American Standard Air Conditioners: Product Line Review & Comparison

Kenneth Wilson

Research shows that American Standard customers save up to 44% per year on energy bills when compared to customers who use a 10 SEER unit.

This is because the American Standard product line is renowned for being high performing and energy-efficient, which makes it a viable brand to opt for if you’re looking to install a new AC unit at your home or property.

To help you decide if American Standard is the right brand of AC for you, we introduce you to some of their best-performing AC units and explain what makes them a great option for American homeowners.

AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 20 AC

Best for Efficiency

This is undoubtedly American Standard’s best-performing AC. It has an impressive SEER rating of 21, making it one of the most energy-efficient AC units you will find on the market.

AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18 AC

Best for Noise Levels

The AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18 AC is American Standard’s quietest AC unit and is guaranteed to be at 4 decibels lower than the nearest competition, coming in at around 57-60 decibels.

Silver 14 AC

Best for Price

Silver 14 is a good-performing AC that will last you long into the future. It operates quietly (around 73 decibels) as is the case with most American Standard products.

Gold 17 AC

Best of the Rest

One of the most impressive aspects of the Gold 17 is that it runs at 70% capacity most of the time (bar on the hottest days of the year), which is controlled by a two-step duration compressor.

In This Review & Buyers Guide

Why American Standard?

American Standard is one of the most trusted companies on the American market and is typically rated as a top-five brand by HVAC technicians. Each unit within the American Standard range boasts a SEER rating of between 14 and 21, making them a great choice if you’re looking for an energy-efficient unit.

They’re also considered to be reasonable from a price point, starting at around $2,500 installed. As such, most homeowners will come across American Standard AC units when looking to upgrade their home HVAC system.

To ensure you choose the best unit for your needs, we introduce you to the best units currently within the American Standard product line below.

4 Best Units of American Standard Product Line

AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 20 AC
(Best for Efficiency)


This is undoubtedly American Standard’s best-performing AC, particularly from an efficiency perspective. It has an impressive SEER rating of 21, making it one of the most energy-efficient AC units you will find on the market. Research shows that over a ten-year period, an AC system with a 21 SEER rating will use $1,000 less in electricity when compared to a 16 SEER unit.

At its core is an AccuComfort variable-speed control system, which allows you to seamlessly transition between settings and reduce the output of the unit when it’s not required. It also benefits from lower compression modulation, which regulates sound levels and ensures you won’t be disturbed when the AC is in full swing.

Other features include enhanced humidity control and a wide range of cycle options, which makes this a complete AC unit when it comes to usability and functionality. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient and high-performing AC, then the AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum from American Standard is up there with the very best.

Features


  • Incredibly energy efficient with a SEER Rating of 21
  • Variable speed controls make it easy to control
  • Energy Star Certified in 2019
  • From $4,175 installed

The AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 20 AC retails from $4,175, installed. It comes with a 10-year warranty on its internal functional parts and the outdoor coil, and a 12-year warranty on its compressor.

AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18 AC
(Best for Noise Levels)


There’s nothing worse than hearing your AC unit whirring throughout the day and night, given how distracting the noise can be. The AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18 AC is American Standard’s quietest AC unit and is guaranteed to be at 4 decibels lower than the nearest competition, coming in at around 57-60 decibels.

It is similar in many respects to the AccuComfort 20 model and boasts many of the same energy-efficient and noise-reducing properties such as variable-speed controls and lower compressor modulation.

And while its SEER rating sits at just 18, it’s still a great option and will help you save money on your annual energy bills. As is the case with all American Standard units, it comes at a decent price point, too, as we look at in more detail below.

Features


  • Quiet operation at 4 decibels below its nearest competitor
  • SEER rating of 18
  • Complete with variable cooling stages
  • From $3,570 installed

The AccuComfort Variable Speed Platinum 18 AC retails from $3,570, installed. It comes with a 10-year warranty on its internal functional parts and the outdoor coil, and a 12-year warranty on its compressor.

Silver 14 AC
(Best for Price)


While it’s not as high-spec as the American Standard units introduced thus far, the Silver 14 is a good-performing AC that will last you long into the future. It operates quietly (around 73 decibels) as is the case with most American Standard products, and the Spine Fin aluminum coil is made to last longer and work more efficiently while transferring heat.

It comes with a single-stage compressor and uses environmentally-friendly refrigerant to operate. The Silver unit is seen as a workhorse and is built to last, ensuring you can rely on your AC unit summer after summer, without worrying about it failing to work.

Ultimately, given its comparatively low price point, you really can’t go wrong with American Standard’s Silver 14 AC unit and is a great choice for homeowners looking for a system on a budget.

Features


  • From $2,595 installed - one of American Standard’s best value models
  • SEER rating of 16
  • One cooling stage that provides consistent comfort
  • Energy Star Certified

The Silver 14 AC retails from $2,595, installed. It comes with a 10-year warranty on its internal functional parts and the outdoor coil, and a 10-year warranty on its compressor.

Gold 17 AC
(Best of the Rest)


It would be impossible to introduce you to American Standard’s product line without giving mention to the Gold 17 AC. One of the most impressive aspects of the Gold 17 is that it runs at 70% capacity most of the time (bar on the hottest days of the year), which is controlled by a two-step duration compressor.

This is what makes this such an energy-efficient AC unit, as well as its SEER rating of 18. Add to this the fact that this is a super quiet AC and you can see why it has enjoyed such popularity among American homeowners.

To round things off, it boasts a durable Spine Fin coil that is built to last and is finished with a rust-resistant coating, screws, and basepan, which protects your AC system from the elements. All in all, another great option from American Standard.

Features


  • Up to 18 SEER offering homeowners 50% savings on energy bills
  • Two cooling stages for ultimate comfort
  • Effortless temperature control
  • From $3,270 installed

The Gold 17 AC retails from $3,270, installed. It comes with a 10-year warranty on its internal functional parts and the outdoor coil, and a 12-year warranty on its compressor.

The Verdict on American Standard’s Product Range

If you’re looking for a new AC unit for your home and property that is energy-efficient, easy to operate, and good value, then it’s definitely worth checking out the American Standard product range.

The four AC units that we’ve introduced above are arguably the best available, but there are three other models that you can check out if you don’t like what you see above.

As is always the case when you’re choosing the perfect AC unit for your home, make sure it comes with all of the features that you want to see and consider your budget before committing to a purchase. (Related: Ruud Air Conditioner Reviews: What Do Homeowners Say?) But ultimately, with American Standard, it’s hard to go wrong.

Kenneth Wilson
January 28, 2022
HVAC, Reviews

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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