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Updated on January 23, 2020

Bryant Preferred Air Conditioner Overview

The Bryant Preferred is a series of central air conditioners with efficiency ratings of up to 17.7 SEER and 13.7 EER. Bryant offers three lines of energy-efficient central air conditioners as part of its Preferred Series. Each unit uses Puron refrigerant for eco-friendly cooling of up to 5 tons.

The manufacturer promotes the Preferred Series’ “quiet as a dishwasher” operation, with noise levels as low as 72 dB. A single-speed scroll compressor, 8-pole fan motor, compressor blanket and a galvanized steel cabinet are among the components designed to help the unit cool quietly.

The Bryant Preferred also features a two-stage scroll compressor and an optional Thermidistat designed to keep humidity levels low and temperature constant throughout climate changes.

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Consumer Reviews of Bryant Preferred

3.4

3.4 rating
10 reviews

Very Satisfied
6
Somewhat Satisfied
0
Neutral
0
Somewhat Unsatisfied
0
Very Unsatisfied
4

#2 of 6 Bryant Air Conditioner
60% of customers recommended

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"DO NOT BUY"

Very Unsatisfied

I bought a 5 ton unit less than 20 months ago and the evaporator has gone bad. I have to pay $850 out of pocket for labor to replace it. The unit I replaced was 10 years old and had no issues.

ORLANDO SORRENTO

Estero, FL

07-21-2017

"Bad Product, Bad Service, Why bother?"

Very Unsatisfied

I had a home built in 2012. I moved in that August which equates to approximately 5 months of use of the air conditioner before the leaky Coil Issue began. Appears to be a common problem reading the reviews. I contacted Bryant. Then sent me an email requesting information about the unit (model, serial number, etc). I responded. Then sent a second email asking for the same information. I responded. They sent a third email asking for the same information. I gave up. I was told only the parts were covered by the warranty and I had to pay the labor. Why should I pay labor for what is a unit problem (just read the reviews). Fixing the problem is Bryant's responsibility and paying to fix it should be their responsibility as well.

J. Page

Greenacres

07-03-2014

"Had a Bryant Heating and Air Conditioner Installed"

Very Unsatisfied

Had a Bryant heating and air conditioner installed in '07. In '08, the air conditioner needed the evaporated coil replaced. Between '08 and 2012, it needed more freon. Now we are in 2013 and it needs another evaporated coil. It cost me $485.00 to find the leak and it is going to cost over $600.00 to replace the coil. This will be the third coil. All together we have spent over 2K to keep this thing running in the summer just on repairs. The Bryant company is no help. I have talked to them several times. I would never ever buy or recommend a Bryant to anyone. Wish there was someone I could turn to for help.

pat maier

Warsaw,In.

07-02-2013

"Bryant are Reliable!!!"

Very Satisfied

18 years of abuse and the unit will not die. The unit was builder installed by Air Engineers. Over the last 18 years, only repair other than maintenance was a fuse. The inconvenience of R-22 recharges are the only reason I am replacing the 3.5 ton unit. It would turn our 2200 sq. ft 2-story into a meat locker. I do have a small freon leak and the inside unit develops condensation. Our neighbor has a number of Bryants, still going strong. We are looking at a Comfortmaker or a Carrier as the local Bryant contractors have increased their prices dramatically.

Bruce W

Jacksonville FL

06-06-2013

"Cool Summers"

Very Satisfied

My Bryant AC is almost 20 years old (according to my maintenance guy) and with the hot Texas summers, I'm always surprised I've made it another year. I keep getting pitched on a new one but don't see the point. This Bryant unit has been so dependable.

John P

Arlington, TX

06-04-2013

Other Preferred Reviews

Several reviews around the web recommend the Preferred Series as an economical solution for energy-efficient heating. Posts on hvac-talk.com and airconditionerratingsonline.com note that although this model doesn’t carry the highest efficiency ratings, the unit’s durability and features make it a valuable option in its class.

As noted on acpriceguide.com, one potential con of this unit can be found in its single-stage compressor, which can mean less precise climate control and more fluctuations in temperature and humidity than other options. Consequently, this reviewer suggests homeowners in warmer climates consider a unit with a higher SEER.

Acpriceguide.com also mentions the higher price of this model compared to similar units from other manufacturers. But the review reports “homeowners will get their money’s worth” through Bryant’s notable service record, a solid warranty, and the longevity of the unit.

Bryant Preferred Model Numbers

The Preferred is available in different models which vary in efficiency and capacity.

Model Number	SEER	BTUs per Hour
552AN036-E	12	35,000
552AN048-E	12	46,000
552AN060-E	12	57,000

Preferred Warranty

Bryant offers a 10-year parts limited warranty to the original owner. The cooling unit must be registered within 90 days of installation or the warranty term is reduced five years. Optional extended coverage, including labor, is also available through Bryant.