It’s getting to be that time of year when many of us are transitioning from summer heat to winter cool (or cold, depending on where you live). This is a good time to start thinking about the top rated heating and air conditioning systems.

Why? Because fall is the ideal season to shop for a new one if you need it–your home should be fine without either for a little while. So start researching the best HVAC systems so you’ll be ready to have your new system installed before long.

We’ll help you with that decision here in this article, where we’ll identify and discuss what we believe are at least some of the heating and cooling systems you should consider.

HVAC Systems

Is it time to replace all or part of your HVAC system?

Some of you might wonder, as we did, whether it is all right to have different brands for your heating and cooling systems. It seems the answer is “Yes, but …”

As long as the key components of the two systems are compatible, there shouldn’t be any short-term problems.

However, according to servicewhale.com, “you could see marginal losses in performance from a mismatched system that decrease efficiency and could potentially reduce the service life of your HVAC system overall.”

The Five Top Rated Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

All five of the following companies are known for their high-efficiency products–in both heating and cooling systems. Among them, Goodman products offer the best value for both unit price and installation cost.

The other three manufacturers’ systems cost more, by and large. However, it should be noted that they also offer fairly large ranges within product lines. Goodman is more limited.

Here are the top 5:

1. Lennox

Lennox offers the same three product lines for both heating and cooling systems:

  • Dave Lennox Signature–the high-end line, known for its high energy efficiency levels. these range from pricey to very expensive
  • Elite–the mid-level value line
  • Merit–the “affordable” line

One review site has given Lennox furnaces high ratings across the board (except price–their products are on the pricier side).

2. Goodman

Goodman currently offers five models of central air conditioning systems as well as a number of both high- and medium-efficiency gas furnaces.

3. Carrier

Like Lennox, Carrier has three product lines for Both gas furnaces and air conditioners:

  • Infinity–the top of the line
  • Performance–mid-range, but still very high performing
  • Comfort–economy models

While Carrier does have its drawbacks, according to one source, the company has been rated the top HVAC brand, with a 17% market share.

4. Trane

Trane’s HVAC systems are known for energy efficiency and quiet operation. Both furnaces and air conditioning units are available at a variety of different price points. Trane air conditioners are also known for their quiet operation.

5. Rheem

  • Prestige
  • Classic Plus
  • Classic

According to one review site, “when comparing efficiency and price ranges, there is no equal to Rheem.”

Follow-Up

In listing the top rated heating and air conditioning systems, we’ve noticed energy efficiency is a major criterion for determining how an HVAC system ranks. Energy efficiency is certainly a factor in price and value. Wise consumers realize this.

Consumers should also appreciate the reputation heating and cooling systems’ manufacturers have for service and repair. Even the best HVAC systems need repair occasionally, and all Heating and cooling systems need routine maintenance.

So seek the advice of your local HVAC system contractor on which brand and model system would work best for you, and be sure to give them a call for a check-up at least once a year.