If you are in the market for a new air conditioner, you are not without choices. There are more brands out there now than there ever have been, and each one is striving to earn your business. For Day & Night Heating and Cooling, it is price, value, and service that makes them stand out.
Of course, they are part of the United Technologies Corporation group being built alongside the likes of Carrier, Bryant, Comfortmaker, Tempstar, and more. The air conditioners they make are considered entry-level to mid-range, offering you decent costs and SEER ratings.
This article will look at Day & Night to determine if their air conditioners are a good fit for your home and climate control needs.
Quick Look At Day & Night Air Conditioners
Working under the United Technologies Corporation group, Day & Night strives to bring affordable comfort to your home.
While they may not be the most flashy models or have the highest energy efficiency ratings, they are still worthy of many home installations.
The brand has 12 models to choose from, and each one comes with its own SEER rating, BTU output, and control options. They even have the Premium line, which uses the Ion Systems controls to communicate wirelessly with the air handler.
If you are looking for a decent replacement for an older unit and don’t want to break the bank, Day & Night might be just right for you.
Related Article – How Much Do I Need To Spend To Replace My AC
Cost Expectations & Price Comparisons
When looking at central air conditioners, the price is one of the biggest influencers. There are three main costs to be concerned with. First is the unit cost. Day & Night is a mid-range AC company providing affordable systems.
For the most part, you will not spend more than $3000 for their top-end models and can even fall below $2000 for the more budget-friendly options.
However, because they are a smaller company, availability issues mean installation costs are a bit higher than other brands. Most brands can average between $1800 and $3000 for installation; Day & Night tends to add an average of $3000 to $5000 for their install.
Finally, you also want to look at running costs (more below). This is how much the system will cost you monthly or annually to operate. The SEER values, size of the unit, ambient temperatures, and even the size of your home will all play a part in your running costs. However, you can get a decent estimate, as shown in the chart below.
| Model | Price* (w/out Installation) | Price* (w/ Installation) | Estimated Running Cost** | Government Tax Break |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVA9 | $2800 – 3000 | $6000 – 8500 | $360 – 440 | $300 |
| CCA7 | $2000 – 2500 | $5200 – 8000 | $390 – 460 | $300 |
| CSA6 | $2250 – 2700 | $5450 – 8200 | $475 – 525 | $300 |
| CSA5 | $2250 – 2700 | $5450 – 8200 | $475 – 525 | None |
| N4A7 | $2000 – 2500 | $5200 – 8000 | $390 – 460 | $300 |
| N4A6 | $2000 – 2500 | $5200 – 8000 | $400 – 490 | $300 |
| NXA6 | $2000 – 2500 | $5200 – 8000 | $510 – 625 | $300 |
| N4A4**C | $2250 – 2700 | $5450 – 8200 | $475 – 525 | None |
| NH4A4 | $2250 – 2700 | $5450 – 8200 | $510 – 625 | None |
| N4A5 | $2000 – 2500 | $5200 – 8000 | $510 – 625 | None |
| NXA4 | $1800 – 2000 | $4800 – 5200 | $525 – 655 | None |
| N4A3 | $1800 – 2000 | $4500 – 5200 | $530 – 675 | None |
*Prices are estimates for the following: 2.5-ton condenser, 1300-1400 cfm air handler plus a programmable thermostat.
**Running costs based on 21 cents/kWh and 2000 hours of cooling per year. Based on 2.5 ton AC unit.
Note – Other exterior factors can also influence the price; Based on national average
How To Calculate Running Costs
Calculating running costs will only ever give you an estimate. However, with the right knowledge of your equipment and electric expenses, you can get pretty close.
Keep in mind, though, that there are things that affect your overall costs that you cannot foresee or control: things like day time highs, humidity levels, and wind speed. All of these will affect how many times your AC turns on, how long it runs, and if it is cooling properly at the condenser.
For most people, though, knowing about how much they will spend each month is enough. The simple formula is basic multiplication and division with several known variables. First, you want to take the wattage of your system and divide it by 1000. This will give you the kilowatt rating.
Next, you need to look at your electric bill and see how much you are being charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Some companies will charge different rates on different days or even offer free night time rates. You can factor in these differences or just use the standard rate to get a ballpark figure.
Next, you need to determine how many hours, per day, your system is actually running. If it runs for 5 minutes at a time and comes on 3 times per hour, then in a 24 hour period, it will actually run for 6 hours. The average runtime is about 4 or 5 hours per day.
Finally, you need to decide how many days you want to know the cost for. Most will want to know peak costs, so you will run your numbers for 90 days (summertime).
The formula then looks like this:
(kilowatts of system x cost per kWh) x (hours per day x days running).
If we take national averages, a 3500 watt system running at 13 cents per kilowatt hour for 5 hours per day over a 90 day period produces:
(3.5 x $0.13) x (4 x 90) = $163.80 for the summer months.
The Importance Of A Quality HVAC Contractor
Having a high-quality contractor for your air conditioner installation is more than critical. If you plan to take advantage of the tax rebate (details further below), you must have the system professionally installed.
Using Networx, you can get 4 pre-vetted, high-quality professionals sent to your inbox or text message. These pros are proven, checked, and reviewed before you ever see their names. Each one has the highest quality standards and doesn’t take any shortcuts.
Best of all, you can get contractors in your local area only. Unlike other pro finder services, you won’t have to worry about location, background checks, or previous reviews. It is all handled for you, and quickly.
Day & Night AC Model Numbers Explained
Day & Night uses the Heil system of model ID classification. It is a simple system (as it should be) that tells you everything you need to know about the model in question.
Each model has a 5-digit base number that will tell you the type, refrigerant, brand, and SEER value.
The first digit will either be a C or an N. This tells you if the model is branded ( C) or entry-level non branded (N). The only exception to this is the NH4A4 model. Here the brand has 2 digits (NH), which tell you it is non-branded and horizontal.
The second digit is also a letter that will tell you about the compressor of the unit. V means variable speed, C represents dual-stage, and S for single-stage compressors.
The next letter tells you the equipment type. The A represents air conditioner, but you may also see models with an H for heat pump when looking at mini-split systems.
Finally, you have the SEER number. This is a single digit representation of the SEER value for that model. A 9, for example, means a SEER value of 19, 7 for 17, and so on.
Once you have picked a specific model to research further, you will find the individual unit model numbers are longer. These will also include the BTU rating as a 2-digit number (18 for 18,000BTU, for example) and further classifications for the grill type (galvanized, aluminum, etc.).
| Model | Ton | Seer* | Noise Levels** | BTU’s | Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVA9 | 2 – 5 | 19 | 56dB | 24000 – 60000 | 5-speed variable |
| CCA7 | 2 – 5 | 17 | 70dB | 24000 – 60000 | 2-stage |
| CSA6 | 1.5 – 5 | 16 | 69dB | 18000 – 60000 | Single stage |
| CSA5 | 2 – 5 | 15 | 74dB | 24000 – 60000 | Single stage |
| N4A7 | 2 – 5 | 17 | 71dB | 24000 – 60000 | 2-stage scroll |
| N4A6 | 1.5 – 5 | 16 | 70dB | 18000 – 60000 | Single stage |
| NXA6 | 1.5 – 5 | 16 | 76dB | 18000 – 60000 | Single stage |
| N4A4**C | 1.5 – 5 | 14 | 71dB | Varies | Single stage |
| NH4A4 | 1.5 – 5 | 14 | 66dB | 18000 – 60000 | Single-Stage Scroll |
| N4A5 | 1.5 – 5 | 15 | 75dB | 18000 – 60000 | Single stage |
| NXA4 | 1.5 – 5 | 14 | 75dB | 18000 – 60000 | Single stage |
| N4A3 | 1.5 – 4 | 13 | 74dB | 18000 – 48000 | Single stage |
*up to
**based on normal operation
Features of Day & Night AC Units
Energy Efficiency/Seer Rating
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a ratio of wattage input versus BTU output. This number tells you how efficient the system is as a whole and how much you can expect to have to pay to run the equipment each year.
Higher SEER numbers mean more efficient machines that cost less to operate. Day & Night offers SEER values ranging from 13 to 19. Only the CVA9 has a SEER 19 rating. The next highest is SEER 17, shared by a couple of different models.
Related Article – How Many BTU Does 1-Ton AC Have?
Compressor Options
The compressor works as the heart of the system, pumping and moving refrigerant through the coils and tubes. However, it is also the single largest source of energy draw and the biggest culprit behind efficiency loss. Multi-speed and variable speed compressors help fix these problems and are a good investment when they can be found.
Day & Night air conditioners feature single-stage, dual-stage, and variable speed compressors. The CVA9 has the 5-speed variable compressor, and is the only model they have that offers it. However, dual-speed compressors also save quite a bit of energy and are available on a few models.
Condenser Fan Options
When the compressor works harder, it needs a fan that can keep up with the cooling. Likewise, too much fan speed when the compressor is going slower can be a bad thing. Multi-speed condenser fans work best with variable speed compressors.
When looking at Day & Night condensers, you will find they have milt-speed and single-speed fans that correlate directly with the compressor speed capabilities.
Heating Options
Heating your home is easier when you install a central HVAC unit. Day & Night package units come with the condenser and the air handler with electric heating built-in. You can also opt for an electric furnace or choose a mini-split system instead.
Each version has its own pros and cons, and if you are after high efficiency, the mini-split systems will be your best bet. However, if you are upgrading an older central unit, it will be cheaper to stick with another central unit and the Day & Night CVA9 is easily your best option.
Related Article – Central AC Vs Heat Pump
Noise Levels
Noise levels are measured by decibels (dB). This correlates with the noise being created, your distance from it, and its level over absolute silence. The scale works on a sliding variable where a 10dB sound is 10 times louder than silence, but 20dB is 100 times louder, not 20 times.
On average, you will find air conditioners ranging between the high 50’s and low 80’s on the decibel chart. Day & Night is a bit on the louder side, with models reaching up to 76dB. The CVA9 is the quietest model at 56dB, though, with the NH4A4, the next quietest is 66dB.
Warranty & Why It Is Important
Warranties help protect your investment should something go wrong that is beyond your control or caused by you. Most components of an air conditioner will be covered for some time, and this can range from a few years to over 20.
Day & Night offers a no-hassle warranty that starts at 5-years. This warranty means a complete condenser replacement instead of just the broken part. You can extend this warranty to 10-years by registering your purchase and install within 60 days. The heat exchangers will also extend to 20 years of coverage when registered to help protect you longer.
Related Article – Homeowner’s Insurance and HVAC Explained
Tax Benefits Explained
The government tax breaks have been extended throughout 2021 and will possibly continue through 2026. This tax rebate program gives you $300 as a credit on your taxes for installing high efficient systems as an upgrade to older units.
To qualify, you must be the homeowner and live in the home. New construction and rentals do not qualify. Further, the system you install must be installed by a professional and have a SEER rating of at least 16.
If you meet these requirements, you can fill out a simple tax form and file as normal. The rebate will be applied to your tax return. Note that the rebate can only be applied for once and awarded once per install.
Related Article – Which HVAC Systems Can Qualify For Tax Credit?
Related Article – What Temperature Should Air From AC Be?
The Pros & Cons of Day & Night AC Units
As with any brand, there are good and bad things to consider. Here is what we do and do not like about Day & Night air conditioner systems.
What We Like
- Prices based for most budgets
- Easy installation of systems
- No-hassle replacement warranty
- Reasonable SEER ratings
- Ion System wireless communications
- Multiple compressor options, including variable speed
What We Don’t Like
- Not readily available in all regions
- Exact-fit parts may be harder to find
- Higher installation cost than other brands
- Not many models qualify for tax rebates
Comparing with Other HVAC Brands
Finding out how Day & Night stacks up against other major brands is a true test of durability and reliability. Let’s take a look at how Day & Night compares to Carrier and Bryant.
Carrier Vs. Day & Night
Carrier is one of the most well-known name-branded AC companies out there. They are credited with the first air conditioner systems from the early 1900s, and they haven’t slowed down since. Carrier has a wide range of models with SEER ratings from 13 to over 20.
However, Day & Night is under the same parent company group as Carrier, sharing facilities, conveyor belts, and even some parts. Day & Night is not a premium brand and focuses more on budget and cost-friendly options.
If you need to save money upfront with your purchase and installation, Day & Night is a reliable option. However, Carrier is going to last longer, have fewer issues, and save you money in the long run with better efficiency and performance.
Related Article – Carrier Air Conditioner Reviews
Bryant Vs. Day & Night
Bryant is another mid-range brand that offers many different models. With Bryant air conditioners, you get quality at a mostly affordable price, but you will pay for the install. Like Day & Night, the units are more affordable but tend to cost more to install than other brands.
Bryant, though, has a much higher SEER rating, averaging over 16 SEER throughout their line, compared to 14 SEER for Day & Night. The warranties are about the same, too, each offering 10-years of coverage. However, Day & Night has the no-hassle replacement warranty that Bryant doesn’t match.
If you want durability and high energy efficiency, Bryant is a solid choice. If, though, you want to save money up front with a decent air conditioner option, Day & Night is worthy of a closer look.
Related Article – Bryant Air Conditioner Reviews
Conclusion
Day & Night Air Conditioning units are a part of the United Technologies Corporation group. This includes brands like Carrier, Heil, Tempstar, and Comfortmaker. Day & Night is a budget-friendly brand with low-cost machines for any home.
They also offer a few models that qualify for tax breaks, have wireless communications, and pair well with all Ion system machines. While they may not be the most well-known brand from the group, they are reliable, easy to maintain, and will provide at least 10 years home durable home climate control.
Related Article – Why You Should Have An AC Maintenance Checklist
Our Rating: 
(4.2 / 5)
