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
Heil
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Ion™ 98 G97CMN Gas Furnace with up to 98% AFUE and modulating gas valve
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Ion™ 21 Variable-Speed Air Conditioner with inverter technology and up to 20.5 SEER2
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Ion™ Variable-Speed Heat Pump (HVH8) delivering up to 19 SEER2 and 11 HSPF2
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Ion™ System Control provides full smart-home integration and real-time diagnostics
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Part of ICP (Carrier Global), sharing advanced engineering with Carrier and Bryant
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10-year No Hassle Replacement™ warranty on premium Ion series equipment
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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.
Heil HVAC
Heil may not be the first HVAC brand homeowners think of, but industry insiders know it as part of ICP (International Comfort Products)—the same corporate family that builds Carrier and Bryant systems. This means Heil equipment often shares the same engineering DNA as its premium siblings, but is marketed at a slightly lower price point with fewer flashy brand campaigns.
For this review, I’ll focus on Heil’s flagship Ion™ series: the Ion 98 G97CMN Furnace, the Ion 21 Variable-Speed Air Conditioner, and the Ion Variable-Speed Heat Pump HVH8. Together, these represent Heil’s top technology tier, blending high efficiency, modulating or inverter-driven performance, and smart connectivity. In my experience, Heil appeals to homeowners who want near-premium comfort without paying Carrier Infinity pricing.
