Bryant
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Over 100 years of HVAC innovation in the U.S. market
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Flagship Evolution™ series with variable-speed technology
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Strong performance in both extreme heat and cold climates
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Advanced smart thermostat integration via Evolution Connex™
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Broad product lineup across all four major residential ducted categories
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Competitive cost-to-performance balance in the premium tier
Armstrong Air
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A97MV Modulating Gas Furnace with 97% AFUE and variable-speed ECM blower
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SCU23LX Air Conditioner featuring inverter-driven performance and up to 23 SEER2
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4SHP23LX Heat Pump with up to 23 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2 for year-round efficiency
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Comfort Sync® A3 thermostat compatibility for smart zoning and mobile control
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EHX™ Technology in furnaces ensures even heat and reduces hot spots
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Backed by Allied Air Enterprises (a Lennox International company) with strong dealer support
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Bryant HVAC
With a legacy dating back to 1904, Bryant has become a household name in residential HVAC, known for balancing performance, durability, and comfort. Over the years, I’ve worked hands-on with Bryant systems in both installations and service calls, and the brand consistently delivers solid results across a variety of climates. Their Evolution™ series-the premium line-represents the highest level of their engineering, offering precise temperature control, advanced humidity management, and quiet, efficient operation.
For this review, I’m focusing on three core residential ducted products that I’ve personally tested and that reflect Bryant’s capabilities across heating and cooling:
- Evolution™ 98 Gas Furnace (987M) - a fully modulating, high-AFUE furnace for cold climates.
- Evolution™ Extreme Variable-Speed Air Conditioner (191VAN) - a flagship central AC designed for maximum comfort in hot, humid conditions.
- Evolution™ Extreme Variable-Speed Heat Pump (284ANV) - a year-round system offering both heating and cooling efficiency.
These choices aren’t just based on spec sheets-they’re selected because they perform well in real homes, with feedback from homeowners that aligns with my own field experience.
Armstrong Air HVAC
Armstrong Air may not have the same name recognition as others, but among contractors, it’s known as a premium, professional-grade brand that combines Lennox engineering with its own innovations. Manufactured under Allied Air Enterprises, Armstrong Air benefits from Lennox’s R&D resources while carving out a niche as a contractor-preferred brand with strong support and durable products.
For this review, I’m focusing on three flagship products: the A97MV Modulating Gas Furnace, the SCU23LX Air Conditioner, and the 4SHP23LX Heat Pump. Together, they represent Armstrong Air’s top-end lineup, showcasing high efficiency, inverter-driven technology, and smart control integration. In my field experience, it appeals most to homeowners who rely heavily on contractor recommendations and want premium comfort without the marketing markup of more famous brands.
