HVAC Manufacturers Come in Many Forms
HVAC units, just like picking out a car, deciding where to eat, what type of clothes to buy, or anything else really – there are multiple options. From Lennox, LG, Trane, Carrier, there quite a few manufacturers that end up in homes around the US. Unlike Coke and Pepsi that are formulaically different, HVAC units source their parts from the similar sources. However, that being said, each company does have their distinct qualities and tradeoffs. Naturally, the price points vary as well, leaving the buyer (you) with a plethora of possibilities.
Who Are the Ones To Lean Toward?
From our experience, also echoed by this article from Forbes, there are brands that most people gravitate to. For example, Trane is one of the juggernauts in the industry and many elect to go with them based on their reliability, even at higher cost. Others end up taking the less expensive route, Carrier – which has proven to provide quality for less cost. The market is dominated mostly by Trane, Lennox, and Carrier, as they all provide great value. Brands such as Rheem, American Standard, and Bryant sell less due to not having as many solutions or availability, but still bring value in other ways. The graph below shows the market share as recent as 2020.
The Technician Matters As Much As the Product
Sadly, even if you make the correct decision where your budget meets functionality, it can still all go wrong. Having a qualified technician that knows what they are doing is extremely important. With hundreds of mechanical parts in these units, mistakes will lead to a bad experience regardless of who you chose. That’s why we highly recommend making sure you get the techs to handle your install or repair. Fortunately, Omni Air technicians are certified in handling different units from different carriers. Whether it is American Standard or Daikin, we have you covered.
How Much Fluctuation Is There?
Naturally, you will want to consider overall lifespan of these HVAC units being one of the critical factors. The bigger manufacturers will have more options such as mini split systems or hybrid systems, but like with cars, we know certain brands tend to consistently outlast others. Utilizing higher quality hardware is usually what you are paying for, and from our experience there is a 10-15% difference. On a machine that you are expecting to retain for 15-20 years, we feel that that difference is worth it.
Concluding Thoughts
Every brand has its strengths and weaknesses, some provide higher efficiency while others have a longer warranty, etc. Contingent on what you value – hardware performance, service, durability, or whatever the case may be, Omni Air is here to help. Our expert technicians can recommend a solution if you are unsure what to choose based on your constraints. Picking out a unit for your future is a big investment, and we are happy to be your navigator in making that decision.