Our list of the best 2016 central air conditioners is the place to find your next AC if you want a model with top ratings from consumers, HVAC techs and independent tests. See the Pros and Cons below of selecting one of these models. Not all of these models are extremely efficient, though each is above average. See our Most Energy Efficient Air Conditioners 2016 post if cutting energy use and lowering utility costs is your highest priority. There is some overlap, but the lists are quite different too. Note: The price range reflects that most of these air conditioners are available in cooling capacities from 1.5 tons to 5.0 tons. We’ve updated pricing from our HVAC reviews when necessary. Part of Maytag’s top line, the M1200 Series, this unit gets top AC marks for the incredibly efficient 25.5 SEER rating and its 59-decible performance that is much quieter than average. Top features of the PSA4BI iQ In addition to outstanding efficiency and running quietly, this Maytag central AC will make your home very comfortable.

The inverter-driven rotary (modulating) compressor functions like a car accelerator to offer premium climate control. It’s able to run at any speed from 40% to 100% to deliver the exact amount of cooling and dehumidification needed for consistent indoor temperature and comfort. Note: This unit is also sold by Maytag’s sister brands Tappan, Westinghouse, Broan, Frigidaire and NuTone. Is the Maytag PSA4BI iQ 25.5 SEER Right for You? If you live in a very warm climate where an expensive air conditioner will soon pay for itself through energy cost savings, this unit might be worth the price. It is built to last and is backed by a fantastic warranty with provisions for complete unit replacement. This is a perennial top-5 central AC, and it has actually been improved for 2016 to achieve an efficiency rating of up to 26 SEER. Top Features of the Lennox XC25 The modulating compressor runs at exactly the capacity needed for consistent indoor comfort without temperature fluctuations too.

This maximizes humidity control as well. When paired with a variable-speed furnace or air handler, this is a premier system. Is the Dave Lennox XC25 Right for You? If you’re willing to pay more to get more, this unit will deliver. can you use a window ac unit in the rainAlso, if you get a high number of sunny days, this Lennox air conditioner is attractive because of Lennox’s SunSource technology that uses solar energy to power the system.consumer reviews carrier ac units Also known as the Carrier 24VNA9, this unit is not the brand’s most efficient. wall ac unit saleThat would be the Carrier Infinity 21. However, the 19VS gets the top spot for high consumer ratings. Top Features of the Carrier 19VS / 24VNA9

This is a five-stage AC, perhaps the first like it on the market. It runs at low capacity most of the time to deliver quiet, consistent cooling and dehumidification. Like a car transmission, it will cycle through the stages as needed when you boost the cooling at the thermostat or when the outside temperatures and humidity rise quickly. Is the Carrier Infinity 19VS Right for You? This unit is built to handle a heavy workload in warm climates, and its 56 decibel level is very quiet. If you spend a lot of time outside in warm weather, this unit’s noise level won’t spoil your peace and quiet. This is another modulating AC that is ideal for hot, long summers. The 20 SEER efficiency rating means it will pay for itself in just a few years when the higher upfront cost is weighed against reduced energy bills. Top Features of the Armstrong Pro Series Armstrong’s complete Comfort Sync system includes Pro Series air conditioners and a thermostat to produce a communicating system that optimizes indoor comfort very quietly.

Note: The exact same model is sold under the Air Ease brand. Is the Armstrong 4SCU20LX Right for You? Not everyone wants to pay top dollar for a Carrier, Trane or Lennox. This unit will save you money and still deliver outstanding central cooling backed with a solid warranty. These identical models have a 19.5 SEER rating, the kind of efficiency needed to control energy costs in hot and/or humid areas of the country. Top Features of the RASL-JEC & UASL-JEC This is one of the most efficient 2-stage ACs on the market, and Rheem and Ruud typically make the top 10 list of most reliable brands. The Comfort Control System is designed to synchronize the various components to create efficient cooling with consistent temperatures. Is the Rheem RASL-JEC or Ruud UASL-JEC Right for You? If you’ve had good experience with Ruud or Rheem equipment, you’ll probably get the same dependable results with one of these models. They’re efficient enough for very warm climates.

This is a 19 SEER AC backed by a 10-year unit replacement warranty on the compressor and outdoor coil. Top Features of the Heil HCA9 Two-stage cooling runs on low for steady cooling and dehumidification and on high when you turn down the thermostat or the heat rises outside. Heil’s version of communicating technology is called Observer. Note: Heil, Day & Night, Arcoaire, Tempstar, Keep Rite, and Comfortmaker are all United Technology brands with an identical product lineup. Most of the brands are regional rather than national. Is the Heil QuietComfort HCA9 Right for You? This unit is a good value, a combination of lower price and excellent quality and efficiency. The warranty makes it a safe choice too. Not Trane’s most efficient, the XV18 is highly rated for its modulating/variable-capacity performance and proven dependability. Top Features of the Trane XV18 This is an 18 SEER AC with a compressor that modulates in .01% increments up or down as needed.

The result is a unit that keeps air temperature in your home consistent to ½ degree of the thermostat setting. ComfortLink II is the communicating technology that syncs system components for optimal performance. Is the Trane XV18 Right for You? If you don’t mind paying a bit more for a brand with one of the best service records in the industry, the XV18 is a good choice for warm to hot climates. This unit is a big step for Amana, a high-performance AC with up to 24.5 SEER efficiency. Top Features of the Amana AVXC20 This unit is equipped with a modulating compressor and is wired for Amana’s ComforNet communicating system. Amana has one of the industry’s better warranties too. If the compressor ever fails, Amana will replace the entire condensing unit – the outside unit in an AC system. Is the Amana AVXC20 Right for You? If you appreciate a fantastic warranty, this unit will give you peace of mind. The second Carrier to make this list is also known as the Infinity 24ANB6, and it is a 16.5-SEER air conditioner that delivers very reliable cooling year after year.

Top Features of the Carrier Infinity 24ANB6 This is a single-stage AC, so it’s somewhat louder, and it doesn’t maintain as consistent temperatures are modulating units. What it does do is cool quickly and dependably throughout the summer. Is the Carrier Infinity 16 Right for You? While it has limitations in efficiency and performance, this is a high-quality air conditioner that should give you 20 years of reliability when properly maintained. York’s second-most efficient AC is the brand’s highest rated. It offers 16 SEER efficiency suitable to moderate to warm climates. Top Features of the York Affinity CZF This is a single-stage air conditioner, so it runs at full capacity whenever on. That makes it noisier than two-stage and modulating ACs. The upside is the lower price and the good quality of the unit. Note: Luxaire and Coleman product lineups are exact or very similar to York’s in most cases. Is the York CZF Right for You? If your climate is warm but not terribly hot or humid, and you are willing to put up with a bit more noise, you’ll save money on the purchase of this air conditioner.