Bryant vs. Carrier Air Conditioners: Which One Is the Better Choice for Your Home Needs?

Kenneth Wilson

Are you in the quest of selecting a brand new air conditioner to keep your family comfortable? With so many brand names on the market claiming to be the best, we understand how overwhelming this decision can be.

That said, we've narrowed down the two leading AC unit brands in the market– Bryant, and Carrier. Both brands gained a good reputation over the years, offering good-quality and reliable products.

Let's look at the two brands to discuss which one best fits your needs.

Bryant vs. Carrier Air Conditioners at a Glance


Here's a quick overview of Bryant air conditioners:

  • Uses Puron refrigerant, which is more environment-friendly
  • It has a relatively quiet operation (66 to 76 decibels)
  • Offers excellent humidity control
  • Has seasonal energy efficiency ratios (15 to 20)
  • Energy efficiency ratings from 13 to 14.5
  • It is designed with a circular motion compressor instead of the usual up-and-down piston action

Meanwhile, here's a brief overview of what to expect in Carrier air conditioners:

  • Available in compact models for tighter spaces
  • Designed with a two-stage compressor and a compressor sound blanket to ensure a quiet, optimal operation
  • It also uses Puron refrigerant, which doesn't harm the environment
  • It comes with a 10-year limited parts warranty (and an optional labor warranty)
  • Quiet levels from 65 to 76 decibels
  • Seasonal energy efficiency ratios from 15 to 21

Bryant vs. Carrier Air Conditioners: Similarities


Let’s discuss the similarities to expect between Bryant and Carrier Air Conditioners.

  • Warranty: Both brands offer generous warranty coverage, lasting up to 10 years on unit parts. You will need to ensure that the warranties are registered to be considered valid. Compared to other counterparts in the market, they have one of the most extended warranties today. 
  • Extensive options: You can choose from a luxurious line of Carrier and Bryant products today. There's a suitable AC unit that best fits your needs! For your reference, the Bryant brand begins at a lower price range.
  • Energy-efficiency: Generally, Bryant AC units have a SEER rating range from 13 to 21. Meanwhile, Carrier air conditioners are between 15 and 21. This may just help you save money in the long term.
  • Same equipment with different housing: Most AC units from Bryant and Carrier use the same parts since they are made in the same plant. You can consider them as the same equipment only with different housing. Other than that, there's also a 5 to 10% price difference to consider.

Bryant vs. Carrier Air Conditioners: Which is Better?


Let's start with the background and a brief history of the two companies. This will give you more insight into the reputation they've developed over the years.

Carrier Air Conditioner

Bryant Air Conditioner

Bryant Air Conditioners

Bryant was founded in 1904 by Charles Bryant, which initially started as a water heater company. The brand has been around for more than a century, giving them enough time to establish a firm reputation in the industry. Besides their reliable AC units, the Bryant brand also offers boilers, gas furnaces, humidifiers, ventilators, etc.

Carrier Air Conditioners

In 1902, Willis Carrier started the Carrier brand– which claims to be the pioneer in modern AC systems. Over the years, the brand has experienced tremendous growth. Like Bryant's product offerings, the brand offers innovative cooling and heating products, ventilators, and purifiers.

Price Points


The price tag is a major deciding factor for many homeowners in purchasing an appliance. You must select an AC unit that fits your budget and offers other essential features such as performance and quality.

This ensures you're making the most bang out for your buck. Both Bryant and Carrier air conditioners offer high-quality units, with only a slight price difference. Bryant offers quality AC units at a lower price range, though. Rest assured, both brands provide great value with excellent cooling efficiency.

Noise Level


Another important consideration in choosing your new AC unit is the noise level. Suppose you are planning to install the unit in your bedroom. In that case, you may want to select an air conditioner with a whisper-quiet operation not to disturb your sleep. Opting for a cheap, noisy AC unit may just be something you'd regret in the long run.

That said, always check the decibels (dB) of the unit as it indicates how loud its operation usually is. Those with a higher dB value mean the model is noisy and may disrupt your everyday living. In terms of noise level, Carrier offers a more quiet line in its renowned Infinity Series. It is considered one of the most silent AC units today.

Energy Efficiency


It's only natural to choose a renowned AC unit that offers excellent performance while being energy-efficient. This means reducing your carbon footprint to decrease any adverse environmental effects.

In the long run, an energy-efficient air conditioner will also help you save more on your monthly utility bills. Think of it as hitting two birds with a single stone! Both Bryant and Carrier ACs are considered energy-efficient. All units are subjected to an independent test to ensure they don't use maximum energy.

Warranty


Before you make any purchase, it would be best to consider the warranty from the manufacturer. This gives you peace of mind in the long run.

Note that you can count on assistance from your manufacturer within the warranty period. So if the AC unit encounters any problems or becomes defective, the brand can offer free parts replacement, labor, and repair. This will primarily depend on the terms and conditions provided for your purchase.

Fortunately, both Bryant and Carrier brands offer a generous warranty period which may last up to 10 years. It is one of the most extended coverages in the market today. However, the warranty doesn't typically cover the entire unit, just the parts.

Product Lines


As previously mentioned, both brands offer a luxurious line of products to meet every demand and need. You will have extensive options in their product lines, as listed below:

Bryant AC Line:

  • Evolution Series: This series is known for its whisper-quiet operation. Some units are designed with variable speed and one or two-stage models.
  • Legacy Series: This series is an excellent option for those on a budget. All units in this line have a single-stage compressor with a seasonal energy efficiency of 13 to 16.
  • Preferred Series: This Bryant AC line offers compact units without compromising an efficient cooling performance. It is available in either one or two-stage compressors.

Carrier AC Line:

  • Infinity Series: This product line is considered the most energy-efficient in Carrier’s AC models. It also comes with noise-free operations. Seasonal energy ratings range between 16 and 21.
  • Performance Series: If you want to have a compact AC unit that’s reliable and powerful, this product line is for you to check out!

Final Verdict


There's a thin, fine line between the advantages and disadvantages of Bryant and Carrier AC units, as both are nearly identical. However, their price range and product features are what sets them apart.

Carrier is a world-class brand, so you'll get the most bang out for your buck. But, Bryant also offers reliable, high-quality products that suit the needs of those who are working on a tight budget. The choice is yours to make. (Related: Trane Vs Carrier: HVAC Product Line & Brand Reputation Comparison)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Is Bryant a good HVAC brand?

For efficient and ozone-friendly refrigerants, Bryant is a recommended brand. Their air conditioner models are Energy Star certified, making them relatively silent, efficient, and reliable. The brand offers both quality and service at an affordable price.

Does Carrier own the Bryant brand?

Yes, Bryant is owned by Carrier, which United Technologies Corp owns. United Technologies Corp also produces Heil, Day and Night, Payne, and many other established brands.

How much does a Bryant Air Conditioner cost?

Bryant sells its units at varying prices to contractors and retailers. Depending on the type and contractor you choose, installation costs range from $2,700 to $10,000 (or more).

Kenneth Wilson
May 3, 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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