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Quick Guide - Payne
My Opinion
Payne is a low-cost HVAC brand and offers AC systems at significant savings. I recommend Payne units to customers who want something cheap and somewhat efficient, but who are unsure than they will still be in their current home in 10 years.
3.1
Overall Score
Reliability
3.5
Performance
3.25
Energy Efficiency
3.0
Warranty
2.5
Value for Money
3.0
Strengths
Weaknesses
Payne has been in the HVAC business for more than 100 years.
That's a century's worth of perfecting the manufacturing process and taking the time to understand their customers' needs.
My team of experts has put Payne air conditioners through their paces to help you find the best fit for your home.
I have also compared Payne units to other brands to see if their air conditioning units really do outclass the competition. Here’s the TL;DR version of my guide:
Payne air conditioners – Quick guide!
PA17NA
Payne’s upper-tier model offers a two-stage compressor, which is more efficient than its other two models. This delivers better energy savings as well as a quieter system.
If you’ve never owned an air conditioner with a two-stage compressor, you’ll love the upgrade.
Payne 16 PA16NA
With only three models currently available, there's little to choose from here. Nevertheless, the PA16NA is the cheapest option that Payne offers.
And for the price, it offers decent energy savings.
Payne 13 PA13NA
A few years ago, Payne offered this model as their most budget-friendly option. No more. It’s no longer on Payne’s website.
Can you buy one? Sure. A few clicks and a credit card number can net you one without too much hassle.
I strongly advise against this. No warranty will cover it, parts might be hard to find for repairs, and it won’t pass a home inspection.
Payne air conditioners tend to fly under the radar because they lack the big-name recognition of brands like Trane or Lennox.
Still, if you have a Payne and want to get it replaced by another or have heard of the brand and are curious, this article is for you.
A Payne air conditioner is known as a value brand, so it’s budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a quality machine.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll go over the benefits (and drawbacks) of Payne. After all, it’s not every day you’ll spend thousands of dollars on a new AC system.
My goal is to help you make a wise investment with my Payne air conditioner reviews.
My review of Payne air conditioner
Pros and cons of buying a Payne air conditioner
The good
The bad
ACLAB Note:
To further protect your Payne condenser, I recommend purchasing an additional hail guard for use in the summer. In the winter, you might consider using bricks to weigh down plywood to protect the unit.
Payne air conditioner prices – How much do they cost?
Pricing by model (installed)
As I'll discuss later, you can install a Payne by yourself, but that's a terrible idea in most cases.
Here’s a general estimate of the pricing you can expect across Payne models.
The biggest factor that affects the cost of a new unit is the air conditioner’s size. Naturally, a 1½-ton unit will cost significantly less than a 5-ton.
Labor will add about $500 to $2,500 to the base price. A pro will ensure the job is done right and get the most from your Payne AC unit.
As you’ll see me say in almost all of my guides, the installation is way more important than the actual equipment.
Cost variation across US states
Another factor that comes into play is locality.
Air conditioners in the south, where the demand is higher, will be priced higher, especially if you need work done in the middle of the summer.
In the northern part of the United States, the opposite is true. Customers here will need less robust systems and may find better deals on air conditioners.
Folks in Hawaii and Alaska have their own supply and demand issues.
How to get the best price in your area
With a bit of curiosity and time, you'll discover that prices for air conditioners vary from bid to bid. I always recommend that you get three estimates.
Meeting with three contractors not only gives you a price range, but you’ll also get to see how the companies operate.
The one with the cheapest price might give you the best bargain, but a sloppy job that saves you money in the short run could result in frequent repairs in the long run.
You should also be aware of any rebates that could lower the initial cost.
Energy Star is a government program that offers up to $600 off of the sticker price for air conditioners that meet a certain energy-saving threshold.
In addition, individual localities and dealers might be offering a discount.
Especially during winter, when sales of air conditioners are low, an HVAC contractor might be willing to offer a reduced price.
Model | Price* (w/out Installation) | Price of Installation | Estimated Running Cost** | Government Tax Break |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PA16NW | $1400 | $3800 | $360 | $300 |
PA16NA | $1200 | $3280 | $372 | $300 |
PA17NA | $1225 | $3400 | $355 | $300 |
PA14NC | $900 | $2900 | $410 | None |
PA14NC | $1050 | $3100 | $390 | None |
PA13NA | $780 | $2800 | $455 | 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
Exclusive features from Payne
Here are the features that I believe set Payne Air Conditioners apart from other manufacturers you may be considering.
