Carrier Infinity 26 best overall for communicating smart control (SEER2 26)
Carrier’s Infinity 26 couples a variable-speed inverter with the Infinity System Control over a proprietary ABCD bus. The platform supports geofencing, occupancy-aware setbacks, granular humidity targets, and Wi-Fi diagnostics. With a matched Infinity furnace or air handler, you’ll hold tight comfort bands, especially in shoulder seasons where low Hz operation shines. Native Alexa control is mature; routines can coordinate with whole-home scenes.
Pair with zoning to leverage low-CFM operation without drafts. Commission dehumidify-on-demand with a 1–2°F delta and set airflow to latent-priority during monsoon climates. Add IAQ via communicating accessories; source matched coils from our R32 AC & coils collection where applicable.
Trane XV20i smartest multi-sensor comfort averaging (SEER2 22)
The XV20i with ComfortLink II and the Trane Home app excels at room-level accuracy. TruComfort modulation ramps in fine steps; RoomIQ averages multiple remote sensors to flatten hot/cold rooms without aggressive fan overrides. Google Home and Alexa support allow hands-free scene control.
On start-up, verify the outdoor unit’s communicating address and perform a sensor discovery so RoomIQ weights each location correctly.
Use averaged sensors in the return path and in the most problematic room; exclude spaces with intermittent loads (kitchens, sunrooms). Program geofencing with a two-ring radius (neighborhood vs. home) to prevent short cycling. For installing packages, see accessories.
Lennox SL28XCV peak efficiency with “Feels Like” control (SEER2 28)
Lennox’s SL28XCV pairs with the iComfort platform, delivering “Precise Comfort” modulation and a “Feels Like” setpoint that blends temperature and RH—useful in humid climates. Smart Away uses geo/occupancy data to reduce runtime without comfort penalties. Select iComfort models include Alexa built-in and Apple HomeKit support for deep ecosystem integration.
Enable weather service in the iComfort app; pre-cooling against forecasted heat spikes reduces peak demand and keeps latent control under control.
For multi-zone homes, stage dampers with a minimum airflow table tuned to the AHU’s ECM profile. Aim for 325–350 CFM/ton in dehumidify priority. Bundle with R-32 equipment where suitable from our R32 air conditioner & air handler systems.
Daikin DX20VC flexible smart-stat readiness (SEER2 24.5)
The DX20VC is an inverter condenser known for broad thermostat compatibility. While Daikin offers its own controls, many pros leverage open smart thermostats for homes already invested in a platform. The onboard diagnostics are robust, exposing error histories that speed service.
Provide a stable C-wire and check transformer VA; smart stats plus accessories (Wi-Fi modules, IAQ) can push legacy transformers over their limit.
For retrofit ducts with marginal returns, cap max airflow in cool mode to avoid coil frost during long, low-speed runs. Use occupancy-based set-back with gentle recovery ramps. If you need packaged solutions, browse package units.
Rheem Prestige RP20 EcoNet telemetry for faster service (SEER2 20)
Rheem’s EcoNet thermostat and app provide unusually deep data: coil temps, fault codes, and runtime breakdowns flow to the homeowner and dealer. That visibility pairs well with predictive maintenance, reducing emergency calls and catching airflow or charge issues early.
Calibrate EcoNet’s humidity sensor against a known reference. Set dehumidification limits to protect wood floors and instruments in tight homes.
Use EcoNet alerts to schedule coil cleaning before efficiency drop-off. Tie EcoNet scenes to whole-home schedules (sleep/away) and cap fan speeds overnight to reduce bedroom noise. Stock install kits from our accessories.
American Standard Platinum ZM AccuComfort tuning latitude
Sharing lineage with Trane, the Platinum ZM leverages AccuComfort staging and ComfortLink controls. It integrates cleanly with major voice assistants, and the app supports scheduling, remote diagnostics, and sensor averaging. It’s a strong fit where homeowners want premium comfort without vendor lock-in anxiety.
Confirm duct static before letting AccuComfort auto-learn; excessive static during teach-mode can “normalize” poor airflow maps.
In mixed-load homes (loft + basement), program seasonal profiles more latent priority in summer, slightly higher CFM/ton in shoulder months. Pair with high-MERV media and check ECM torque tables after filter changes. For compact footprints, review through-the-wall units options for add-on spaces.
Goodman GSXC18 budget two-stage with universal smart-stat play (SEER2 19)
GSXC18 brings two-stage compressors to value projects and works well with popular smart thermostats. While it’s not a communicating flagship, careful setup can net solid comfort and respectable savings, especially when paired with a variable-speed AHU and good duct design.
Wire for true two-stage cooling (Y1/Y2) and avoid “fake” staging via timers in the thermostat; let load actually drive stage calls.
Use occupancy-aware setbacks capped at ~3°F to avoid long second-stage recovery runs. Add a return in the master suite if pressure imbalances persist. Check our furnaces for matched indoor equipment.
York Affinity YZH variable speed with broad platform support
York’s Affinity YZH offers variable-speed compression and typically plays nicely with leading smart stats and energy apps. It’s a practical option for retrofits where homeowners insist on keeping their smart-home stack unified without proprietary thermostats.
Validate low-speed airflow against coil charts; too low and you’ll chase freeze-ups on humid days.
Enable “circulate” fan modes during mild weather to even temps between floors without full cooling calls. For space-restricted add-ons, explore ductless mini-splits to supplement tricky rooms while the central system handles the core.
Bryant Evolution Infinity-class control under the Bryant badge
Bryant’s Evolution mirrors Carrier’s communicating strategy: variable capacity, tight humidity control, and rich app features when kept with the Evolution thermostat. Voice assistant compatibility is robust when routed through the app ecosystem.
Maintain ABCD bus integrity; splices and mixed copper/aluminum runs introduce noise. Keep low-voltage away from line voltage in the air handler cabinet.
If adding zones later, pre-run the thermostat bus to the plenum and cap for future dampers. Program humidity setpoints by season to reduce window condensation in winter and stickiness in summer. Browse accessories for clean installs.
Amana AVXC20 ComfortBridge logic with open-stat convenience
Amana’s AVXC20 uses ComfortBridge to keep key logic in the equipment, allowing homeowners to use universal smart thermostats without losing core modulation benefits. It’s a good middle ground for retrofits that demand flexibility.
Confirm thermostat “compressor cycle rate” and “stage differential” settings; too aggressive and you’ll fight the unit’s built-in logic.
Use mild setback strategies (1–2°F) and humidity-aware recovery to avoid running at max speed after long away periods. For properties needing packaged solutions or mixed fuel, see residential dual fuel packaged units for light commercial scenarios.
