Dan Simms worked in real estate management for five years before using his experience to help property owners maintain their own homes. He got his master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and he now enjoys sharing his knowledge about homeownership and DIY projects with others on Today’s Homeowner. When he’s not writing, he’s usually outdoors with his wife and his dog, enjoying mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.
Andrew Dunn is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years of experience reporting and editing for local and national publications, including The Charlotte Observer and Business North Carolina magazine. His work has been recognized numerous times by the N.C. Press Association and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. He is also a former general contractor with experience with cabinetry, finish carpentry and general home improvement and repair. Andrew earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a certificate in business journalism. He lives in Charlotte, N.C.
March 14, 2024 by Dan SimmsClose up on logo of American Standard Platinum 20 Heat Pump / Air Conditioner placed outside
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American Standard has been an integral part of the home heating and cooling industry since 1929. With nearly a century of experience, the company now manufactures HVAC equipment for homeowners across the entire country.
Its air conditioners are known for being a budget brand that still maintains good efficiency ratings. Its prices are toward the lower end of most other companies, and the quality you get is decent, especially for the money. Plus, it ranks among the best HVAC companies in the nation for its warranty coverage.
In this American Standard air conditioner review, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about this brand before you choose it for your home. That includes specific pricing information, efficiency ratings of its AC systems, customer service, warranty coverage, and more.
Based on our 23-point rating system. Exclusive Offer: No current offers available. Year Founded: BBB Rating: Avg. Price Range:Today’s Homeowner recommends a few HVAC brands to our readers. Below you’ll see our latest suggestions and their unique superlatives. You can also explore our list of the best HVAC companies for help finding a trustworthy service provider.
Best for Noise LevelProducts with up to 24 SEER
Up to $1,000 in rebates available
Impressive sound ratings as low as 51 decibels
Best for Affordability10-year parts and quality warranty
Rigorous manufacturer inspection process
Best A/C Model VarietyOffers over a dozen AC models
SEER ratings of up to 24.5
Multiple size options ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons
Best for SustainabilityA+ Better Business Bureau rating
Zero-waste design process for optimal sustainability
HighlightsAmerican Standard is a good option for homeowners looking to buy a new air conditioner that provides good quality but don’t want high upfront costs.
American Standard AC units have SEER ratings (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of up to 21.5, which is slightly above average. Perhaps most importantly, the company offers a five-year base warranty with all of its equipment, features a ten-year warranty with product registration, and has a history of responding quickly to warranty claims.
American Standard has just seven air conditioning units to choose from, but they provide a good range of quality and efficiency to meet a number of different budgets.
We strongly recommend either the AccuComfort Platinum 18 or the AccuComfort Platinum 20. These two models are the most expensive offerings from American Standard, but they offer the highest air conditioner efficiency ratings and the most precise control over your interior climate.
This section covers American Standard Air Conditioner’s high-level pros and cons. Keep these points in mind as you read the rest of the review.
Offers good efficiency ratings up to 21.5 SEER to save you money on running costs
Prices are affordable, and the quality you get for the cost is good
Warranty coverage is in line with the industry standard, and the company has a history of responding quickly to warranty claims
Systems run as low as 57 decibels, which is relatively quiet for an AC system
Only carries seven models of AC, while most competitors carry double that or more
ACs are available nationwide, but there aren’t American Standard dealers in every major city
The average cost of an American Standard AC is around $5,000, but prices range from $3,500 up to $6,100 based on the model and the tonnage you choose. This price range is lower than you’ll find from many competitors, and it’s significantly less than you’d pay for some of the premium AC options, like Carrier, Lennox, and Trane AC units. This is considered a budget brand and is best for homeowners looking to keep initial costs as low as possible.
The table below provides a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for an American Standard air conditioner based on the model you select.
| Low-End Models | Mid-Range Models | Premium Models |
| $3,500-$4,375 | $4,375-$5,250 | $5,250-$6,100 |
If you’re using these prices to estimate your AC replacement costs, keep in mind that these don’t include the installation costs—they only include the condenser unit for your AC system. The installation price for your AC can vary quite a lot based on the HVAC contractor you hire, but the cost will usually fall between $1,000 and $3,000. You’ll also still need to consider equipment costs for the air handler and ductwork if you don’t already have those installed.
