Need System Advice or a Free Quote?
We’ve Got HVAC Pros Ready to Help!
Quote Form - Top of Page

2011 Air Conditioner Ratings Guide

Here at WebHVAC.com our purpose is to bring you reviews you can use to make the kind of informed buying decision that only an educated consumer can make.  We give in-depth reviews that provide features and price so you can compare and contrast central air conditioners in your efforts to find the right one for your situation.  Since we are often asked to name the “best” central air conditioners on the market, we thought we would bring them together in our 2011 Air Conditioner Ratings Guide.  Central air conditioners naturally fall into 3 categories: high-efficiency, high-price; mid-efficiency, mid-price; and standard efficiency, low-price (there are no low-efficiency models made today – all are quite efficient compared to air conditioners of just 10-15 years ago).

Grading them by efficiency is not the same as calling them good/better/best because manufacturers make very good mid and standard-efficiency central air conditioners that are just as high quality as some of the most efficient.  They simply know that consumers are looking for the right mix of equipment costs and energy savings based on how much they rely on their air conditioner in their particular climate.

Let’s take a look at our top 3 central air conditioners.  We compare them to one another, make suggestions about who will benefit most from the model, and offer additional central air conditioners for you to consider.  For price samples from these models, see the main articles where we review them in greater depth.

High-Efficiency, High-Price: York Affinity Series Model CZH  Central Air Conditioner

Choosing the best high-efficiency central air conditioner on the market is a tough task, but this one nudges out the competition because it brings together the winning elements of high-efficiency, durability and excellent performance.  Top features include 18 SEER efficiency which will produce up to a 50% reduction in cooling costs in most homes and very quiet operation that won’t wake the baby or distract you from your conversation or book out on the deck.

What Sets the York Affinity Series Model CZH 18 SEER Central Air Conditioner Apart?

This model offers very high efficiency that will start paying back your investment the first time you turn it on.  Of our top 3 models, it offers the best coil protection as well.  The steel coil guard prevents rocks thrown by the lawn mower from damaging it and the polymer mesh screen keeps efficiency-robbing dirt and dust from clogging the coil.

Consider the York Affinity Series Model CZH 18 SEER Central Air Conditioner if:

If you live in a warm climate and use your air conditioner heavily, you’ll benefit from this 18 SEER unit.  The extra you pay for it will be paid back in 3-6 years.  If reducing your energy consumption is your goal, as a means of lowering your energy bills or living a green lifestyle, this unit is the best of these 3 for your purposes.

Other Top High-Efficiency, High-Price Air Conditioners

  • Dave Lennox Signature Collection XC21 Central Air Conditioner
  • Rheem RASL-JEZ Series Central Air Conditioner 18 SEER
  • Trane Ultra Efficiency XL20i Central Air Conditioner 20 SEER

Mid-Efficiency, Mid-Price: Ruud UARL-JEZ Series Central Air Conditioner

We consider mid-efficiency models to be those with SEER ratings from 15 to 17 SEER, and in that class, the Ruud UARL-JEZ Series Central Air Conditioner beats some talented competition.  It offers good energy savings with 16 SEER, along with performance features like a 2-stage compressor for more balanced cooling and internal pressure switches that do a better job protecting the compressor.

What Sets the Ruud UARL-JEZ Series Central Air Conditioner Apart?

This model features the Copeland UltraTech Scroll compressor, the top-rated compressor in the industry.  The elevated base pan that reduces vibration and helps prevent corrosion in the condensing unit is also a unique feature most brands do not have.

Consider the Ruud UARL-JEZ Series Central Air Conditioner If:

If you want to avoid paying the higher price for a very high-efficiency model but still want to lower your energy use and utility bills, this air conditioner is a dandy.  And if precise indoor comfort is something you are choosy about, the 2-stage compressor and the enhanced humidity control will be appreciated.

Other Top Mid-Efficiency, Mid-Cost Air Conditioners

  • Payne PA16NA Central Air Conditioner Review 16 SEER
  • Carrier Comfort Series Model 24acc6 Central Air Conditioner 16 SEER

Standard-Efficiency, Low-Price: Coleman Echelon Series  AC5B  Air Conditioner

The Coleman HVAC division has been overhauled in the last decade and  now produces some of the highest-quality central air conditioners on the market.  The Coleman Echelon Series Model AC5B 15 SEER Central Air Conditioner is a prime example of the success of this rebirth.  It offers excellent 15 SEER and 2-stage operation that produces balanced cooling without uncomfortable temperature fluctuations.  The spine fin outdoor coil is more effective in transferring heat so your indoor climate is cooled more quickly.

What Sets the Coleman Echelon Series Model AC5B  Central Air Conditioner Apart?

The patented Whisper-Drive technology includes many noise-reduction features for quiet operation.  The 2-stage compressor is a rarity for a standard-efficiency, low-price central air conditioner.  There are less expensive models in this class but they don’t offer the comfort features this one does.

Consider the Coleman Echelon Series Model AC5B 15 SEER Central Air Conditioner If:

If you live in a moderate to cool climate where high efficiency isn’t required, but you still want high performance, this is your unit.  The performance features are those you typically find in top of the line, high-price models.  With the Coleman Echelon Series Model AC5B, you get them in a more affordable unit.

Other Top Standard-Efficiency, Low-Price Air Conditioners

  • Ruud UAPM-JEZ Series Central Air Conditioner 14.5 SEER
  • York Affinity Series Model CZE 15 SEER Central Air Conditioner

The top 3 central air conditioners and other top models in our 2011 Air Conditioner Ratings Guide will help you start your search for your next central air conditioner.  Comparison shop using our HVAC prices articles and make an informed purchase that will help you control your indoor environment and your cooling costs in the years ahead.

Need System Advice or a Free Quote?
We’ve Got HVAC Pros Ready to Help!
Quote Form - Top of Page

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *