BRYANT HEAT PUMPS

Bryant heat pump review and buying guide

Trying to choose between Bryant heat pumps? Start with the product line, then compare the exact matched models, capacity and installer scope on the quote.

How the Bryant lines differ

Bryant currently groups its residential heat pumps into Evolution, Preferred and Legacy lines. That is a useful first sort, but the line name alone does not tell you whether a system is right for your house.

  • Evolution: the premium line, with variable-speed options and the highest efficiency and comfort features in the range.
  • Preferred: the middle of the range, balancing efficiency and comfort features against the installed price.
  • Legacy: the value line, including simpler single-stage models and compact crossover options.

See Bryant’s current heat pump range for the manufacturer’s model list and headline ratings. Availability and specifications can change.

Current Bryant models to use as reference points

These examples show how the range is organised. The quoted system still needs a matched indoor unit, a capacity check at your design temperature and a local installation price.

ModelLineManufacturer headline
293VANEvolution ExtremeVariable-speed heat pump, up to 23 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2
235SANLegacySingle-stage heat pump, up to 16 SEER2 and 8.1 HSPF2
37MURALegacy compact crossoverCrossover heat pump, up to 18.8 SEER2 and 9.7 HSPF2

Ratings above are manufacturer headline figures, not a promise for every size or matched combination. Check the exact AHRI match and performance data on the quote.

What to ask for before you buy

  1. What is the room-by-room heating and cooling load, and what outdoor design temperature was used?
  2. What are the exact outdoor and indoor model numbers, and are they an approved matched combination?
  3. What capacity does the heat pump deliver at the design temperature, and what provides backup heat?
  4. What duct, electrical, condensate, thermostat, permit and commissioning work is included?
  5. What warranty registration and local service support come with the installation?

Already have a Bryant heat pump?

Photograph the complete rating plate before checking its age or comparing a repair quote. The model number identifies the equipment specification; the serial number identifies the individual unit.

Check the manufacture date → Compare repair and replacement →

Earlier Bryant heat pump guide

This section was published earlier. Model names, ratings, prices and warranty details may have changed, so check Bryant’s current information before buying.

Our detailed Bryant heat pump reviews will help you decide which of their products will meet your needs.

Charles Bryant founded Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems more than a century ago.

Today, their products include all types of heating and cooling choices including air conditioners and heat pumps.

The company’s standards have always been high. Bryant heat pump reviews endorse that their products are the best quality as well as being reliable and durable.

Bryant also keeps ahead of changing technology and trends. They have always catered for their customers’ cooling and heating needs. And for more than 100 years they have maintained high efficiency and unbeatable standards.

The Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of their leading Evolution range are tops.

Pros & Cons of Bryant Heat Pumps

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bryant Heat Pump

If you live in a moderate climate, a heat pump can be a good alternative to a more traditional heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

Heat pumps transfer heat from outside to warm your home and remove it to cool the interior. They don’t generate hot or cold air. This makes the HVAC system much more energy-efficient than a traditional aircon and heater.

A heat pump will do the same job as an aircon in summer. But, if you live somewhere that gets very cold in winter, a gas furnace will be cheaper to run than a heat pump. Then, it’s usually better to install an aircon unit and a furnace. Otherwise, you can add a gas furnace to a pump and enjoy Hybrid Heat.

Before you buy a new heat pump system, consider these things:

The SEER range

HSPF range

Noise level

Humidity control

Speed of operation

Compressor type

Fan motor type

Whether the unit is Energy Star qualified/certified

What warranty is available

Features and Benefits of Bryant Heat Pumps

Bryant’s heat pump range has some great features and benefits. Regardless of size, like Carrier and American Standard, their HVAC units are often awarded Energy Star’s Most Efficient title.

There are three product lines, the Bryant Evolution System, the Preferred Series, and the Legacy Line. Every model and size has great benefits and features.

The top-of-the-range System performs well and is extremely efficient. The high-quality Preferred models are flexible. They let you control your heating and cooling needs throughout the year. The Legacy Line is the most affordable range Bryant offers.

We are going to compare the three product lines to help you decide which of the brands is best for your needs.

Note that all the images used here are copyright of the Bryant company. All rights reserved.

Bryant Evolution Heat Pump Reviews

The Bryant Evolution brand is the best you can get. Five different models include the best heat pump ever!

