Bryant Heat Pump Review and Comparison


The Bryant heat pump is manufactured under the following product lines:

  • Evolution Extreme and Evolution Standard
  • Preferred and Preferred Compact
  • Legacy

Below is a discussion and review of each model and how they stack up against the competition.


Bryant Heat Pump - 
Evolution Extreme and Evolution Standard 


What's Unique?

The Evolution Extreme is Bryant's "top of the line" offering.  In efficiency, sound, and operational resiliency it is one of the best heat pumps in the industry.  The Bryant Evolution Extreme is one of my personal favorites (along with the Carrier Infinity).

Note some of the Evolution Extreme's unique characteristics:

  • It was listed among Consumer Digest Best Buy of 2012.
  • Along with Carrier's Infinity, it is the most efficient heating heat pump on the market with an HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) of 13.
  • It boasts one of the lowest sound levels on the market with sound as low as 58 dB in cooling and 62 dB in heating.
  • One of the most well know downfalls of heat pumps is the lack of ability to heat the home at temperature below freezing.  The Evolution Extreme is able to operate down at outdoor temperatures down to 9 F.
  • Capable of humidity control.
  • Contains a variable speed compressor which allows for many of the great features above.

The Evolution Standard was also listed as a Consumer Digest Best Buy of 2012 and contains high marks for efficiency....but not as high as the Evolution Extreme.  See below for more details on each model.


Specifications and Features

Capacity Range:
The Bryant Evolution Extreme can cool variably up to 4.75 tons. Where the Evolution Standard is available in increments from 3 to 5 tons.

Efficiency:
You have already read about the heating efficiency above.  But here is the breakdown....

Evolution Extreme: SEER 20.5, HSPF 13 
Evolution Standard: SEER 19, HSPF 9.25

Both models stack up against the best heat pumps on the market in the area of efficiency.

Compressor:
Both Bryant heat pumps use R-410a scroll compressors.

Of course, the big difference between the Evolution Extreme and the Evolution Standard is that the Extreme uses a variable speed compressor which allows for great efficiency, low noise, and also helps the compressor to last.

The Evolution Standard utilizes a two-speed compressor.

Physical Size:
This information is unpublished.

Physical Characteristics:
The Evolution is constructed of powder coated steel and is reinforced with Bryant proprietary DuraGuard Plus; a special coating that helps this frame and sheeting to last.

Warranty:
A decent warranty is available....10 years parts only warranty....IF....you registration your product with Bryant after purchasing it.  If you do not register, the warranty is reduced to five years.


Bryant Heat Pump -
Preferred and Preferred Compact 


What's Unique?

The Preferred Series is Bryant's "middle tiered" offering which combines energy efficiency with decent first cost.

It is not as energy efficient as the Evolution, but also not as expensive.  If the Evolution series is outside your budget, but you still want a efficient heat pump, this could be a good compromise.

Here are a few of the Preferred Series' unique features:

  • The Preferred Compact is a tall, narrow outdoor unit which is shaped much like the outdoor unit of a mini split heat pump.  See the picture below.  It allows those with space or aesthetic constraints to meet their needs.
  • In comparison with the current market of "middle tiered" heat pumps, this Bryant heat pump is on par with the most efficient available.
  • Some models are available with a 2 stage compressor.  What is the benefit of this?  Heat pumps are sized to be able handle the cooling needs of a home on 95 or 100 F day.  However, most cooling days are significantly below this temperature.  A two-stage compressor allows the heat pump to run at lower amps providing the cooling that is required.  In the end, it saves on energy and usually results in a longer lasting compressor.


Specifications and Features?

Capacity Range:
The Bryant Preferred Series offers heat pumps that range between 2 and 5 tons of cooling, while the Preferred Compact offers these sizes as well as 1.5 tons.

Efficiency:
The Preferred Series operates very efficiently for its cost.  Below is the summary.  You may use it to compare with the efficiency of other heat pumps on the market.

Preferred: SEER 16.5, HSPF 9.5 
Preferred Compact: SEER 15.5, HSPF 9

Bryant is one of the most efficient heat pumps on the market.

Compressor:
The Preferred is available in two stage or single stage compressors.  Two stage compressors typically last longer due to the decreased on and off cycling of a two stage heat pump.  

The Preferred Compact is a less expensive version that comes only with a single stage compressor.

Both Preferred models use R-410a as its refrigerant.

Physical Size:
This information is unpublished.

Physical Characteristics:
The Preferred Series is constructed of powder coated sheet metal and is reinforced with the Bryant proprietary DuraGuard Plus.  The sheet metal construction is slightly less durable than that of its big brother, the Bryant Evolution series.

Warranty:
All Bryant heat pump models presented on this page are the same...10 year parts warranty with registration....5 year parts warranty without registration.


Bryant Heat Pump -
Legacy 


What's Unique?

The Bryant Legacy is the most first-cost effective option.  If you are looking for a cheap installation and you are not concerned about future efficiency....this may be your best Bryant option.

But how does this compare with the "bottom tiered" models of other manufacturers?

  • This is one of the most efficient "bottom tiered" models available on the market.  At a SEER of 16, Bryant establishes itself as having one of the most efficient lines of conventional heat pumps on the market.  The competition usually has a offering of around 13 or 14 SEER.  
  • Most of the other features of the Bryant Legacy is relatively standard since it is this manufacturer's cheapest offering.


Features and Specifications

Capacity Range:
This Bryant heat pump offers units in the range of capacities of 1.5 tons to 5 tons.

Efficiency:
The Legacy Series on one of the most efficient bottom tiered model on the market today.  In fact, it is more efficient that many "middle tiered" models presented by the competition:

SEER 16 HSPF 9

Compressor:
The Legacy is one of the most efficient single stage compressors available.  It utilizes R-410a as it refrigerant.

Physical Size:
This information is unpublished.

Physical Characteristics:
This is where Bryant sacrifices some quality.  Some Legacy models are available with a special DuraGuard coating to prevent early degradation.  However, most are available only with a powder coated galvanized steel.

Warranty:
All Bryant heat pump models presented on this page are the same...10 year parts warranty with registration....5 year parts warranty without registration.

For more information, visit the Bryant heat pump official website.

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