Most Reliable Central Air Conditioning Systems

Because there are so many variables—including your local climate, your home’s size and design, how the system is installed, and the construction of the ductwork—Consumer Reports doesn’t test central air conditioning systems. Instead, we estimate the reliability of major brands on the market by asking our members about their experiences with the AC systems they purchased and installed.

Historically, members have expected their central air systems to last a median of 15 years. Our 2024 findings also take into account ratings from the 2022 survey and are based on central air conditioning systems that are in use for a median of five months a year.

“Choosing a brand with higher predicted reliability and better owner satisfaction will boost your chances of getting an air conditioning system that you can depend on,” says Adam Troy, who led CR’s air conditioner reliability survey.

Our latest survey includes reliability and satisfaction data on 22 brands of conventional central air systems. In addition to those findings, CR members let us know which parts broke and what it cost to fix their central AC system if repairs were needed. We also asked them how likely they were to recommend their system to friends and family, which is how we calculate owner satisfaction ratings.