Here’s a look at the best central air conditioner models for 2014 from Maytag, Carrier, Lennox, Trane and other industry leaders. In the past decade, the trend in central air conditioners has been toward higher efficiency and better performance. The central ACs available in 2014 are superior to those offered at any other time. We have reviewed many of the models below, and will cover the others shortly. Follow the links below to the HVAC reviews for each model we’ve covered. Let’s take a look at the top ten central air conditioners for 2014. We give the most attention to the first two, because they really are the cream of the crop. 1. Dave Lennox Signature Collection XC25 Air Conditioner This is a newly introduced model from Lennox, and it tops our list of the best 2014 central air conditioners. The key to its outstanding performance is a modulation compressor that adjusts in .5% increments during the cooling cycle to produce precisely controlled cooling.

Modulated cooling eliminates temperature fluctuations while dramatically reducing humidity to produce  a more comfortable indoor climate. Until recently, two-stage compressors were the top option, giving you low cooling to maintain indoor comfort and high cooling to boost it when needed. Consider the energy savings with this Energy Star model. If you’re replacing an AC that is 15 to 25 years old, it likely has a SEER rating in the 8 to 12 range, so you’ll be reducing energy use and costs by at least 50%! This unit is a favorite in very warm climates and is being used by advocates of green living too. Speaking of green living, there’s something else to like about the Lennox Signature XC25 central air conditioner. It is wired with the innovative Lennox SunSource Solar-Ready option that accommodates solar modules that can deliver enough energy to run the entire system and even push energy back onto the grid. They are a cost-effective option in very sunny climates. See the brochure for all the details, and take a look at our review of the Lennox XC25 for pricing information.

2. Maytag PSA4BI iQ Drive M1200 Central Air Conditioner This dynamic model is also released as the: Tappan Tech3 iQ Drive AC Westinghouse 25.5 SEER iQ Drive AC Broan FS4BI Series with iQ Drive Control All of these models are exactly the same. Maytag has the widest distribution, so we’ll use that model in this summary. What sets the Maytag PSA4BI iQ Drive M1200 apart, along with the Tappan and Westinghouse models, is the modulating compressor that is similar to the one used in the Lennox XC25.car air conditioner window unit The modulating action also creates the best energy efficiency yet produced. right size air conditioning unitWhen we first reviewed this model, it achieved up to 23 SEER cooling. ambient temperature ac unit

It has been tweaked by Maytag, and it now offers a fantastic 25.5 SEER! This unit has it all because it reduces energy use and costs while producing remarkably consistent and comfortable climate control. Maytag covers it with a 12-year parts warranty and, on some installations, a 12-year labor warranty at no extra cost. 3. Trane XV20i Variable Speed Air Conditioner Trane enters the modulating AC market with this brand new model, the XV20i. Calling the compressor “variable speed” is the same as saying it modulates. It runs at variable output to produce remarkably balanced temperatures, gentle and quiet cooling  and more comfortable humidity levels. Trane’s website states that the variation in modulation can be as little as one-tenth of a percent, or .01%, and varies during each cycle based on feedback from sensors. As with all modulating models, the optimal indoor comfort is achieved when the unit is paired with a furnace equipped with a variable-speed fan. This Trane unit offers 20 SEER cooling, the same level of efficiency achieved by the previous top of the line model, the Trane XL20i.

For the extra money, you’ll receive better climate control but not increased efficiency – though 20 SEER is still very good. Note: The American Standard Platinum ZV air conditioner is essentially the same unit. Trane and American Standard are sister brands, and many Trane units have an exactly comparable American Standard model. 4. Carrier 24ANB1 Infinity 21 Central Air Conditioner Carrier’s top model for 2014 is a 21 SEER unit with two-stage performance. It will run on low most of the time to optimize climate control. Longer, gentler cycles balance temps better while reducing humidity. Dehumidification occurs as warm air is pulled across the cold indoor coil. Heat is removed, cooling it, while moisture in the warm air condenses onto the cold coil and drains away. Carrier backs the Carrier 24ANB1 Infinity 21 with a 10-year warranty. That’s about average for the industry. 5. Heil QuietComfort DXT+ 19 Observer Central Air Conditioner This unit is a two-stage model that offers a very good 19 SEER cooling.

The Observer Communicating System is Heil’s version of communicating technology that optimizes efficiency and comfort while reducing the risk of the compressor short cycling and being damaged. An outstanding feature of the QuietComfort is the warranty, one of the best in the industry. If the compressor or outdoor coil fails within the first ten years, Heil will replace the entire QuietComfort DXT+ 19 condensing unit/air conditioner. The Evolution 180B has been on the market for a few years, but it’s still one of the top ten available. It offers 20 SEER cooling and two-stage performance. Bryant is a sister brand of Carrier, and this unit is quite similar to the Infinity 21 model above. It also comes with a 10-year comprehensive parts warranty. 7. Rheem RASL-JEC Central Air Conditioner With 19.5 SEER, this Energy Star air conditioner will lower energy bills, especially in warm climates with a long cooling season. This is a two-stage air conditioner that is backed by a very good warranty – a 10-year parts warranty that includes total unit replacement if the compressor fails during the warranty period.

Note: Rheem and Ruud are sister companies. The Ruud UASL-JEC is essentially identical to the Rheem RASL-JEC. 8. Amana ASXC 18 Central Air Conditioner This is a communicating, two-stage central air conditioner that offers a robust 19 SEER cooling. The Copeland UltraTech scroll compressor in the Amana ASXC18 is considered the top-rated AC compressor in the industry. Amana’s warranty is outstanding. The compressor is backed by a lifetime compressor warranty that includes replacement of the entire unit. All other parts are backed by a 10-year warranty. 9. Carrier 24ANB7 Infinity 17 Air Conditioner It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Carrier puts a second unit on the top-ten list. The brand has the largest number of models, and all of them are Energy Star rated for efficiency. This is a two-stage model that produces outstanding comfort. 10. Goodman DSXC18 Air Conditioner This 18 SEER, two-stage central air conditioner offers communicating technology to extend operating life while also increasing efficiency and comfort.