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Bryant Evolution Central Air Conditioner
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Read more about Bryant Central Air Conditioners
The Evolution central air conditioner from Bryant is comprised of three models: 180B, 186B and 187B. These Energy Star-qualified units reportedly emit noise starting as low as 68 decibels, making them essentially as quiet as a vacuum cleaner. This is in part due to the AeroQuiet System II, which provides sound-dampening properties in the cabinet and fan among other things. The units all feature two-stage scroll compressors, Evolution™ diagnostic controls, and DuraGuard Plus for exterior durability and protection from the elements. The Evolution series models come with SEER ratings that range from up to 16 SEER for the 186B to 20 SEER in the 180A model. The models offer a range of cooling capacities from 1.5 to 5 tons.
Consumer Reviews of the Bryant Evolution
Date created: 2012-09-28
Name: GL Settle
Location: Austin, TX
Satisfaction Rating:
Review:
"Compressor Problems"
I think these units are defective. I installed three new units in my new custom home in 2005 & presently one compressor is broken and has been for almost two months - trying to resolve issue with Bryant. Anyway, the compressor has gone out on all three units - two of the units two times in addition to numerous other problems. I have spent $10,000 on repairs over 7 years - I am pursuing legal action because I think the units were defective when they installed them. These were supposed to be top of the line units. Further, the company has been difficult to work with. to deal with. I would not recommend their products to anyone. Personally, I think they should have recalled these units & think a class action lawsuit might get their attention.
Date created: 2012-09-02
Name: J. RYAN
Location: LONG ISLAND ,N.Y.
Satisfaction Rating:
Review:
"Bryant evolution"
Installed my bryant system in 2007, 5 years later my compressor and wire harness must be replaced. The cost to me for parts and labor is $3,095.81. My dealer serviced this unit every year and told me it was fine, and then out of no where it burnt up. While the compressor is still under warranty, my dealer has no explanation why this happened and that's the best they can do. Do not buy this bryant a/c product. I only use it 4 months out of a year!!!
Date created: 2012-08-17
Name: Neil C. Hopkins
Location: Irving, TX (Dallas)
Satisfaction Rating:
Review:
"Worst decision ever"
I have 19 year old home with 4,092 Sq Ft. The old a/c system went out after 15 years. no major problems. It was just old and leaked and needed repairs every year. My a/c guy sold us 2 split system Bryant 598b Evolution a/c systems installed in 2008. Cost $7,000ea installed. Total of $14,000 After 4 pleasant years of very efficient usage, the downstairs condenser in the attic began leaking so we bought a new condenser. $1,800 installed. why was this not under warranty? Yesterday the upstairs compressor unit locked up with no warning. Estimate $3,950 for whole new unit or $1,500 for compressor replacement (labor only if Warranty kicks in for parts). Wtf?? This system should run for at least 10 years with no trouble. I may sue for damages. Bryant products are crap! I will never buy another Bryant product. ever!!!!
Date created: 2012-05-07
Name: M.Leonard
Location: Charleston,S.C.
Years owned: 3
Satisfaction Rating:
Review:
"Bryant should be ashamed"
My Evolution four ton unit is almost four years old .The air compressor died. The parts are covered but labor and Puron cost $1,400. My brother has the same unit and his compressor also failed. Bryant knows they have sold junk and don' t care. I would never by another Bryant product, and advise you to do the same.
Date created: 2011-06-18
Name: V,Vetter
Location: Cypress, TX
Years owned: 3
Satisfaction Rating:
Review:
"nightmare"
At first was terrible noise (compare to old one- that worked perfectly 15 years-without any technical support). After 2 years working , it stopped at night and started afternoon (itself)-magic.... Since than nobody can fix it. Solutions- many: depends on who will come next time...PROBLEM--STILL HERE. I WILL NEVER BUY BRYANT
Date created: 2010-07-03
Name: S. Woods
Years owned: 16
Satisfaction Rating:
Review:
"AC finally crashed"
We had a 16 year mid level furnace and A/C. The A-coil finally got a hole in it and leaked freon, our first major problem. We replaced the entire system with the Evolution and have already noticed a big difference in the energy bill - for our good. The furnace never needed a service call but we decided to replace both at once. I am really looking forward to see how my heating bill will be affected.
Date created: 2010-06-23
Name: M. Blarney
Years owned: 1
Satisfaction Rating:
Review:
"Bryant Evolution System - Poor A/C Controls"
We purchased the top of the line Bryant Evolution Furnace and AC. The furnace kept faulting all winter. Installer finally found the problem (I hope), but the biggest problem I have is with the ac unit. With humidity control turned on, the blower will only run on low speed, doesn't matter where I set the manual fan speed setting, it will only run on low! I spoke to a Carrier engineer and this is how it is programmed to increase efficiency, he said “very unfriendly user design”. This won't cool my house. The first twelve vertical inches in all rooms are freezing. Our feet are real cold, and the floor to floor variation is ridiculous. So after figuring out how to turn off the humidity control, it runs a little better. The fan will run at any speed (which helps circulate the air properly) until the room temp is with 2 degrees of thermostat setting. You guessed it, it will only run at low speed again. So we have a constant battle trying to maintain an even temperature in the house. I’ve been told there is no way around this. If you own a larger home with multiple floors and want even temperature control, don’t be fooled with this system. Buy another that gives you fan control. It might work better if you have a zoned system but I don’t at this time.
Other Evolution Reviews
Several owners and users of Bryant Evolution air conditioners have queried on gardenweb.com whether or not the Bryant units, which advertise “perfect humidity control,” are worth the high price. Another user replied that this claim is only meant to justify the price and that all central air conditioners control humidity if they have been installed correctly.
Another user on the same forum asked if he would lose efficiency if he didn’t use an Evolution air conditioner with his existing Evolution furnace. Fellow posters suggest he was likely to lose on efficiency if installing a different brand of air conditioner as there would be no guarantee he’d reach the highest SEER rating with a mismatched system.
Bryant Evolution Model Numbers
The Evolution is available in different models which vary in efficiency and capacity.
| Model Number | SEER | BTUs per Hour |
| 598BN024-A | 15 | 24,000 |
| 598BN036-A | 16.5 | 36,000 |
| 598BN048-A | 15 | 47,500 |
| 598BN060-B | 15 | 60,000 |
Evolution Warranty
Bryant offers a limited warranty on parts that spans 10 years, subject to on-time registration after purchase. If the product isn’t registered within a period of 90 days, the warranty is valid for five years only. For jurisdictions where benefits aren’t applicable post registration, a 10-year limited warranty on parts is offered. You may enquire with your dealer about optional warranties for extended periods that may include costs such as labor.

