Weston, Florida, is no stranger to heat and humidity. For the past eight years, average temperatures range from the 58º F low in January to 90º F in July and August. Only three months don’t have average highs of 80º F or higher, and they are December, January, and February. It’s hot outside, which means staying cool and comfortable matters a lot.

Central air is essential for your home or business. If your AC system isn’t working effectively, humidity builds up, increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth. Make sure you have an efficient, effective new AC unit to counter Weston’s heat. Here are some of the top brands to consider.

Top Brands and Their Highly Rated Models

While there are dozens of companies that manufacture central AC systems, here are some of the best central AC system companies in Florida. Each company has models that are Energy Star’s picks for the most efficient AC systems and qualify for federal government tax credits.

1. Amana

Amana boasts it puts “ability in affordability.” The company strives to keep costs as low as possible while also delivering AC systems and other appliances that withstand regular use. Founded in Iowa in 1934, this U.S. brand has been a leader for more than 80 years.

• ASXC7 – 22,800 to 56,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.2 to 17.2
• ASXV9 – 21,600 to 52,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 19 to 22.5

2. Broan

If you’re looking for energy-efficient, green AC systems, consider a Broan system. The company is Wisconsin-based and founded over 90 years ago.

• FSA1BG – 22,800 to 23,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 19

3. Bryant

Charles Lester Bryant grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and developed a strong interest in gas pressure regulation. After serving in the Spanish-American War, he returned to his passion, and it’s that passion that led to Bryant’s company and the current line of energy-efficient AC systems that include these:

• Comfort Series Compact – 47,000 to 48,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 16
• Evolution Extreme 26 AC – 21,400 to 57,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 16 to 24
• Legacy Series Compact – 16,900 to 58,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.2 to 16
• Preferred 16 SEER2 – 17,300 to 55,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.2 to 16.8

4. Carrier

Willis Carrier is known as the inventor of the slide rule, and he used that to determine how to control dew points, which led to his invention of modern air conditioning in 1881. He installed the first AC system in 1902, and that’s just the start of this company’s achievements.

• Infinity 26 with Greenspeed Intelligence – 21,400 to 57,00 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 16 to 24
• Performance 16 SEER2 – 17,300 to 55,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.2 to 16.8

5. Daikin/Goodman

Harold Goodman founded Goodman Manufacturing Company in 1954. Daikin purchased Goodman in 2012 and continues to provide residential and commercial HVAC equipment under both names. Many of them are on Energy Star’s list.

• Goodman GSXC7 – 22,800 to 56,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.2 to 17.2
• Goodman GSXV9 – 21,600 to 52,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 19 to 22.5

6. Frigidaire

Frigidaire started in 1918 when W. C. Durant purchased a company that built the first self-contained refrigerator. The first room air conditioner followed 11 years later. The company continues to advance by taking its popular appliances and making them more efficient.

• FSA1BG – 22,800 to 23,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 19

7. Fujitsu

Fujitsu started as an IT company and manufactured the first computer in Japan, but it’s grown a lot since 1935. Under Fujitsu General, the company specializes in humidity control and AC. Several of them receive Energy Star ratings.

• F Series – 17,100 to 40,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.2 to 16
• RACXZS and RGEXZS – 47,500 to 57,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.2

8. Lennox

Lennox’s foundations date back to 1895 with the creation of a riveted steel furnace. Multi-zone rooftop heating and AC units came out in 1965. Lennox is still a key player in home cooling and heating.

• Dave Lennox Signature Series SL28XCV – 20,800 to 55,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 20.2 to 25.8
• XC20 Series – 23,200 to 54,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 18.4 to 21

9. Maytag

Maytag started as a hand-cranked washing machine company and expanded. Maytag HVAC started with the partnership with Nortek Global HVAC and specializes in Demand Flow Technology.

• PSA1BG – 22,800 to 23,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 19

10. Rheem

Rheem dates back to 1925 when the Rheem brothers began manufacturing steel drums. In the 1950s, the company expanded into water heaters, air conditioning, and boilers.

• Prestige Series – 22,400 to 45,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 17 to 19
• Vantix – 34,200 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 19

11. Ruud

Norwegian-American Edwin Ruud came to the U.S. and invented the tankless water heater in 1889. In the 1950s, the Ruud air conditioning brand came out and has been going strong since.

• Ultra – 22,400 to 45,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 17 to 19
• Vantix – 22,600 to 34,200 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 17 to 19

12. Trane

Trane air conditioners were invented in 1931, though it was established in 1885 as a plumbing and heating company. When a worker from Ford Motor Company joined the team in 1917, he urged them to get into HVAC manufacturing, and Trane’s popularity as an air conditioning manufacturer began.

• Platinum 20 – 47,000 to 54,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 19 to 20
• XV18 – 23,400 to 55,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 17.5 to 18

13. York

Back in 1874, York International developed ice makers and branched out into HVAC and refrigeration equipment. The company is still a leader in home air conditioning.

• Affinity – 22,200 to 58,000 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.25 to 20
• LX Series – 17,300 to 57,500 BTUs with a SEER2 rating of 15.25 to 17.5

Which is best? There’s no right or wrong answer, as every home is unique. If you have more money to invest, a system with a higher SEER2 is best. However, Florida AC systems under 45,000 BTU have to meet the minimum 14.3 rating effective January 1, 2023. Systems that are 45,000 BTU or higher must meet the 13.8 rating. This ensures you’re getting an efficient system. If you’re replacing an older system, you’ll notice the energy savings.

Maximize Your Budget by Avoiding Common Mistakes

Always work with a professional Weston AC repair company. DIY central AC installation won’t save you money in the long run. If you purchase an oversized or undersized system, the components like motors, fans, and electrical components wear out faster. An oversized system turns on and off constantly because it cools a room quickly. An undersized system runs constantly to maintain the right temperature.

An AC system must be pressurized correctly. If it’s not, problems occur and optimal cooling doesn’t happen. Compressor problems occur and coolant leaks are common. If the compressor motor fails, replacement costs can go into the thousands.

It’s just as important to make sure your new system receives routine maintenance. Change the air filters regularly, and that might be once a month. Make sure the outdoor unit is free of leaves, grass, and branches. Keep the coils cleaned off. Every few years, have the ducts inspected. If you’re not comfortable with DIY maintenance tasks, schedule maintenance with a licensed and insured AC company.

All Year Cooling specializes in AC installations, repairs, and maintenance. In our extensive history, we’ve installed well over 150,000 AC systems in Weston homes and enjoy sharing our specialized insight into brands like Carrier, Goodman, Rheem, York, and many others. Reach out to us to learn more about Weston AC installations.