Additionally, American Standard AC units are eligible for rebates of up to $650, which can help save on the above prices.
Best for Noise LevelProducts with up to 24 SEER
Up to $1,000 in rebates available
Impressive sound ratings as low as 51 decibels
Best for Affordability10-year parts and quality warranty
Rigorous manufacturer inspection process
Best A/C Model VarietyOffers over a dozen AC models
SEER ratings of up to 24.5
Multiple size options ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons
Best for SustainabilityA+ Better Business Bureau rating
Zero-waste design process for optimal sustainability
American Standard has just seven models of central air conditioners, and they’re separated into three categories: Silver, which includes models with single-stage compressors; Gold, which includes models with two-stage compressors; and Platinum, which includes models with variable-speed compressors. Silver is the most affordable tier, Gold is slightly more costly, and Platinum is the most expensive.
Today’s Homeowner TipsTo maximize your system’s energy efficiency—which will save you money on running costs over time—and enjoy the most precise temperature control possible for your living space, we recommend opting for the Platinum Series from American Standard.
In the following sections, we’ll include some information about all of the AC models available from this HVAC manufacturer.
The Silver 13 is the entry-level model available from American Standard. This model uses a reciprocating compressor, which many of the ACs from this manufacturer include. This isn’t as efficient as a scroll compressor—which is partially why the SEER2 rating for the Silver 13 is 13, just above the lowest efficiency allowed by the U.S. government. This is a single-stage AC system as well—so the cost is as low as possible—although you’ll sacrifice a bit on comfort.
As an entry in the Silver Series, this model uses a single-stage compressor, which means it lacks the efficiency of multi-stage options and leads to more fluctuations in your interior temperature. This HVAC unit is more efficient than the Silver 13, in part because the larger options—2.5 to 5 tons—include a scroll compressor. Scroll compressors are more efficient and more durable, so this unit should have a slightly longer lifespan as well. American Standard notes on its website that this unit is Energy Star certified, but the SEER2 rating doesn’t qualify based on Energy Star’s required metrics.
The Silver 15 is the least expensive model from American Standard that qualifies for the Energy Star certification, with a 16 SEER2 rating. It accomplishes this by using only scroll compressors, which are more efficient. It also features a spine fin, which is more efficient than the plate fins that some companies use in cheaper models. This unit has a single-stage compressor, so climate control will be decent—but not great.
The Silver 15 Low Profile AC is similar to the standard Silver 15, but—as the name suggests—it has a smaller footprint, so it’s a good option for homeowners with minimal yard space to install an AC condenser unit. This model is slightly quieter than the standard Silver 15, coming in at between 70 and 73 decibels when running. It has the same SEER2 rating—up to 16—and uses the same single-speed scroll compressor.
As the first and only entry in the company’s Gold Series, the Gold 16 is the only model from American Standard that uses a two-stage scroll compressor. Having two operating capacities —100% and 70%—improves your energy savings and provides more precise control over the temperature in your home due to fewer fluctuations from your presets. This unit has a slightly higher efficiency rating—16.2 SEER2—than the top Silver models.
The Platinum 18 is the most affordable model of AC from American Standard that features a variable-speed compressor. This kind of compressor can run at many different capacities to provide consistent and precise cooling to maintain maximum comfort in your home. The multiple running speeds also help reduce your energy costs over time, as your system can work to maintain a temperature rather than catch up to your presets. According to the company’s product page, this compressor can maintain your desired temperature within half a degree (F).
American Standard notes that this is the company’s quietest model, with an operating noise level as low as 55 decibels. This model also features the company’s AccuClean Air technology and humidity control, which helps scrub your air clean and further improve indoor climate as your home gets cooled. You can check out the video below for more information on the AccuClean filters and how well they function:
The Platinum 20 is the most efficient AC from American Standard, with an impressive 21.5 SEER2 rating. This is above the industry standard and leads to the greatest energy savings, so we recommend this unit over all others from the company. It uses a variable-speed compressor and a spine coil to improve efficiency, durability, and comfort in the home. It also features the AccuClean Air technology and humidity control for better performance. This unit matches the Platinum 18 in terms of noise levels, running between 55 and 75 decibels depending on the running capacity.
