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Bryant Air Conditioners Reviews - Bryant offers a variety of air conditioning systems that range from 13 SEER* all the way up to 21 SEER* for efficiency ranges. In Bryant’s lower efficiency ranges, Bryant also offers equipment with the old refrigerant R-22 while maintaining a full line of air conditioners that use R-410A or the newer ozone-friendly refrigerant.They offer four distinct series of air conditioners. First, the Evolution Series is Bryant’s top of the line models. The Preferred Series, which is Bryant’s premium quality air conditioners. Additionally, the Preferred Compact series, which is a premium product in a smaller package - and the Legacy series of products, which is the economical offering of Bryant air conditioning. Some features of Bryant air conditioners are:
- Bryant Warranties as Compared to Other Brands 93%
- Bryant Quality as Compared to Other Brands 93%
- Consumer Opinion based on Field Experience 99%
- Bryant Efficiency Compared to Other Brands 97%
- Overall Bryant Opinion from a Technical Perspective 94%
Bryant Top SEER Rating
Bryant Air Conditioners Reviews - Consumer Ratings | Select Features
For Bryant Air Conditioners Reviews, we list select features:
- Models range into the 21 SEER efficiency levels for selected Bryant air conditioners
- Selected Bryant air conditioners have two-stage operation for air conditioning. Two-stage scroll compressors give you extra comfort in staged cooling.
- Select Bryant air conditioners offer a high efficiency range especially when matched with a Bryant indoor unit.
Additional Features and Comparison Guide
- Bryant air conditioners are engineered to be quiet
- Electronic diagnostics available on selected Bryant systems for easier air conditioner troubleshooting
- Powder coating paint on air conditioning units prevent rust and corrosion
- Galvanized steel construction for durability of cabinet
Never forget to register your warranty as soon as possible after the installation is complete.
Bryant Air Handlers
Air Handler” width=”89″ height=”85″ />Bryant Air Handlers - Bryant air handlers range in models from Evolution Series to Preferred Series to Legacy Series in name and price range (with Evolution Series being the units with all the bells and whistles) if you are considering purchasing a Bryant air handler. Their air handlers are sized to fit the needs of residential and light commercial applications and can fit with either heat pumps or air conditioners.
With the premium models, you get some bells and whistles that enhance the efficiency of the air handlers. Bryant calls their air handlers “fan coil units,” but there is no difference between an air handler and a fan coil unit. They can all be configured in various ways and with various components.
In the opinion of this author, who has worked on Bryant systems before, Bryant makes a good product, and usually, they have very competent techs working for them. It’s a good product as long as the installation is proper and serviced properly.
Bryant Air Handlers Features | Bryant Air Conditioners Reviews
Selected features of various Bryant Air handlers are:
- Variable speed fans in select Bryant air handlers
- Ten years limited parts warranties in select Bryant air handlers
- Washable filters in select Bryant air handlers
- Galvanized sheet metal cabinet prepainted gives Bryant air handlers durability
- Coils utilize R-410A for Bryant air handlers. Bryant calls it Puron
- Available in up-flow, down-flow, or horizontal flow configurations for Bryant air handlers
Bryant Condensing Units
Bryant condensing units are available from 13 SEER up to 21 SEER. From Bryant’s economical Legacy line up to Bryant’s Evolution series, Bryant manufactures heat pump and air conditioner condensing units that match air handlers and gas furnaces systems. They also have a hybrid heating and cooling system that matches with a Bryant heat pump condenser. Various features of Bryant condensing units include:
Two-stage compressors for high efficiency in select Bryant condensing units- Bryant condensing units engineered for quiet operation
- Select Bryant condensers have advanced diagnostic features
- Louvered coil guard on select Bryant condensers
- Bryant condensing units available with R-410A refrigerant
Two-stage compressors for high efficiency in select Bryant condensing unitsBryant Product Engineering | Bryant Air Conditioners Reviews
Bryant is a sister company of Carrier. Therefore, some of Carrier’s engineering goes into the Bryant condensing units. As this is concerned, some of the parts in Bryant condensing units are proprietary and can only be purchased through a Bryant (or Carrier) parts dealer. Carrier and Bryant do have a good network of parts dealers, and typically any part for any system can be shipped overnight, but these proprietary parts are not cheap.
On the other hand, the engineering is sound, and the product is a quality product provided it is properly installed and maintained on a regular schedule. That is important with any brand of HVAC equipment. Carrier and Bryant also have basic requirements for dealers and the training of their technicians, so you will more than likely get a technician that is very familiar with systems and repair promptly.