Whisper-quiet performance
A new Payne air conditioner has finely engineered scroll compressors and a powerful single-speed fan motor to reduce operating noise.
Protective tight wire grille panels
These resist contaminants to enhance performance longevity. You will also have easier access to coils during maintenance and cleaning.
A clean machine will run better and last longer.
Other Payne unit considerations
Why SEER and SEER2 ratings matter
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is posted on the side of all major appliances and electronics, usually on a giant yellow sticker.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it is.
For the technically-minded, a SEER rating is “the ratio developed when the cooling output of the system over an average cooling season is divided by the total energy used.”
In layperson's terms, a higher SEER means a more efficient machine.
A few years ago, a SEER above 12 was considered good. The EPA, however, enacted energy regulations that mandated reduced energy usage.
The new minimum SEER rating of 14 in 2023 is an increase from the old minimum rating of 13, which had been in place since 2006.
And the standards keep changing.
On January 1, 2023, SEER ceased to be the standard. Instead, every new AC receives a SEER2 rating. (The numerical difference between a SEER rating and a SEER2 is small.)
A SEER2 of 18 - 19 is considered excellent. When you reach 20 and above, your air conditioner will deliver incredible energy savings.
An air conditioner with a higher rating costs more but is cheaper to run.
One more item of note: Some south and southwest regions have SEER and SEER2 restrictions. A 13 is OK in the north but is not a passing grade in the south.
A system must meet minimum standards before it can be installed.
Compressor options
The compressors are essentially the heart of a Payne air conditioning unit.
They are responsible for compressing and heating the refrigerant to send it through to the evaporator.
The compressor is also the part of the system that requires the most electricity to start and run.
For decades, compressors came in only one flavor: single-stage. It was either operating at 100% capacity or it was off.
Many brands have started to use and revolutionize the compressor market with inverter technology and multiple-speed systems.
In that regard, Payne does not offer much in the way of high-performance compressors.
Its models are single-stage except for the top-tier air conditioner, which is a two-stage.
At its lower setting, it operates at around 40%, which makes for quiet operation and offers more energy efficiency.
It also runs longer, helping it control humidity and indoor air pollutants better.
Noise levels
Noise is measured in decibels (dB) and is a rating given to a particular sound based on its volume compared to total silence.
The numbers aren't sequenced, though; they are stepped.
A decibel rating of 10 means the sound is 10 times greater than total silence, but a rating of 20 means the sound is 100 times greater, not 20.
The lower the rating, the quieter the machine is. In the case of Payne air conditioners, they range between 73 and 76 dB.
Payne models tend to operate louder than comparable units from other brands.
Luckily, 90% of that noise is outside at the condensing unit, so it shouldn’t bother your day-to-day activities.
Depending on the installation location and any post-market sound-dampening insulation you have, you might be able to hear the system running through the closest wall.
Payne air conditioner’s warranty analysis
Payne's warranty coverage is pretty strict and not as comprehensive as other brands I've worked with.
The warranty period is five years on the compressor and one year on all other parts.
The compressor is covered for 10 years after it’s registered, which is better, but other brands like Goodman cover the compressor for life.
This could mean higher costs for you if repairs or replacements are needed after the warranty expires.
To obtain more extended warranty periods, the air conditioner must be properly registered at www.cacbdp.com within 90 days of original installation.
The warranty is to the original owner only and is not available for subsequent owners.
Note from Payne:
All warranty periods begin on the date of original installation.
If a part fails due to a defect during the applicable warranty period, the Company will provide a new or remanufactured part, at the Company's option, to replace the failed defective part at no charge for the part.
Alternatively, and at its option, the Company will provide a credit in the amount of the then factory selling price for a new equivalent part toward the retail purchase price of a new Company product.
Except as otherwise stated herein, those are the Company's exclusive obligations under this warranty for a product failure.
Payne air conditioner models compared
Payne has fewer models on the market than most brands, but they do have AC units offering reliable performance for a variety of budgets.
