordable and efficient. While all their systems are Wi-Fi compatible, only a handful of units will work with the Connex diagnostic system. Overall, if you like what Carrier brings to the table but not the price, you’ll want to consider Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems.