Buying an air conditioner is a big deal. It costs a lot of money and you’ll live with your choice for many years. Not all AC brands are worth your hard-earned cash, though.

Some air conditioner brands look good in ads but break down fast. Others might work OK but cost too much to fix when problems happen.

You will see which AC brands you might want to skip. This guide will tell you why these brands often let people down and what to look for instead.

Find points to look out for to avoid spending money on an air conditioner you’ll later regret buying!

Attributes of a Good Air Conditioner

When shopping for an air conditioner, look for these key features that set the best units apart from the rest:

1. Energy Efficiency – Good ACs cool your home without making your electric bill sky-high. Look for units with high SEER ratings (16 or above).
2. Quiet Operation – Quality air conditioners work without making loud noises that disturb your sleep or talks. The best units run at about 60 decibels or less.
3. Even Cooling – Top ACs spread cool air to all parts of a room without hot or cold spots. This means good airflow design, not just strong fans.
4. Sturdy Build – Well-made units have thick metal parts, tight seams, and strong fan motors that don’t break easily when used daily.
5. Moisture Control – Good ACs don’t just cool—they also pull water from the air. This keeps rooms from feeling sticky on hot, humid days.
6. Smart Features – Today’s best units let you control them with your phone, set cooling plans for different times, and work with other smart home tools.
7. Repair-Friendly Design – Quality brands make parts easy to find and fix. They don’t force you to trash the whole unit when one small thing breaks.
8. Long Warranty – The best AC makers stand behind their work with at least a 5-year warranty on parts and 10 years on the compressor.

Worst Air Conditioner Brands

Not all cooling systems are worth your money. These brands often disappoint with early breakdowns, poor cooling, and hard-to-find parts.

Arctic King

Arctic King air conditioners might seem like a good deal because of their low price tags, but they often cost more in the long run. These units tend to break down within 2-3 years, much sooner than better brands that last 10+ years. Many users report that Arctic King ACs run loud, cool unevenly, and use more power than they should.

Parts can be hard to find when they break, and their customer service team is often slow to help with problems. If you’re looking to save money, you might end up spending more on repairs or a replacement unit sooner than expected.

Coleman

Coleman is better known for camping gear, not home cooling. Their air conditioners show this lack of focus. While not the worst on the market, Coleman units have more repair calls in the first five years than top brands.

Their ACs often have trouble with cooling on very hot days – exactly when you need them most! Many Coleman units also use older cooling technology that uses more power than newer systems. While they may cost less upfront, higher bills and repair costs eat up those savings fast. Their shorter warranties (often just 1-2 years) also show they don’t fully trust their own products.

Luxaire

Luxaire markets itself as a premium brand, but their performance doesn’t match their high prices. These units cost almost as much as top-tier brands but have twice as many service calls in the first few years. Many heating and cooling pros report that Luxaire’s parts wear out faster than they should.

The company also changes their designs often, which can make finding replacement parts tricky after a few years. Their customer service gets poor scores from both buyers and repair shops. For the high price they charge, you should expect much better quality and support.

Concord

Concord air conditioners fall into the “just okay” group, but that’s not good enough for such an important home system. These mid-priced units often have trouble with their fan motors and control boards failing early.

Many users find that Concord ACs start making strange noises after just two summers of use. Their cooling power also seems to drop faster than better brands, leaving rooms warmer than they should be. The company’s warranty service can be slow, with some customers waiting weeks for parts during hot summer months. You can find much more solid choices for the same money.

Honeywell

While Honeywell makes great thermostats, their air conditioners don’t live up to the same quality. Most Honeywell AC units are made by other companies under a license deal, leading to mixed quality. Users often report issues with cooling coils leaking or fans becoming noisy after just a year or two. Many models also lack the newest energy-saving features found in similarly priced units from other makers.

Repair shops note that these units often need more service calls than expected. The Honeywell name might seem trustworthy, but when it comes to air conditioners, they haven’t earned the same good standing as their control products.

Air Conditioner Brands to Go For

After finding which AC brands to avoid, it helps to know which ones stand out for the right reasons. The models from these companies often cost more upfront but save money over time through better performance and fewer repairs.

Here’s a look at the brands worth considering for your next purchase.

1. Carrier

Carrier stands as one of the most trusted names in home cooling. These units last a long time – many keep working well after 15 years. Carrier ACs cool rooms quickly and keep the temperature steady, even on the hottest days.

They run quietly, so you won’t hear annoying noises while trying to sleep or watch TV. While they cost more upfront, you save money over time with lower power bills and fewer repair calls. Carrier also backs their products with strong warranties and has repair people in most cities. Their newest models come with smart features that let you control your cooling from your phone.

2. Trane

Trane air conditioners are built like tanks. The company tests each unit to work in harsh weather and keep running year after year. Their ACs use high-grade parts that don’t break easily, and many Trane systems still work well after 20 years.

Repair shops say they get fewer calls about Trane units than most other brands. These air conditioners cool homes evenly and pull extra moisture from the air, making rooms feel less sticky. While not cheap, Trane units save money over time through lower power use and repair costs. Their 10-year parts warranty shows how much they trust their products.

3. York

York offers solid cooling without the highest price tag. These units hit the sweet spot between cost and quality, making them good for budget-minded shoppers who still want lasting value. York ACs cool homes well and use less power than many cheaper brands.

Their newer models run more quietly than older York units, which had a reputation for being noisy. Many heating and cooling pros like working with York because parts are easy to find and the systems are built in a way that makes repairs simpler. With good care, York air conditioners often last 12-15 years, giving you a good bang for your buck.

4. Lennox

Lennox makes some of the most power-saving air conditioners you can buy. Their top models use up to 40% less electricity than older or cheaper units, which helps the planet and your wallet. Lennox ACs cool very evenly, with smart air flow designs that reach all corners of rooms.

They run so quietly you might check to make sure they’re still on! The company also leads in air filtering, with systems that can remove much more dust and pollen than basic ACs. While Lennox units cost more at first and parts can be pricey, the energy savings and comfort make them worth looking at if your budget allows.

5. Bryant

Bryant shares many good points with Carrier (they’re sister companies) but often costs a bit less. These air conditioners cool homes well in all weather and keep working for many years with few problems. Bryant units come in different models to fit various budgets while keeping good quality across their line.

Their middle and top units are very quiet, though their basic models make a bit more noise. Bryant also scores well for moisture removal, making homes feel less humid. The brand offers good warranties and has repair people in most areas. For solid cooling without the highest price, Bryant hits the mark.

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

Keep your air conditioner running well with these simple care steps. Even the best brands last longer when you take good care of them.

• Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months. Dirty filters block airflow and make your AC work harder. This wastes power and can break parts faster. Check filters monthly during heavy use seasons like summer.
• Clear leaves, sticks, and dirt from the outside unit. The outdoor part of your AC needs to breathe. Keep at least 2 feet of clear space around it. Cut back plants that grow too close. After storms, check for sticks or trash that might have blown against the unit.
• Wash the outside coils once a year. Turn off the power first, then gently spray the outside unit with a hose to remove dirt that blocks cooling. Never use high pressure that could bend the fins. If the fins are bent, you can buy a “fin comb” to straighten them.
• Check and clean the drain line. A clogged drain can cause water damage and make rooms feel sticky. Pour a cup of bleach mixed with water down the drain once a year. Look for the PVC pipe near your indoor unit. If you notice water around your indoor unit, the drain may be clogged and need immediate cleaning.
• Schedule professional maintenance yearly. Have a trained tech inspect your system each spring before hot weather hits. They’ll check refrigerant levels, test electrical parts, oil motors, and spot wear before it causes breakdowns. Many companies offer maintenance plans that include priority service during busy times.

Conclusion

Picking the right air conditioner matters for your comfort and wallet. Brands like Arctic King, Coleman, Luxaire, Concord, and Honeywell often fall short in quality and durability. They might cost less at first but cause headaches later.

Instead, look at trusted brands like Carrier, Trane, York, Lennox, and Bryant. These companies make ACs that last longer, cool better, and need fewer repairs. They may cost more when you buy them, but save money over time.

Remember to take care of any AC you choose with regular filter changes, keeping the outside unit clean, washing coils, checking drain lines, and getting yearly check-ups. Good care makes even the best units last longer.