Model | Available Sizes (Tonnage) | Seer Rating* (Efficiency) | Noise Levels** | BTU’s | BTU’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PA17NA | 2 – 5 | 13 – 17 | 73dB | 24000 – 52000 | Dual Stage |
PA16NW | 1.5 – 5 | 12.2 – 17 | 73dB | 18000 – 52000 | Single Stage |
PA16NA | 1.5 – 5 | 12 – 17 | 76dB | 18000 – 52000 | Single Stage |
PA15NC | 1.5 – 5 | 12.2 – 14 | 75dB | 18000 – 52000 | Single Stage |
PA14NC | 1.5 – 5 | 11 – 14 | 74dB | 18000 – 52000 | Single Stage |
PA13NA | 1.5 – 5 | 11 – 13 | 74dB | 18000 – 52000 | Single Stage |
*up to
**based on normal operation
PA7T
Main features:
This is Payne’s most expensive, most advanced air conditioner.
Its two-stage compressor runs longer than a single-stage one; it filters impurities out of the indoor air better and controls the humidity effectively.
The compressor operates at two different capacities: 100% on or at about 40%. That lower level is quieter than the higher one and delivers better energy savings.
The PA7T's 17 SEER2 rating is great for an air conditioner that costs this little.
One note of caution: Payne doesn't offer this model at 1½ tons.
If you have a house with a small footprint, you need to be aware of this and be ready to perhaps settle for the PA5S instead.
PA5S
Main features:
The Payne air conditioner is the mid-tier model. The biggest advantage it has over the PA4S (see below) is the operating noise. 73 decibels is noticeably quieter than 76.
You can apply an Energy Star rebate to the list price, saving you hundreds while making your home cool at an energy-usage-friendly rate.
It is also available in a 1½ ton size, unlike its more expensive neighbor.
PA4S
Main features:
This is as basic as Payne makes air conditioners. It has a single-stage compressor, which is loud (76 dB) and doesn't deliver energy savings.
Its 16 SEER2 offers reasonable energy efficiency for the initial investment, but it doesn't qualify for an Energy Star rebate.
That means that its running cost is going to be higher than the other models.
On the other hand, if you want something simple to cool your home, this is hard to knock.
I love how budget-friendly this is, and it will deliver reliable cooling for a solid ten years or more.
Other models with the Payne name
I’ve included a list of discontinued Payne air conditioners. They are not listed on the Payne website but can be found elsewhere.
Don’t be fooled.
Yes, you can buy them new, but no reputable HVAC contractor will install them for you, the warranty won't cover them, and they won’t pass a home inspection.
In other words, they can get the job done, but unless you do the heavy lifting yourself, no one will work with you.
discontinued models:
Payne installation explained for homeowners
Guide to additional fees
Once you’ve settled on a brand, model, size, and factor in rebates, you’ll need to consider how much it costs to get your air conditioner in place.
You'll need to consider:
How to find a reliable HVAC professional
Picking the right HVAC company to work with deserves its own article.
Briefly, it would be best if you were on the lookout for companies that have their own service trucks and uniforms.
Why? If they don’t, they are likely employing third-party technicians who might not be insured. If they get hurt on the job at your house, guess who’s at fault?
ACLAB Note:
When getting multiple quotes, note that the cheapest does not mean the best. You want to hire qualified technicians to do quality work that will last for years.
The company and your family will have to fight it out when it comes to compensation.
Can you install a Payne AC yourself?
Can you? Yes. Should you? No, unless you are a licensed HVAC technician. Then go for it.
As noted before, a DIY installation - unless you are licensed - removes any chance of a warranty, and the air conditioner won't pass a house inspection.
Your AC might work fine; even the most imperfect air conditioners can cool a home.
Still, unless installed to exact specifications, it might not deliver cool air as efficiently as possible, costing you money.
You might also face steep repair bills if parts are misaligned.
The importance of a quality HVAC contractor
Having a qualified, experienced contractor to perform the installation and answer all your questions is crucial.
If your system is set up and adjusted correctly, you will likely have fewer breakdowns, fewer repair issues, and better efficiency.
It’s more common to see an improper install than it is to see a proper one.
I use Modernize to locate fully trained, licensed, and responsible HVAC contractors, and now you can, too.
This company will find the right contractor for your needs based on licenses, customer reviews, performance, and professionalism.
Not to mention, you will see results only in your local area.
The Payne brand at a glance
Payne air handlers features
If your entire home cooling system needs an overhaul, you might need to splurge for a fan coil (a.k.a. air handler) as well.
These are more common in the southern United States, where winters aren’t harsh.
Payne can supply these. Their top models operate at just 29.5 decibels, which are very low noise levels.
It has a variable-speed fan that can deliver a little bit of cool as well as a lot of it.
They also offer two-ceiling mounted air handlers so that homeowners have some flexibility as to where they operate.
Payne heat pumps
We tend to see more heat pumps in the south than in the north.
That’s because heat pumps have a reputation for not delivering hot air when the temperature dips below freezing.
Innovative technologies are changing this scenario. If you want to explore options, Payne offers three regular-sized heat pumps plus a compact model.
All of them are eligible for the Energy Star rebate.
Since they heat and cool - essentially doing double duty - they won't last as long as furnaces and Payne air conditioners, but you should still get ten years of comfort.
Furnaces
And speaking of furnaces, Payne offers a large collection to choose from.
About half are considered standard efficiency, while the top-of-the-line models can deliver 97 AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), which is nearly the best you can get from any HVAC company.
Homeowner & buyer reviews
Here’s what others are saying about Payne air conditioners across the web.
"Payne is really a good unit, I sell a helluva lot of them and haven't had any more trouble out of them than any other brand.
It's no-frills for sure, but if you don't care about warranties beyond 5 years on the compressor and 1 year [on] all other parts then you can't beat it on price"
- Reviewer on Google Groups
"The Payne line is a value unit, not a cheap low-end unit. You save money because you're not paying for the name.
The unit you have installed is only as good as the HVAC technician. Installed correctly, any unit can last. A poor job (usually because the tech is rushing) and even a premium unit will give you problems. Shop the contractor, not so much the unit."
- Reviewer from Illinois, US
"One problem with Payne air conditioners is that the coil doesn’t seem to last as long as it does in other brands. But, with the 10-year limited warranty on parts, this would be no problem."
- HVAC blogger
How do Payne air conditioners compare to top competitors?
Here’s a comparison of how I think Payne HVAC matches up to other air conditioning companies.
Payne vs Carrier
Payne is a value brand product. It offers reliable performance at a reasonable cost.
If budget is the overriding factor, there’s no question that a Payne air conditioner is the winner.
While Carrier systems are made in the same factories as Payne air conditioners, there is a big difference in quality and craftsmanship.
Carrier uses innovative technologies in order to offer variable-speed compressors, multi-speed fans, and well-warrantied parts.
They also offer a more extensive selection, have models with superb energy efficiency, and can offer quieter operating levels.
You will certainly pay upfront for a premium product.
Payne vs Goodman
Goodman air conditioner systems tend to be favored by HVAC technicians for their ease of installation and by homeowners for their reliable service.
Goodman claims that their systems can last 20 years, which is longer than Payne air conditioners, which have an upper threshold of 15.
Payne will shine in the unit cost category, but Goodman will win in almost everything else.
When you consider the condensers, Goodman models are a challenge to clean, which is a plus for Payne customers, who save money on maintenance costs.
Related article: Detailed guide to Goodman air conditioners
Payne vs York
York and Payne air conditioners have similar SEER ratings and similar installation costs. York is considered a wholesale unit, meaning they don’t market directly to homeowners.
Instead, they offer sales in bulk to resellers and wholesalers who work with contractors and landlords.
York has a few more air conditioning models to choose from than Payne, and they cost a little more.
If you want a condenser that will last longer, choose a York. If you want to save a little money and want an easier-to-clean unit, choose Payne.
Related article: York ACs reviewed
FAQs
Will a Payne air conditioner work in extreme temperatures?
A Payne AC unit is designed to function at high temperatures and humidity, handling even the harshest environments.
I offer one observation: No air conditioner can serve up indoor temperatures less than 20 degrees of the outside temp. If it's 90, your air conditioner will be doing its best when it provides an indoor environment of about 70.
Are Payne air conditioners compatible with smart home systems?
Payne claims that their air conditioners will work with any ‘smart’ thermometer. However, Payne air conditioners lack the advanced technology that is common in units from brands at higher price points. As such, you won’t find options such as smart home integration.
How do you determine the age of an old Payne air conditioner?
Style 1: 4006A17330
Style 2: 850304091
How long has Payne been in business?
Payne’s history dates back to 1910, and its air conditioners are manufactured by Payne Heating and Cooling Systems, which is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (UTC).
Payne is part of UTC’s Climate, Controls & Security division, which operates under the name Carrier. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Summary | Is a Payne air conditioner right for you?
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Payne is a value brand and offers you an AC system at significant savings.
If you need an air conditioning unit that runs for 10-15 years, doesn't have a lot of special features, and is relatively low maintenance, then Payne is a great choice that I recommend looking into.
