Most Reliable Central Air-Conditioning Systems
We asked thousands of CR members which brand makes central ACs that are most likely to keep humming through summer
This summer is shaping up to be a scorcher, and triple-digit temperatures have become the summer norm for some regions of the U.S. That’s why it’s important to pick a central air conditioning system that won’t easily break. Of the more than two dozen central air-conditioning brands judged in CR’s latest member survey, only one stands out with excellent scores for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
But the data—based on responses from 18,172 members who purchased central AC units between 2007 and 2022—suggest that there are many more brands worth considering. There are also some that you should probably pass on if you’re looking to minimize long-term repair and upkeep costs.
Which Central Air-Conditioning Brand Is Most Reliable?
Using the information provided by our members, we calculated ratings for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.