Bryant Air Conditioner Model Comparison Guide
| Bryant Air Conditioner Model Comparisons | ||
|---|---|---|
| Evolution Series | Preferred Series | Legacy Line |
| Varible Speed Air Conditioner | Two-Stage Air Conditioner | Single Stage Air Conditioner |
| 56 decibels | 72 decibels | 76 decibels |
| Efficiency up to 19 SEER | up to 17 SEER | up to 16 SEER |
| Top Grade Highest Cost for Installation | Mid-Range Medium Cost for Installation | Builders Grade Lowest Cost for Installation |
| Lowest Operating Costs | Medium Operating Costs | Higher Operating Costs |
| It is absolutely necessary to have a Bryant Dealer install and service this equipment | Absolutely necessary to have a Bryant Dealer install and service this equipment | Installation by a Bryant delaer recommended but not essential. Any installation of any HVAC equipment should be done by a licensed, competent contractor. |
| 5-stage rotary compressor | Two-Stage Scroll Compressor | Single-Stage Compressor |
| Energy Star rated | ? | ? |
| Recommended to be installed with Evolution Connex control but is compatible with two-stage controls | Hooked up to a two-stage control system | Used with a conventional thermostat |
| Bryant air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant | Uses R-410A refrigerant | Uses R-410A refrigerant |
| 5 stages of variable control | 2 stages of cooling | Single stage cooling only |
Warranty | Bryant Air Conditioners Reviews
Any HVAC warranty is different than the warranties you would expect, such as a car warranty. It is standard in the HVAC industry to offer a parts-only warranty. That means you pay for labor if something goes wrong. It is a huge factor in purchase considerations that a manufacturer stands behind their product. However, verification of product quality is done at the factory. Product installation is a different story.
Furthermore, a bad installation will give you a lemon. A bad installation can result in a lower efficiency rating than what is on the product label. Additionally, a bad installation will also cause the unit to break down more often and lessen the life of the equipment.
Therefore, manufacturers have to rely on the contractor to do things correctly. A reputable contractor will have trained and skilled staff for this work. They will also offer a warranty for workmanship above the manufacturer’s warranty. Getting a reputable contractor for the installation is crucial.
Bryant Air Conditioner Buyer’s Guide
As mentioned above, getting a reputable contractor is crucial. It can make all the difference in the world for your comfort and happiness in buying a branded product such as a gas furnace. In that regard, we have written a buyer’s guide to help you navigate this process. Here are a few excerpts from our buyer’s guide tips:
- Always get at least three bids from reliable contractors. How do you find a good reliable HVAC contractor?
- Ensure the contractor does a load calculation for air conditioning and heating sizing. That is crucial.
- If the size of your HVAC system changes from the old to the new system (based on the load calculation) then, likely, the ductwork will also change in size.
For more tips see our HVAC Consumer Buyer’s Guide.
Gas Furnace Pricing, Efficiency, and Return On Investment (ROI) Factors
| Pricing Versus Efficiency Return On Investment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Pricing Range for Initial Purchase and Subsequent Repairs outside of Warranty | ROI (Return On Investment) |
| 95% AFUE Plus | $$$$$ | 5 to 7 years depending on efficiency %* |
| 90% to 95% AFUE | $$$ | 7 to 10 years depending on efficiency %* |
| 80% to 90% | $ | Over 10 years* |
| *Many factors depend on ROI such as house insulation, personal usage preferences, ductwork integrity, and other essential efficiency factors. The furnace AFUE rating is a high factor in the return. | ||
Air Conditioner Staging
After looking at the Bryant Model Comparison Chart above, you may be wondering what the difference in staging is? Does it make it more efficient? What is the difference between a modulating air conditioner and a two-stage air conditioner? Why would I want to pay more for a modulating air conditioner over an air conditioner that is two-stage when they have the same efficiency levels? The difference is in comfort. A modulating air conditioner will have less temperature swing over a single-stage or two-stage air conditioner. Of course, the chart refers to furnaces, but the temperature swing works the same with air conditioners.
About Bryant
Charles Bryant founded the company in 1904, offering gas-fired boilers. United Technologies now owns Bryant. United Technologies is also the parent company of Carrier, among other HVAC brands.
Lastly, for more on Bryant and its latest models and efficiency ratings please see the Bryant website.
Bryant Air Conditioners Reviews - Consumer Ratings
A recall is needed!!!
I have many videos of my Bryant heater and a/c running when it is programmed to be “Away” and turned down. Standard Heating of Minneapolis replaced my thermostat claiming this has never happened. The new thermostat does the same thing. Obviously a coding problem.
Neither company has responded to my attempts to get a resolution.
Three very recent failures, all within three weeks, in the Bryant heat-pump/air conditioner:
– sensor failure [explanation: ??]
– printed circuit board fried [explanation: spiders?]
– “System Failure, #73, Shorted
Would I recommend Bryant to a friend – not likely!!
Not to mention that the heating part of the system had to be replaced last October.
First I was quite disappointed with the installation of the Bryant heat pump which required 5 returns to correct various issues and now, 14 months later I find that the sensor which signals that the condensation drain is not flowing gives no signal of a problem or switches off the system at the thermostat but instead interrupts the compressor which can and likely has damaged the compressor.
