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.

Lennox HVAC

Among the major names in HVAC, Lennox stands out for its long heritage and reputation for pushing the limits of efficiency. For this review, I focused on three cornerstone products that reflect the brand’s residential ducted portfolio: the SLP99V Gas Furnace, the SL28XCV Variable-Capacity Air Conditioner, and the XP25 Variable-Capacity Heat Pump. Together, these models showcase what Lennox brings to homeowners who demand consistent comfort, low energy bills, and technology that balances innovation with real-world reliability. Over years of field testing and speaking with homeowners, I’ve seen both the strengths and the areas where Lennox could improve, and this review reflects that balance.

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