Welcome to this Bryant heat pump review that includes technical specs, pros and cons, and things to consider when making your heat pump decision. Our HVAC library also includes guides to Bryant ACs, Furnaces, and Thermostats to help you select a complete Bryant system.
In addition, if you'd like to compare Bryant heat pumps to other top brands for efficiency and heating/cooling comfort, browse our heat pump reviews of:
Bryant heating and cooling is one of the oldest brands in the industry. Founded by Charles Bryant in 1904, the company was first an innovator in residential water heating before becoming a leader in air conditioning, heat pump technology, and indoor air quality. Today, Bryant is a division of Carrier, which is one of several HVAC brands owned by global giant United Technologies Corporation.
According to our research, Bryant's heating and air condition lineup is one of the most comprehensive in the industry. This is a top-tier brand with high ratings from independent HVAC professionals.
Like most top manufacturers, Bryant makes three series of heat pumps in basic/better/best style for a total of 17 models. Here are the details beginning with the basic Bryant heat pump models:
Bryant Legacy heat pumps are affordable single-stage units. They heat and cool at full capacity and noise, are backed by five-year warranties, and should last 15-18 years. The top pick in the Legacy Series is the 15 SEER/8.5 HSPF Bryant Legacy 215B heat pump, ideal for cool-to-moderate climates.
Bryant Preferred Series heat pump models are better quality, though all have single-stage heating and cooling except the two-stage 226A Bryant heat pump with 17.5 SEER and 9.5 HSPF efficiency. Bryant two-stage heat pumps heat and cool on low capacity, or about 65% capacity, most of the time for quieter, more balanced performance. They switch to high when there's a dramatic change in temperature or the thermostat set point is raised/lowered.
The Bryant Evolution Series includes seven heat pumps ranging in efficiency and performance from single-stage 15.5 SEER/9.5 HSPF to variable-speed 20.5 SEER/13 HSPF. The Evolution 280A Bryant heat pump is the top choice in the series with a variable-speed compressor that modulates in 1% increments between 40% and 100% for precise, quiet, and comfortable heating and cooling.
Here are advantages and disadvantages to consider before purchasing a Bryant heat pump or while comparing the brand to Trane, Goodman, Rheem, and others.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Wide range of models | There are 17 models in a spectrum of performance and efficiency ratings, so you will find one with the right fit for your climate and purposes. |
| Proper sizing | Since most models are sold in capacities from 18,000 BTU to 60,000 BTU, the unit can be properly sized to your home's size, layout, and construction. |
| High quality and durability | Bryant quality and durability is in the top ten for all brands, especially in the Evolution and Preferred Series. With proper maintenance, a Bryant Evolution heat pump should last 20+ years. |
| Widely available | Like all the brands we've covered, Bryant is a national company, so you won't have any trouble finding a dealer for sales and installation. |
| Serviceable by any technician | Bryant heat pumps can be repaired by any qualified HVAC technician whether or not they're a Bryant dealer. |
| Complete system options | Bryant's full range of HVAC equipment including furnaces and indoor air quality components allows you to select a complete system matched for efficiency and performance. |
| Attractive to home buyers | If you sell your home, having a Bryant heat pump vs. an obscure brand like Payne, Ducane or Tempstar will be attractive to potential buyers. |
| Significant energy savings | Most heat pumps 15-20 years old have SEER ratings of 10-12. Replacing one with a 20-SEER model will reduce energy use and cost by 40-50% while improving indoor climate control too. |
| Industry-leading heating efficiency | The 13 HSPF heating of the Bryant 280A is the best in the industry along with an identical model from sister-brand Carrier. |
| Quiet operation | The Bryant 288BNV variable-speed heat pump runs as quietly as 55 decibels making it one of the quietest heat pumps on the market. |
| Environmentally friendly refrigerant | All Bryant heat pump models used R-410A Puron refrigerant that is less damaging to the environment than older types. |
| Compact models available | There are two heat pumps with compact design, the Preferred 224ANS and the Preferred 538B, that require just six inches of clearance, ideal for installation where space is limited. |
| Coastal models | Bryant makes three heat pumps designed for salty coastal environments, the two-stage 286BNC with excellent 17.5 SEER/9.5 HSPF efficiency and two less-efficient single-stage models. |
| Rebate eligibility | Bryant's most efficient heat pumps qualify for rebates from many local utility companies. Information is available from your power company or just online. |
The warmer your climate is, the more cost-effective it is to buy a very efficient heat pump, especially if you plan to live in your current home long-term. The higher cost of the unit compared with an inefficient model will be recouped quickly through lower utility costs.
Heating is a different matter. Heat pumps don't heat well in temperatures below freezing. So you'll have to:
A third option in very cold climates is to install a heat pump and a gas furnace. The heat pump does the heating in temperatures above freezing, and the furnace seamlessly takes over at lower temperatures. These are called dual fuel or hybrid heat systems. They cost more for the equipment, but they are the best way to control heating costs in cold climates.
For best pricing, request written estimates from several HVAC companies and let them know they're competing on cost. Also note that if you get estimates in late winter or early fall, you might get better estimates than in summer or late fall when HVAC companies are very busy with repairs and installations.
Bryant Evolution and Preferred models cost more than average, but they're efficient and durable. If you'd prefer lower cost upfront, then a brand like Goodman is an excellent alternative.
We hope this Bryant heat pump guide has assisted you in researching Bryant and other leading brands. If so, please share it with family and friends that might benefit from the information as they consider their home's heating and cooling needs.