About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners
By Travis Baugh | Expert Review By Michelle Notaro - Product Manager, Air Conditioners
An energy-efficient air conditioner is a cooling system with a higher SEER2 rating that uses less electricity to deliver a given amount of cooling than a lower-efficiency system. Bryant’s Evolution™ Extreme Variable Speed Air Conditioner 191VAN delivers up to 21 SEER2 and uses a variable-speed compressor to adjust cooling output to the home’s needs.
Choosing an energy-efficient air conditioner can help reduce electricity use while providing consistent home comfort. Modern systems from Bryant are designed to deliver reliable performance using less energy, helping homeowners reduce cooling bills and environmental impact at the same time.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
An energy-efficient AC system uses equipment and compressor technology designed to provide cooling with less electricity. SEER2 measures seasonal cooling efficiency, while EER2 measures cooling efficiency under specific operating conditions.
Investing in a high-efficiency Bryant inverter air conditioner can also provide features such as variable-speed operation, enhanced humidity management and quieter operation, depending on the model. Bryant’s Evolution™ Extreme systems use variable-speed technology and Perfect Humidity™ Technology to adjust operation to changing comfort needs.
Joseph Braswell, owner of Guin Service Company in Birmingham, AL explains why a homeowner should consider upgrading to an energy efficient AC with a high SEER2 rating.
“Many homeowners start considering higher SEER2 ratings because they want to lower their energy bills,” Braswell said. “But as SEER2 ratings increase, you also gain other benefits like quieter operation and improved humidity control. In our experience, more customers comment on the enhanced comfort of a high-SEER2 system than the actual energy savings.”
Bryant Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner Comparison
Bryant’s current central air conditioner lineup includes models with efficiency ratings from approximately 16 to 21 SEER2. The table below highlights several models and their published efficiency, compressor type, sound level and warranty information.
| Bryant model | SEER2 | EER2 | Compressor type | Sound level | Parts warranty |
| Evolution™ Extreme 191VAN | Up to 21 | Up to 12 | Variable-speed | As low as 55 dB | 10 years with timely registration |
| Preferred™ 148TAN | Up to 18 | Up to 13.5 | Two-stage scroll | As low as 71 dB | 10 years with timely registration |
| Legacy™ 135SAN | Up to 16.5 | Up to 14.5 | Single-stage scroll | As low as 71 dB | 10 years with timely registration |
Specifications vary by model, size and system combination. Check the individual product page and AHRI-certified combination for the efficiency and performance of a specific installation.
How to Choose the Right Bryant AC System
Selecting the best air conditioner involves more than just picking a model—you’ll want to consider how it fits your home and lifestyle.
- Home Size and Layout: The size of your home plays a major role in determining the right AC capacity. Larger homes typically require higher-tonnage systems, while smaller spaces benefit from properly sized units that avoid wasted energy. Learn more about what size air conditioner you need.
- Local Climate: If you live in a region with hot or humid summers, choosing a system with a higher efficiency rating (like SEER2) can help reduce the electricity required for cooling compared with a lower-efficiency system. Actual energy use and operating costs vary based on climate, system size, thermostat settings, installation and other factors.
- Maintenance Needs: Routine upkeep is essential for long-term performance. Regular AC service and proper maintenance can help the system operate as designed.
- Budget and Long-Term Value: While high-efficiency systems may cost more upfront, the potential operating-cost savings depend on the system’s efficiency, local electricity rates, cooling demand and how the equipment is used. Rebates and incentives may also reduce upfront costs.
- System Type: Bryant offers both ducted and ductless options. Ductless mini split systems provide efficient targeted cooling and avoid some duct-related losses, while central systems provide whole-home cooling from a single system.
Ways to Improve Your AC’s Efficiency
Even the most efficient air conditioner performs better with proper care and smart usage habits.
- Stay on Top of Maintenance: Regular AC maintenance helps your system maintain proper airflow and performance. Replacing air filters, cleaning the outdoor unit, and ensuring vents are clear can all improve airflow and performance.
- Optimize Your Home Environment: Simple adjustments—like closing blinds during peak sunlight, using ceiling fans, or sealing air leaks—can reduce the amount of heat entering your home and the cooling load on your AC system.
- Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats can help manage temperatures according to your schedule and provide remote control, depending on the thermostat and system combination.
Understanding Efficiency Ratings
When comparing Bryant air conditioners, efficiency ratings are key:
- SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Measures overall cooling efficiency across a season
- EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio): Reflects performance under specific conditions
A higher SEER2 or EER2 rating generally indicates greater efficiency under the applicable test conditions, but actual energy use depends on climate, equipment sizing, installation, operating conditions and other factors.
Benefits of Choosing Bryant
Bryant air conditioners are engineered for dependable cooling, with model-specific features that can include variable-speed or two-stage compressors, enhanced humidity management and reduced sound levels. Bryant’s Evolution™ Extreme air conditioners feature AeroQuiet™ System II and sound levels as low as 55 dB on the 191VAN.
Variable-speed compressors can adjust cooling output as conditions change, while two-stage systems can operate for longer periods at lower capacity. These technologies can support consistent temperatures and humidity management, depending on the system and controls used.
Save More with Rebates and Incentives
Many energy-efficient HVAC systems may qualify for rebates, helping offset AC installation costs. Rebates cavary by location, utility and equipment eligibility, so homeowners should verify current requirements before purchasing. Your local Bryant dealer can help you explore flexible financing options for your new HVAC system.
Talk to a Bryant Dealer About Energy Efficient Air Conditioners
Upgrading to an energy-efficient Bryant air conditioner is a long-term investment in comfort, performance, and savings. By working with your local Bryant dealer for air conditioner replacement, you can choose a properly sized system and compare efficiency ratings, features, installation requirements and available incentives for your home.
Energy Efficient Air Conditioner FAQs
They often are, yes. While initial costs might be higher, the opportunity for savings on monthly energy bills, combined with improved indoor air quality and the potential for increased home value, can make it a highly worthwhile, long-term investment.
Bryant’s advanced variable-speed air conditioners are designed to operate quietly. By running at lower capacities for longer periods, they eliminate the loud, disruptive noises associated with traditional systems turning on and off
: A SEER2 rating of 14.3 to 15.2 is the current minimum standard depending on your region, but highly efficient systems—like Bryant’s premium models—often achieve SEER2 ratings of 18 to 20+, providing exceptional energy savings.
Absolutely. Our smart systems integrate seamlessly with popular smart home platforms and our proprietary Evolution™ controls, offering convenience, advanced scheduling, and remote access.
Because efficient systems with variable-speed technology run continuously at lower speeds, they circulate indoor air through the system's filters more frequently, effectively removing more allergens, dust, and pollutants.
About The Expert Reviewer: Michelle Notaro is a Product Manager for Residential Air Conditioners at Bryant, helping guide the direction of residential cooling products. She considers changing homeowner priorities, emerging market developments, and regulatory requirements to support air conditioning solutions that address today's comfort and efficiency expectations.
