With so many manufacturers trying to get your attention with advertising, you may wonder if the brand of your HVAC unit matters. Some companies have worked hard to create their branding, but does it make a difference when it comes time to buy?

The answer is both yes and no.

Let’s take a closer look at when it does matter and when it doesn’t.

Factors to Consider

When it comes to investing in an HVAC system, it pays to do your due diligence. It’s a significant amount of money. So, before you purchase, make a list of your priorities and limitations before shopping around:

  • Size required

  • Type of system

  • Installation space

  • Ease of service

  • Energy efficiency

  • Warranties

  • Budget

When It Matters

Brand can play a big role in which system is best for you in the following situations:

Must-Have Tech: Like many products, you will find a perfectly satisfactory product at any budget level. But if you have a list of must-have features, then you may be limited to which brands you can buy.

Service Agreements: If you don’t feel comfortable servicing your own HVAC system, then you may want to look for brands that come with extensive service and maintenance plans.

Sustainable Lifestyle: For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, some brands are more eco-friendly and energy efficient than others.

Buy American: Many people prefer to buy products from companies that manufacture their HVAC products in the United States.

Why it Doesn’t Matter

Professional engineering and technical associations have created a set of national standards for HVAC equipment. Organizations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have created the metrics by which this equipment is judged.

Organizations like the Air-conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) test and certify these products to ensure that they meet those metrics.

The result is that all manufacturers wishing to sell products in the U.S. have to meet these standards.

Most of the time, the cost difference is found in the service provided after the system is installed. Many big-name brand manufacturers also make other, more budget-friendly models that are essentially the same or very similar.

For example, Carrier also makes Bryant and Payne systems. Lennox also makes Armstrong and Ducane products. Rheem also makes Ruud systems, and a huge name Trane also manufactures American Standard, where the differences between the two are merely cosmetic.

When It Really Matters

The critical factor in which brand of equipment to buy is who installs it and how well it is maintained. With standardized and published mechanical specifications, the critical difference is in the calculation, sizing, installation, and service.

Make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Pleasantville for an in-depth assessment of your needs and an estimate on the best system — whatever the brand — for your home.