The installer seems to have developed a real money machine when I consider the labor and then the service contract which gives gives them $150/year to stop by for a quick look on a slow service day
I have had my Bryant air conditioner for four years now. I live in south florida and we are having an extremely hot and humid summer. My Bryant works perfectly, cooling my 1700 sq ft house, and removing the humidity. Our electric bills are the lowest in 20 years of living in this house. I love this unit and highly recommend it!
Give it time… Bryant always ends up disappointing.
I have a Bryant/Payne AC that was installed in 2015. The compressor was replaced in the second year under parts warranty but the labor was $875. The blower motor controller has now failed twice under parts warranty. I paid $690 to change the motor to a more reliable one. These units are made by Carrier. I recommend NOT TO BUY any of these products.
Gary, I can empathize with you. My Bryant unit was installed February of 2016, the fan motor burnt out a yr later. motor was covered under warranty but I still had to pay labor. Now 2 yrs later the fan motor has burnt out again. part still covered but again I pay labor, not to mention I live in South Florida and have to endure 92 degree temps for 4-5 days waiting for part to be picked up and installed. My maintenance agreement with my AC dealer did nothing to avoid this issue. So I agree with you Bryant/Carrier manufacturers need to look into these problems with their product.
Susan: Bryant used a sophisticated inside fan motor. Last year I had a contractor recommend a simple one speed motor. I paid $690 for it. So far, it is operating.
My Bryant Legacy 215 15 seer with heat pump unit is less than 4 years old and the motor died! Now I have a $280 service call and am without AC until the replacement gets here. I would not recommend this product to anyone! Spoke to their senior customer service rep and was told basically too bad. Nothing they can do.
I purchased a Bryant Air conditioner in February of 2016, one yr later the fan motor burnt out. The part was covered but I still had to pay over $200. to have it installed. Now 2 yrs later that fan motor has burnt out again and my unit is only 3 yrs old. I live in South Florida and Each time this has happened I have to endure 92 degree temps for 4-5 days. I asked why this is happening but was told “its a machine and they break down.” I asked if this could be a faulty part produced by Bryant that should be looked into and still got no relevant answer. I have a service agreement with my AC dealer, they come twice a yr. for maintenance checks and still this happens. I feel Bryant needs to address this but its almost impossible to contact them, they say to go thru my dealer who apparently is clue-less.
If you’re talkin about the inside blower, my controller failed 3 times. My installer put in a different blower motor. That cost me almost $700. Look at my posting below for different details. Gary Nigro
Have had the same Bryant unit for 16 years. Other than needing some puron every 2 years,it has run very well. And I live in Florida!
Why would one have to add Puron every 2 years? I have had air conditioners that NEVER had to be refilled.
Likely it has a small leak somewhere.
If you are having to fill it with Puron (aka R410a) your unit has a leak and it needs to be fixed. One pound of Puron entering the atmosphere is the equivalent of allowing your car run for 6 months straight, and the EPA frowns upon knowingly allowing it to escape.
It is immoral and more importantly illegal to continually add refrigerant to a system with a known leak without repairing it.
Love the great state of Florida tho! Get a new system that won’t cost you a service call biannually and see the monthly utility savings offset the cost.
I bought a Bryant 2-1/2 ton air conditioner in April of 2015. It is now February of 2018, the unit is less than 3 years old and the compressor has to be replaced. The first year that the unit was installed, a foam air seal came loose and lodged in the condenser fan, stopping it. The compressor probably cycled until the problem was noticed and the unit shut off. This probably damaged the compressor in the first month of installation. Bryant will do nothing to compensate for costs for installing the replacement compressor ($984).
Worst product I have ever purchased. Bryant does not stand behind their product nor their motto: “whatever it takes”. My unit is 4-years old and developed a freon leak in the copper lines in the outside unit, due to the unit being manufactured poorly – the copper lines are too close together, rub against each other, and developed a hole. I’m out $600 for 14-1/2# of freon. I emailed Bryant – they said that aspect (freon) is not covered by the warranty. DON’T BY A BRYANT!!!!!!
Bryant units are one of our best sellers. They make a very good product.
Built a new home 2008.
Since March 2012, my Bryant Evolution a/c has given us problems every year.
This is the 5th year in a row that we have been without A/C in the summer time in Texas.
Now August 2016. It was down and we had to leave out house again because the unit failed again. Again we are packing up to leave until it was repaired.
Repair and hotel bills are still on going. Need help from Bryant Warranty Department.
Four (4) parts replace this time. I understand that the expansion valve was the main part to fail. The expansion valve is the
most costly part. It well may have been damaged when my first two (2) compressors came apart. By the way I am on my THIRD Compressor.
HELP PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
considering purchaseing a bryant fy4cnf003l00 unit could you give me your opinion?
Bryant makes good HVAC equipment that is as better as the next brand. When discussing particular brands I think it is very important to choose a good contractor that will do the job right for the installation. And the lowest bidder is not always the best one for the job. Search our “Buyers Advice” archives for more information.