Products with up to 24 SEER
Up to $1,000 in rebates available
Impressive sound ratings as low as 51 decibels
Best for Affordability10-year parts and quality warranty
Rigorous manufacturer inspection process
Best A/C Model VarietyOffers over a dozen AC models
SEER ratings of up to 24.5
Multiple size options ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons
Best for SustainabilityA+ Better Business Bureau rating
Zero-waste design process for optimal sustainability
American Standard is considered a budget brand, so its prices fall a bit below the industry average—especially if you choose one of the company’s premium models. Still, the company manages to maintain impressive efficiency ratings, provide good durability, and offer warranty coverage that’s in line with the industry standard.
The table below provides a side-by-side look at how American Standard compares to some of the top names in HVAC equipment to help you decide if this company is worth considering for your home.
Company
Our Rating
SEER Rating
Sound Rating
VISIT SITE
Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump
Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump
Split-system, ductless, heat pump
Split-system, ductless mini-split, heat pumps
Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump
Split AC system, packaged HVAC unit, ductless/mini-split, heat pump
Split AC system, packaged unit, ductless, heat pump
American Standard has good warranty coverage, and it has a history of providing resolution to warranty claims on its products. American Standard offers three types of warranties: a base limited warranty, a registered limited warranty, and an extended warranty. We’ll explain what’s included with these coverages below.
Base limited warranty: All American Standard AC units come with this warranty coverage. It includes a five-year warranty for the compressor, the outdoor coil, and all parts, regardless of the model you purchase.
Registered limited warranty: This warranty is available from the company if you register your product within 60 days of installation. The included coverage depends on the model you purchase:
Platinum Series: Ten-year warranty for compressor, outdoor coil, and parts.
Optional extended warranty: American Standard customers can also opt to purchase an optional extended warranty. The specific coverage and length of the warranty depend on your dealer and what the local HVAC contractor offers, but it typically includes warranty coverage for the labor and additional coverage for parts.
Best for Noise LevelProducts with up to 24 SEER
Up to $1,000 in rebates available
Impressive sound ratings as low as 51 decibels
Best for Affordability10-year parts and quality warranty
Rigorous manufacturer inspection process
Best A/C Model VarietyOffers over a dozen AC models
SEER ratings of up to 24.5
Multiple size options ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons
Best for SustainabilityA+ Better Business Bureau rating
Zero-waste design process for optimal sustainability
American Standard seems great when you’re just looking at the system specifications and pricing, but our goal is to provide you with actual HVAC company recommendations. To that end, we read through over 100 American Standard reviews from customers on sites like TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and we looked at the most common company complaints and how they compare to customer reviews for other companies.
Unfortunately, the HVAC industry as a whole is prone to negative reviews. While American Standard has mostly negative reviews, we found the same for all of its competitors—including premium options like Trane, Lennox, and Carrier. While looking at reviews and taking them at face value is important, you should also remember that most companies in the industry also receive mostly negative reviews.
With that being said, a good portion of the reviews spoke specifically about system issues occurring within the first few years of use. American Standard is a budget-friendly AC manufacturer—so in a sense, you get what you pay for. There’s always a risk of seeing system problems and issues with components when you buy a new system, and that risk is higher with cheaper companies like American Standard.
We did find that the company seems to have a record of providing better response rates to warranty claims from customers. There were some complaints about the warranty not covering labor for damaged parts, but the company does explicitly state that labor isn’t covered.
All in all, American Standard appears to provide reasonable durability in its products, and a good portion of customers are pleased with the responses they get to warranty claims and system issues.
As a budget AC company, American Standard doesn’t offer much in the way of cutting-edge features in its air conditioners. However, there are some things we recommend looking for when buying an American Standard AC. We’ll explain why we believe these are important below.
Overall, we believe American Standard is a good option for a new AC if you’re looking to save money upfront and still get a condenser unit with a high efficiency rating. The durability of the air conditioning systems is quite good for the money, as are the efficiency and warranty coverage. The AC systems from this manufacturer don’t have the most impressive features—but as a budget-friendly brand, it’s a good, reliable option.
Today’s Homeowner TipsWe recommend choosing from the Platinum Series—either the Platinum 18 or the Platinum 20—when buying an AC from American Standard. These options come with variable-speed compressors to provide outstanding efficiency, quiet operation, and precise indoor temperature control. They also scrub your air clean and provide control over your indoor humidity, which are great features at the price point.