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Payne Air Conditioner Review & Buying Guide

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Payne

4.6

Average Rating By Homeowner

$5,500

Average Price Including Installation

Payne Air Conditioners At a Glance

Strengths

Trusted Legacy: With over 100 years in the industry, Payne has had ample time to refine and improve its products.

Energy Efficiency: Approximately half of Payne’s models are ENERGY STAR® certified, helping homeowners save on energy costs.

Reliable & Affordable: Payne focuses on simple, dependable air conditioners, making their products both easy to use and budget-friendly.

Areas for Improvement

Limited Variety: Payne emphasizes straightforward designs, which can limit the range of features and options compared to other brands.

Moderate Efficiency Ceiling: The top Payne models achieve a SEER rating of up to 17, which is lower than some competitors like York or Amana.

Payne Air Conditioner Review

Your complete guide to Payne air conditioners, including top models, prices, SEER ratings, features, warranty details, and more. Request your free quote quickly and easily!

Upgrading your air conditioner is a smart way to save on energy costs, but finding the right model for your home can be challenging. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you understand Payne as a brand, explore its key features, review warranty information, and get a sense of the average price range for Payne’s top models.

Also Read: [The Best Central Air Conditioners for Canadians]

The Bottom Line

Payne may not offer the widest variety or the most advanced features, but its air conditioners are dependable, straightforward, and budget-friendly. With SEER ratings of up to 17, these models deliver long-term energy savings. The limited variety can actually make it easier to choose the right unit for your home, keeping the decision simple and stress-free.

General Price Range for Payne Air Conditioners

$2,800 – $5,500 (including installation)

The cost of a Payne air conditioner depends on the model, size, and installation requirements. Overall, Payne offers one of the most affordable air conditioning lines, often up to $1,000 less than comparable brands.

Factors That Affect Price:

Unit Size & Cooling Capacity: Larger units with higher BTU output typically cost more.
Location: Urban vs. rural settings, local HVAC competition, and licensing requirements can impact installation costs.
Efficiency Rating: Models with higher SEER ratings may come at a premium.
Installation Complexity: Difficult installations or special requirements can increase costs.
Deals & Promotions: Seasonal discounts or manufacturer offers can reduce the price.
Rebates: Energy efficiency incentives or other rebates may lower the overall cost.

ntroduction to the Payne Air Conditioner Series

Good – 13 & 14 SEER Models
Payne’s 13 and 14 SEER models are reliable options for budget-conscious consumers. Built with durability in mind, these air conditioners provide consistent performance and comfortable cooling for your home.

Better – 16 & 17 SEER Models
The 16 and 17 SEER units represent Payne’s top-tier offerings. These models are ENERGY STAR® certified, operate quietly, and provide efficient cooling. While slightly higher in upfront cost, they offer long-term energy savings, making them a smart investment for efficiency-minded homeowners.

Model Breakdown and Comparison

Warranty and Overall Grades
acprices.ca uses a proprietary algorithm to generate simple, easy-to-compare scores for each Payne model.

Warranty Grades: These consider warranty terms and exclusions to help homeowners quickly compare coverage without digging through dense documents.
Overall Grades: These take into account efficiency, features, and the warranty grade.

Note: A lower overall grade doesn’t mean a model is a bad choice. More affordable models typically score lower, while high-end models score higher but also cost more. Think of it like comparing a sports car to a minivan—higher scores don’t always mean the option is ideal for every household!

Model	SEER Rating	ENERGY STAR	Compressor Type	Noise Level (dB)	Warranty Grade	Overall Grade
AVXC20	24.5	Yes	Variable Speed	59–75	A+	A+
ASXV9	22.5	Yes	Variable Speed	71–75	A+	A
ASXC18	19	Yes	Dual Stage	68–74	A+	A–
ASXC7	17.2	Yes	Dual Stage	71–75	A+	A–
ASXC16	17	Yes	Dual Stage	70–74	A+	A–
ASXS6 S-series	17.2	Yes	Variable Speed	66–74	A+	B+
ASX16	16	Yes	Single Stage	71.5–73	A+	B+
ASXH5	15.2	Yes	Single Stage	71–76	A+	B+
ASX14	15	No	Single Stage	70–71	B	C
ASX13	14	No	Single Stage	73–77	B	C
ASXH4	14.3	No	Single Stage	71–76	B	C
ASXH3	13.4	No	Single Stage	68–73	B	C
ANX14	15	No	Single Stage	71–74	B	D
ANX13	14	No	Single Stage	71–77	B	D
ASXN4	14.3	No	Single Stage	71–75	B	D
ASXN3	13.4	No	Single Stage	70–76	B	D

Comparison of Payne’s Top Models

17 PA17NA – Premium Tier
The 17 PA17NA is Payne’s premium air conditioner, featuring an advanced two-stage compressor and a durable, debris- and weather-resistant grille. ENERGY STAR® certified and using environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant, this model delivers efficient cooling while helping you save on energy bills.

SEER: Up to 17
Air Conditioner Type: Two-stage
ENERGY STAR Rated: Yes
Tier: Premium

16 PA16NA – Mid Tier
The 16 PA16NA provides reliable cooling comfort with advanced technology to maintain consistent performance. This single-stage unit is ENERGY STAR® certified, offering a balance of efficiency and affordability.

SEER: Up to 17
Air Conditioner Type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR Rated: Yes
Tier: Mid

16 PA16NW – Mid Tier
The 16 PA16NW is a mid-tier, budget-friendly option with a single-stage compressor and whisper-quiet operation, reaching as low as 73 decibels. It delivers comfortable cooling without excessive noise, making it ideal for households seeking a quieter, efficient unit.

SEER: Up to 17
Air Conditioner Type: Single-stage
ENERGY STAR Rated: Yes
Tier: Mid

Exclusive Payne Features

Whisper-Quiet Performance
While Payne may not lead in high-tech innovations, its models use expertly engineered scroll compressors and powerful single-speed fan motors to deliver near-silent operation for a comfortable home environment.

Non-Ozone Depleting R-410A Refrigerant
Payne air conditioners use R-410A refrigerant, which reduces ozone depletion to zero. This allows you to enjoy effective cooling while remaining environmentally responsible.

Protective Tight Wire Grille Panels
The tight wire grille panels protect your unit from harmful contaminants and enhance long-term performance. They also provide easier access to coils for maintenance and cleaning.

Important Warranty Information

Payne offers Canadian homeowners peace of mind with a standard 10-year limited parts warranty. Some components may come with extended coverage—check the warranty certificate or consult your local Payne dealer to confirm. With this reliable warranty, you can enjoy your Payne air conditioner with confidence.

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About Payne

Over 100 years ago, in a converted barn in Los Angeles, D.W. Payne and his son built gravity-type furnaces, marking the start of the company. Since 1914, Payne has expanded to create reliable, durable, and cost-efficient HVAC products. The brand emphasizes simplicity, offering high-efficiency units without unnecessary complexity.

For homeowners seeking an affordable and dependable cooling solution, Payne air conditioners are an excellent choice. Request a quote online, and one of our representatives will provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.