Their heating and cooling qualities and performance are excellent. All have a high SEER between up to 24 and 20 5 to 17, and a 9 5 to 13 HSPF rating. They also all boast the AeroQuiet System ii design. This makes them virtually noiseless.

Bryant heat pump reviews say they aren’t any louder than a regular refrigerator when they run. That’s because the AeroQuiet System II design has a compressor sound blanket.

Humidity control is top notch and even better with the variable models.

Every model can be converted to a Hybrid Heat system by combining a furnace with the heat pump.

Most models meet the Energy Star guidelines for high efficiency. They also use environmentally friendly, next-generation, Puron refrigerant.

They all have a limited 10-year parts warranty. The best in the range has an extra warranty that covers unit replacement. It is possible to extend some warranties. See the table under Model Numbers below.

Extreme 24 Variable-Speed Heat Pump

Named one of the Most Efficient of Energy Star in 2020, this Bryant heat pump is one of their best HVAC products. It has a SEER up to 24, an HSPF rating up to 13, and it is ultra-quiet. Depending on the model, it is 50% quieter than other manufacturers’ brands.

Testing shows that in worst-case situations it removes up to 400% more moisture than standard HVAC systems. This is extreme humidity control!

The compressor type is variable, which results in exceptional energy efficiency. Lower speed cycles save money too.

The size of the unit varies, depending on capacity, which can be 2 to 5 ton.

An air purifier comes with this HVAC unit.

The ten-year warranty on this high-performance heat pump includes unit replacement.

Extreme Variable Speed

Energy Star identifies this model as Bryant’s top-of-the-line pump. Their reviewers recognize this model’s top-rate performance and superior design.

The level of cooling and heating it offers is almost unheard of in a split system pump like this one. Bryant calls it next-level performance compared to most other split system heat pumps.

It has a variable-speed operation and intelligent system control that produces premium comfort and saves energy.

Its HSPF efficiency is up to 13 and it has a 20 5 SEER. It is exceptionally quiet at low speeds down to 58 dB when cooling and 62 dB when heating.

Variable Speed Heat Pump

This is a small-size heat pump that uses inverter technology and a variable rotary compressor.

It has a SEER efficiency up to 19 and HSPF up to 11. It runs even more quietly than the previous model featured.

Another of the ultra-quiet Bryant products, this pump produces an even temperature. We love its dehumidification performance, especially the way it manages humidity levels in summer.

Although this pump is designed as part of the Evolution system, it is compatible with two-stage thermostats. You can also use it with indoor products that are suitable for a two-stage operation. What a bonus!

2-Stage Coastal Heat Pump

Designed for use at the coast, this 2-stage heat pump is great wherever the salty atmosphere is corrosive. The secret here is Bryant’s Coastal TuffCoat that adds protection.

It is a reliable machine that provides up to 17 SEER efficiency and up to 9 5 HSPF heating.

Like the other heat pumps in this series, it ensures temperatures are consistent and comfortable. It manages humidity very well and its performance is noticeably quiet. The noise level range varies from 60 to 69 dB.

2-Stage Heat Pump

The bottom of the top-of-the-range is also an amazing 2-stage machine. With a 17 SEER and up to 9 5 HSPF, it meets all the Energy Star guidelines for the best efficiency in all models.

Its proven performance is great in summer and in winter.

Bryant Preferred Series

This series is middle-of-the-road for the products that Bryant offers. But it is a top brand in the marketplace.

A major benefit is that its heating and cooling ability is flexible throughout the seasons. So, you can be sure that your home will be comfortable in summer and winter, no matter how hot or cold it is.

You have a choice between single-stage, 2-stage, and compact units.

All of them have the advantage of Wi-Fi remote access for programming and control via the Bryant Housewise thermostat. They can also all operate with a Hybrid Heat system for constantly efficient heat.

The capacity of this series ranges from 1.5 to 5 ton.

The standard limited warranty on all models in this series is ten years on parts.

See the table below for SEER, HSPF, and sound ratings.

Preferred 2-Stage Heat Pump

This heat pump is high on the review ratings even though it isn’t Bryant’s premier brand.

It operates quietly and provides consistent and reliable comfort day in and day out, all year round.

Preferred Single-Stage Heat Pumps

There are two models, one with a SEER cooling efficiency of up to 17 and the other up to 16. The HSPF of the 17 is 9.5 and the other has an HSPF of up to 9.

