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Best Central Air Conditioners Under $2,000 for 2016

Here are 5 central air conditioner models with a starting price under $2,000. Not everyone needs a super-efficient, high-performance AC. Those shopping for affordable central air conditioners include:

  • Those who experience moderate summers without extreme heat
  • Those who want to cool space that doesn’t get heavy use such as a vacation home, cottage, guest apartment, workshop, etc.
  • Those who plan to move in a few years and won’t get good long-term value from a highly efficient but expensive air conditioner

Whether you fit any of those categories, we’ve got a list of the units that will reduce your upfront costs and still keep energy costs within reason. That’s why we chose:

  • Single-stage units over two-stage models to cut costs
  • Higher SEER rating where affordable

A single-stage air conditioner runs on full capacity all of the time. You might notice slight temperature swings – of perhaps a few degrees – during and between cycles. These are reduced with costlier 2-stage and variable-capacity central air conditioners. When the air conditioner isn’t getting heavy work, the temperature fluctuation doesn’t dramatically affect indoor comfort.

Top 5 Central Air Conditioners for Less Than $2,000

You’ll save money and still get Energy Star efficiency levels with these units. The price ranges for each reflect the capacities available from 1.5 or 2.0 tons up to 5.0 tons of cooling capacity.

1. Heil QuietComfort 16 HXA6 Central Air Conditioner

Heil is the best-known brand of a group of secondary brands owned by United Technologies which also owns highly rated Carrier and Bryant. In reality, Heil is not far at all behind those two HVAC industry heavyweights. Essentially the same unit is also made under brand names Day & Night, Arcoaire, Tempstar, Keep Rite and Comfortmaker. The warranties are excellent – a 10-year general parts warranty that includes replacing the entire air conditioner unit if the compressor fails in the first 5 years.

  • 16 SEER efficiency
  • Single-stage cooling
  • 10-year warranty + 5-year unit replacement
  • Heil QuietComfort 16 HXA6 price: $1,700-$3,100

2. Maytag M120 Series MSA6BF Central Air Conditioner

Maytag makes some of the highest-rated central air conditioners for durability. This one is protected by a 12-year general parts warranty that includes the promise to replace the entire AC if the compressor fails in the first year. This unit is only available up to 4.0 tons.

  • 16 SEER efficiency
  • Single-stage cooling
  • 12-year warranty + 1-year unit replacement
  • Maytag M120 MSA6BF price: $1,200-$2,400

3. Goodman GSX16 & Amana ASX16 Central Air Conditioners

Goodman, which owned Amana until both brands were bought by Daikin Global, continues to upgrade its product lines, and these nearly identical models feature improved quality and durability. They are well-built and basic, backed by a 10-year parts warranty. For comparison, Trane and Carrier offer 10-year warranties on their best models. This is not Goodman’s or Amana’s best AC.

  • 16 SEER efficiency
  • Single-stage cooling
  • 10-year warranty
  • Amana ASX16 & Goodman GSX16 price: $900-$2,000

4. Trane XB14 Central Air Conditioner

This unit has the best SEER rating of the list at 16.5 SEER. It’s backed by a very good warranty, and Trane’s reliability record is one of the industry’s best.

  • 16.5 SEER efficiency
  • Single-stage cooling
  • 10-year parts warranty
  • Trane XB14 price: $1,500-$2,700

5. Armstrong Air 4SCU14LB & Air Ease 4SCU14LB Central Air Conditioners

These twin air conditioners are made by Lennox subsidiary Allied Air. They are solidly built and reliable. As the name indicates, these models were once 14 SEER ACs, but the technology has been improved to make them more efficient.

  • 16 SEER efficiency
  • Single-stage cooling
  • 10-year warranty
  • Armstrong Air & Air Ease 4SCU14LB price: $1,200-$2,300

Find an Experienced Installer

A new central air conditioner is only as good as the installation. When properly installed, these units will run durably and maintain good efficiency for 15-20 years. Find a qualified contractor with good experience to install your unit or complete system. We can help put you in touch with some of the top HVAC installers where you live. Choose the Free Estimates tab, fill out a quick form, and you’ll receive written estimates from experienced installers who will compete for your business. There is no cost to you for using the service, and there’s no obligation either.

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