American Standard

Since the 1880s, American Standard has been a market leader in home comfort products. In 1969, this trusted brand was tapped by NASA to help design a cleaner and more comfortable environment for astronauts returning to Earth. From 2006 to 2011, the company received the highest ranking for dealer satisfaction. Today, American Standard offers a variety of HVAC products, including air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps and more. Here is your guide to American Standard home comfort products.

Types of American Standard products

American Standard products fall into five basic types: air conditioners, air handlers, furnaces, heat pumps, and packaged systems. Here’s what you should know about each type of product.

American Standard air conditioners

A traditional central air conditioner is also known as a split-system. The compressor and condenser sit in a weather-resistant metal cabinet outside your home. The evaporator and other parts are housed in an interior cabinet, often alongside a furnace or the indoor components of a heat pump.

Air conditioners are rated according to their SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This number is calculated by dividing the cooling output by the amount of electrical energy used. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner. A minimum SEER of 13 is required for all new ac units sold. In addition, each model has specific features that may or may not be useful to you.

American Standard air conditioners run in three lines: Platinum, Gold, and Silver. The top of the line Platinum 20 features a SEER of 22 and variable-speed operation with American Standard’s AccuComfort technology for precise temperature control. The midrange Gold 17 offers a nice balance between efficiency and price with a SEER of 17 and two-stage operation, while the budget-friendly single-stage Silver 14 has a SEER of 16. If you have limited space outdoors, consider the single-stage Silver 16 Low Profile, with a SEER of 17.

American Standard air handlers

The indoor parts of your air conditioner or heat pump are housed within the air handler. Its purpose is to circulate conditioned air throughout your home. An air handler is typically included when purchasing a new unit, but it is possible that you will need a replacement or want an upgrade. Make sure that you correctly size your new air handler to match your system.

American Standard air handlers are Platinum, Gold or Silver. The best of the best is the high-tech Platinum TAM9, which offers remote monitoring and programming by smartphone as well as variable-speed operation and humidity removal. The multi-speed Gold TAM4 balances efficiency with pricing, while the Silver TEM4 is a reliable budget model. Those looking for space-saving designs will find a variety of low profile models in the Gold and Silver lines.

American Standard furnaces

A furnace sits inside a cabinet in your home alongside the indoor components of your air conditioner and shares its ducts and thermostat. Furnaces can also be installed alone in homes without air conditioning. Although furnaces may run on either gas or oil, American Standard has phased out its oil furnaces. All new models currently available operate on natural gas. For safety and convenience, today’s gas furnaces utilize an electric ignition system.

Furnaces have an energy efficiency rating known as the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) percentage. This number shows how much of the energy consumed by the furnace is turned into home heating rather than escaping as energy loss. More efficient furnaces have higher AFUE percentages. All models also have their own unique features.

American Standard furnaces may be Platinum, Gold or Silver. The most efficient model is the Platinum 95, with an AFUE of 97.3%. It offers modulating heating for more precise temperature control, as well as remote programming and monitoring, humidity reduction and a variable-speed blower motor. The Gold S9X2 is an excellent balance between price and features, with a 96% AFUE and two-stage heating. Budget-minded homeowners will appreciate the simple but effective single-stage Silver 80, with an AFUE of 80% and a variable-speed blower motor.

American Standard heat pumps

As the name suggests, heat pumps move heat around. This action cools your home during the summer and warms it in the cold winter months. Those living in mild climates may find dramatic savings on their monthly energy bills when switching to a heat pump. If your climate is more extreme, you can still use a heat pump, but the cost savings will not be as significant.

Since they provide both cooling and heating, heat pumps have two energy efficiency ratings: the SEER and the HSPF (Heating Season Performance Factor). Like the SEER, the HSPF is determined by dividing the output by the energy consumed. A higher rating indicates a more efficient heat pump. Each model also has a slightly different set of features.

The three lines of American Standard heat pumps are Platinum, Gold, and Silver. The top model is the Platinum 20, which offers a SEER of 20, an HSPF of 10 and AccuComfort technology for more precise climate control. The midrange Gold 17 balances efficiency with lower pricing, providing a SEER of 17.25 and an HSPF of 9.6 along with two-stage operation. The cost-effective Silver 15 is a single-stage model with a 16 SEER and 9.5 HSPF. Platinum and Silver low-profile models are also available.

American Standard packaged systems

If you have limited space in your home but need both heating and cooling, a packaged system may be your best choice. Everything you need is bundled into a single unit that is installed outdoors or even on your roof. Different models are designed to meet different needs.

American Standard packaged systems may consist of a gas furnace paired with an electric air conditioner, a heat pump, or a hybrid system that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. Hybrid systems are most useful in cold climates, where the gas furnace provides backup heating during the coldest weather. All systems fall into the Platinum, Gold, and Silver lines.

The Platinum line includes the Platinum 16 Gas/Electric and the Platinum 16 Hybrid. Both are high-tech products designed to provide optimum comfort and efficiency. The Gold line, featuring the Gold 15 Heat Pump, the Gold 15 Gas/Electric and the Gold 14 Hybrid, balances cost with features. Silver models such as the Silver 14 Gas/Electric and the Silver 13 Heat Pump offer basic reliability at a lower price point.

American Standard pricing

American Standard pricing is in line with other major HVAC companies. The average cost of a central air conditioner ranges from $1,000 to $3,500 or more, while a gas furnace typically costs about $1,000 to $3,000 and up. The average price range for a conventional heat pump varies from around $1,500 to approximately $13,000. Installation charges are extra for all types of HVAC products. The best way to get accurate pricing for your new American Standard product is to schedule an in-home estimate with a local HVAC professional.

American Standard reviews

The best way to learn more about the specific American Standard product you are considering is to read consumer reviews. Look for such factors as reliability, ease of use, sizing considerations and energy efficiency ratings.

Frequently asked questions

How much is an American Standard air conditioner?

American Standard air conditioners can range in price from $1,370 to $2,450 for the unit itself. Air conditioner pricing varies widely depending on size, type, and features. Installation costs depend on such factors as the size of your home, your geographic region, and the complexity of the installation. Contact your local HVAC professional for an in-home estimate.

Where can I order American Standard products?

American Standard products are sold through a network of trusted dealers. Find a local American Standard dealer with HVAC.com.

Where are American Standard units manufactured?

All American Standard products are made in the United States.

Which is better – American Standard or another AC brand?

American Standard has a strong reputation as an industry leader in home comfort products, as do some other manufacturers. Which brand is “better” depends on your home’s unique needs. It’s worth doing some research to learn about different brands and find the right model for you.