Both are quiet and reliable.

Preferred Compact Heat Pump

This compact model is quiet and perfect for small spaces in the house and around patios and decks. You can also install it up to only six inches from the outside, which is a huge advantage.

A standout benefit is that it is stackable for use in multi-unit housing.

The Bryant Housewife thermostat will improve humidity control

Bryant Legacy Line

Bryant’s Legacy Line of superior heat pumps are all single-stage. While they are similar and look the same, there are important differences. These are detailed in the table below.

Like the Preferred brand, the Legacy series also has a coastal heat pump that is designed to resist corrosion from the salty sea air.

While there is a minor difference in efficiency ratings, this line is consistent. Like Preferred, they offer Wi-Fi remote access.

The three models currently featured on the Bryant website (see table below) have a varied capacity from 1 to 5 ton units. This, of course, determines size.

Although it is highly rated in heat pump reviews, the Bryant 2 ton 15 SEER Legacy model is not currently included on the company’s website.

The Legacy Line is also the most affordable of the three Bryant heat pump options.

Bryant Heat Pump Model Numbers

The three Bryant heat pump series all have model numbers as you can see from the table below. It is useful to know these numbers when you search on the internet, or on the Bryant website, for more information.

Series & ModelCooling SEERHeating HSPFSound Level (decibels)Compressor TypeEnergy Star10-year Limited Warranty
Evolution 284ANVUp to 24Up to 13As low as 51VariableMost Efficient 2020Parts & unit replacement
Evolution 280AUp to 20.5Up to 13As low as 58VariableMost Efficient 2020Parts
Evolution 288BNVUp to 19Up to 11As low as 55VariableSome sizes qualifyParts
Evolution 286BNCUp to 17Up to 9.5As low as 602-stageSome sizes qualifyParts
Evolution 286BUp to 17Up to 9.5As low as 682-stageAll sizes qualifyParts
Preferred 226AUp to 17Up to 9.5As low as 702-stageAll sizes qualifyParts
Preferred 225BUp to 16Up to 9As low as 681-stageAll sizes qualifyParts
Preferred 226CUp to 17Up to 9.5As low as 671-stageAll sizes qualifyParts
Preferred 224ANSUp to 14Up to 8.2As low as 68CompactNot qualifiedParts
Legacy 215BUp to 15Up to 8.5As low as 691-stageAll sizes qualifyParts
Legacy 214DNCUp to 14Up to 8.2As low as 721-stageNot qualifiedParts
Legacy 214DUp to 14Up to 8.2As low as 691-stageNot qualifiedParts

Bryant Heat Pump Prices

The cost of Bryant heat pumps varies depending on region and installer.

If you search online you will find a myriad of differing prices. But you can’t rely on these unless you factor in the cost of a FAD.

Random prices posted on the internet range from $1,725 to $4,540 for the various systems. Installed prices quoted range from $5,170 to $10,500. We haven’t been able to validate any of these.

You can send your name, email, and other information to Bryant and ask which FAD is in your area. Then you will be able to estimate a cost based on a reliable installer.

FAQ

Are Bryant heat pumps good?

Yes, they are very good. The company makes some of the best. The best SEER ratings are up to 24 and HSPF up to 13. A 20 5 SEER and 9 5 HSPF are way above average. There are many other features and advantages including very low noise levels.

How long does a Bryant heat pump last?

Every Bryant heat pump comes with a warranty that will cover you for at least ten years. The best has a unit replacement warranty too.

Are Carrier and Bryant heat pumps the same?

Yes, most of them are. Both companies make 17 models and only the cheapest model in each range is different. But prices are not the same. Most Carrier heat pumps are more expensive.

Who makes Bryant heat pumps?

Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems that makes Bryant heat pumps was started by Charles Bryant more than 100 years ago. Bryant still makes Bryant products!

Our Conclusion

Bryant has a good, solid range of products that offer solutions for every possible HVAC challenge.

We have focused on residential needs and have found that Bryant offers HVAC solutions for everyone. All their heat pumps come with different features including heating, cooling, reduced noise, and the ability to minimise humidity. It’s only the level that varies.

Also, the three heat pump series they offer come in a range of prices, ensuring that cost meets the needs of every budget.